I re-watched the game and here are some of my thoughts:
The Good
1. Brandon Harris is growing up. He looked good in the pocket and threw a nice ball. He stood in there a couple of times and took a lick and delivered a strike. His stat line this game is what we need every week.
2. The receivers played much better and this contributed to #1 and made our offense much more dynamic.
3. LF is still a beast but I like that we rested him. He looked a little tired this game.
4. DG and DW were excellent and would be starters on most teams. This is the best backfield I have seen at LSU - run with power but are also elusive and they don't put the ball on the ground.
5. Offensive line was dominant again - this is a really solid group and one of the better o-lines I have seen at LSU. Grimes has been an excellent hire.
6. The defense wasn't as bad as I thought. They aren't giving up a lot of yards - just points. The problem is that they give up the big play more than in past years. The only team we held under 20 was Miss St (19) and that was bc they went for 2. In this game they allowed a 4th and 8 go for a TD and had another busted play go for a score. I think the frustration with this unit is because every time the game is ready to be put away they allow the opposing team to hang around. Something we aren't use to with a typical LSU defense.
The Bad
1. Special Teams tops this list for the fifth straight week. I am serious when I say I don't see where BDP brings any value to this team. This unit is the worst I have seen in my 20 years of watching LSU football (He was responsible for the worst defensive unit I have seen at LSU since Dinardo as well) That should not be the case with our Special Teams this year with the athletes we have. Just inexcusable and it's across the board - kickers, punter, coverage units, returners, the whole lot. It goes back to coaching and BDP is awful.
2. The secondary - this is a unit I thought would be one of the best we've ever had. Maybe they will get better but as a whole they just lack a true lock down guy and a big time play maker. They haven't been terrible but this unit seems to be the one most responsible for giving up the big play. There is a ton of talent and depth so that isn't the issue. The lack of pressure by the dline may be contributing but we are on pace for a 30+ sack season. We're thin at dline but those guys are still getting pressure.
Overall, I was encouraged with what I saw. growth, development, guys stepping up after a lackluster performance against EMU. Frustration comes with the breakdowns, mental lapses, lack of focus, discipline, etc. This team is on the verge of being championship caliber if they do the following:
1. Eliminate big plays on Defense
2. Continue to develop passing game
3. Completely revamp special teams - maybe put Coach O in charge of that as well. BDP isn't getting it done.
The Good
1. Brandon Harris is growing up. He looked good in the pocket and threw a nice ball. He stood in there a couple of times and took a lick and delivered a strike. His stat line this game is what we need every week.
2. The receivers played much better and this contributed to #1 and made our offense much more dynamic.
3. LF is still a beast but I like that we rested him. He looked a little tired this game.
4. DG and DW were excellent and would be starters on most teams. This is the best backfield I have seen at LSU - run with power but are also elusive and they don't put the ball on the ground.
5. Offensive line was dominant again - this is a really solid group and one of the better o-lines I have seen at LSU. Grimes has been an excellent hire.
6. The defense wasn't as bad as I thought. They aren't giving up a lot of yards - just points. The problem is that they give up the big play more than in past years. The only team we held under 20 was Miss St (19) and that was bc they went for 2. In this game they allowed a 4th and 8 go for a TD and had another busted play go for a score. I think the frustration with this unit is because every time the game is ready to be put away they allow the opposing team to hang around. Something we aren't use to with a typical LSU defense.
The Bad
1. Special Teams tops this list for the fifth straight week. I am serious when I say I don't see where BDP brings any value to this team. This unit is the worst I have seen in my 20 years of watching LSU football (He was responsible for the worst defensive unit I have seen at LSU since Dinardo as well) That should not be the case with our Special Teams this year with the athletes we have. Just inexcusable and it's across the board - kickers, punter, coverage units, returners, the whole lot. It goes back to coaching and BDP is awful.
2. The secondary - this is a unit I thought would be one of the best we've ever had. Maybe they will get better but as a whole they just lack a true lock down guy and a big time play maker. They haven't been terrible but this unit seems to be the one most responsible for giving up the big play. There is a ton of talent and depth so that isn't the issue. The lack of pressure by the dline may be contributing but we are on pace for a 30+ sack season. We're thin at dline but those guys are still getting pressure.
Overall, I was encouraged with what I saw. growth, development, guys stepping up after a lackluster performance against EMU. Frustration comes with the breakdowns, mental lapses, lack of focus, discipline, etc. This team is on the verge of being championship caliber if they do the following:
1. Eliminate big plays on Defense
2. Continue to develop passing game
3. Completely revamp special teams - maybe put Coach O in charge of that as well. BDP isn't getting it done.
