re: Why Run the Ball?

Always wondered why no one ever asked Bryant about the three things that can happen when when you run the ball (positive yardage, negative yardage, or fumble) and why that same rule does not apply (ie 2 of 3 things bad).

lol @ all the people that stopped reading after the title.

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there's only 3 things that can happen when you pass, and 2 of them are bad

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When you run, its either a gain, no gain, or a fumble.

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I'll be the first to admit that LSU's penchant for only running the ball or "primarily" running the ball can be very frustrating to watch. Especially in a loss. However, the past few weeks have made a believer out of me. Passing has the perception of being way more entertaining, and looks like "innovative" or "smarter" football. Running looks like "simple" or "basic". We probably all fall into that trap.

However, if you can run it, you run it. I know it's been overused but Bear Bryant was famous for saying "there's only 3 things that can happen when you pass, and 2 of them are bad". Running is the higher percentage shot. Why pull up for 3 when a dunk is there? If you can block like LSU is blocking now and have the back LSU has, running is the "smarter" play/plan. Add in the blocking schemes that LSU runs and it is "innovative". Running for 250 on someone is more demoralizing than passing for 400. You rarely lose when you rush for ton, but can often lose if you only pass for 350-400.

There are probably a lot of these smart coaches/teams that pass all the time that are envious of LSU's "basic" run game right now. Ole Miss to name one.

Run baby Run.

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This is entertaining. Maybe we should just use the wildcat and put an extra lineman up front.


Kidding aside: The run sets up the pass, and conversely the pass sets up the run. But you should take what the defense gives. This is how the forward pass was first originated....to get the ball behind the defenders stacked up front.

While some defenses will stack 7 or 8 against us all game, there is still daylight to run, yet run effectively.

Cam will not sell out 80% for the run as that is what Alabama is expecting him/miles to do. There will be deep pass plays to make Alabama pay for the crowded box.........but for God's sake, please Cam, please don't present us with 2nd and 8 for the entire game.

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LSU's penchant for only running the ball or "primarily" running the ball

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Obviously you should have just said "primarily," and left out "only."

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Passing has the perception of being way more entertaining

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Not for me. I enjoy a good running game more than a good passing game, but I know what you're saying. A lot of people prefer it the other way around.

I usually get more excited by a big block than by a nice pass play.

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If you can block like LSU is blocking now

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LSU did a great job against Ole Miss and Kentucky. Both of those teams were overmatched by the power-running game.

Alabama is a different challenge based on their defensive personnel. You're not going to just run over a team that can go toe-to-toe, and match up with your personnel from a physical standpoint. That's when strategy, and putting their defenders in conflict become more important.

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Bear Bryant was famous for saying, "Momma called. And when Momma calls, three things can happen and two of them are bad."

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fixt

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This is entertaining. Maybe we should just use the wildcat and put an extra lineman up front.

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Why is this said as a joke? Remember the 2007 game vs. Arkansas?

The Hogs ran for 385 yards (7.3 YPC) in a 50-48 Win over then-#1 LSU, and the Wildcat/Wildhog was one of their main formations.

We run because we don't pass well. It took over a month for us to learn how to run well which is disappointing but now that it works we have no need to change until a defense stops us. Bama will stop us. We will have to do something different.

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Ole Miss was not overmatched. We just wanted it more and whooped their asses into the ground. Ole Miss defense is very good.

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Ole Miss defense is good but they are smallish/quick up front & are better suited to defend spread offense's. LSU was a bad matchup for ole miss front 7

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But did against Bama's? 

Very Interesting.... 

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Bama was running the ball well on Ole Miss but went away from the run for whatever reason . I think LSU and Bama were both bad matchups for Ole Miss Defense.
A bad matchup doesn't necessarily mean you always win the game. Lsu/Ole Miss, Bama/Ole Miss were both very close games that could have gone either way. Bama prolly beats Ole Miss if game was played in Tuscaloosa .