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Why Les uses so many RB's.

Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:11 am
Posted by inebr8ted tiger
Arkansas
Member since Aug 2007
1395 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:11 am
This is just my opinion so take it for what it's worth.

The reasons I think Les uses multiple backs is three fold. I say what I'm about to say because I think that any of the backs in our rotation could start for an SEC team. Spencer Ware is definitely a feature back. For that matter so is Ford.

First, the obvious reason, which is to keep his backs fresh throughout the course of a game, but more importantly throughout the course of a season.

Second is to have a change of pace. With each back LSU throws in the game, the angle of attack has to change because of the varying running style and speed difference.

Lastly, and this is why I respect Les Miles as a coach, he wants the guys to be healthy enough to play at the next level. I know, I know, it sounds ridiculous, but hear me out.

This thought occured to me last week when Marcus Lattimore went down. Lattimore was over-used in South Carolina, IMO. Everyone knows that the player, on any team, with the shortest half-life is the RB's. How much could Lattimore have left in the tank after carrying the ball 35-40 times a game it USCe for 3 years? IMO, not much.

I think by splitting the carries between all those backs, he reduces the wear and tear on their bodies, and allows them to have better pro careers.

Maybe that is just a by-product of having a very talented back field, but I'd like to think it is intentional.
Posted by Brageous
Member since Jul 2008
107724 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:13 am to
I agree, but I thought this was obvious.
Posted by HaloWarriors
Murfreesboro, TN
Member since Feb 2010
3351 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:15 am to
Lattimore was blocking down field and was hit from behind - freak circumstance. But, I agree with most of what you said - fresh legs and changing pace. Defense demotivational poster.
Posted by LSUGrad9295
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2007
33484 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:17 am to
quote:

Lastly, and this is why I respect Les Miles as a coach, he wants the guys to be healthy enough to play at the next level. I know, I know, it sounds ridiculous, but hear me out.


Yeah, kinda ridiculous.

I don't think Les gives a shite about the next level. However, I will say that I don't think Les would ever over-used a kid and wear him out...just not for the "so he can be a pro" reason, but more for the common decency reason.

Les would never throw a pitcher 13 innings in a game if he were a baseball coach, for example...
Posted by white beans
Member since Sep 2009
5637 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:18 am to
Les wants all of his players to feel good about themselves.

It's the unspoken little league baseball rule bro. Everyone gets a turn.
Posted by wasteland
City of peace
Member since Apr 2011
5600 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:33 am to
The more NFL players LSU produces, the more attractive LSU is for recruits. I would play for a coach that could prepare me for a long NFL career.
Posted by genuineLSUtiger
Nashville
Member since Sep 2005
72954 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:38 am to
quote:

I agree, but I thought this was obvious.


Unfortunately, if you have been on this board for any length of time, you know nothing here is obvious. There are some dyed-in-the-wool morons that post here.
Posted by ArcticCat
Toronto
Member since Jan 2011
160 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:38 am to
I see 3 additional advantages of using many RBs:
competition for pt
rewards those who respond to coaching (e.g. you fumble, you don't play)
recruiting (there may be many incumbents but you can still crack the lineup if you are talented enough)
Posted by colorchangintiger
Dan Carlin
Member since Nov 2005
30979 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:41 am to
quote:

I don't think Les gives a shite about the next level. However, I will say that I don't think Les would ever over-used a kid and wear him out...just not for the "so he can be a pro" reason, but more for the common decency reason.


bullshite. How do you think Les recruits these incredibly talented RBs? By telling them he doesn't give a shite about the next level?
Posted by inebr8ted tiger
Arkansas
Member since Aug 2007
1395 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 10:58 am to
quote:

Unfortunately, if you have been on this board for any length of time, you know nothing here is obvious. There are some dyed-in-the-wool morons that post here.


I tell you what you little fricker. I forgot more about football than you will ever know. And if you call me a moron again, I will get kicked off this site, and put in jail because I will take that computer you are hiding behind and shove up your arse.
Posted by LSUGrad9295
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2007
33484 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:05 am to
quote:

I tell you what you little fricker. I forgot more about football than you will ever know. And if you call me a moron again, I will get kicked off this site, and put in jail because I will take that computer you are hiding behind and shove up your arse.


1) inb4 "UMad?"

2) As a neutral observer, I dont think genuineTiger was calling YOU a moron specifically...I think he was making a blanket statement about posters in general.
Posted by old man tiger
Member since Feb 2009
2383 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:05 am to
quote:

inebr8ted tiger


good assesment and i agree. Ialso would add that showing that we play freshman helps recruiting, and also the coaching staff already have their eyes on future backs who would want to come and play and not redshirt. One being Fournett
Posted by Anodyne
Member since Oct 2011
2162 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:06 am to
RB is a plug and chug position in the NFL. The skillset, outside of a select few, is fairly common in the current athlete. I think Miles recognizes that their is relatively little that separates the skill sets of the LSU RBs over the last few years. As a result, he prefers fresh legs over one or two backs. Pretty good philosphy IMO.
Posted by ryanoz
DFW
Member since Oct 2008
2735 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:10 am to
quote:

I don't think Les gives a shite about the next level


Well that's just fricking ignorant right there. How many players not only make it to the next level but also succeed is a huge recruiting tool.
Posted by wasteland
City of peace
Member since Apr 2011
5600 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:10 am to
quote:

you little fricker







he
Posted by Guava Jelly
Bawston
Member since Jul 2009
11651 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:10 am to
The grass is green and the sky also appears to be blue.
Posted by OblongMidget
New Orleans
Member since Sep 2011
206 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:15 am to
Thanks Kanye...douche
Posted by Powerman
Member since Jan 2004
162230 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:16 am to
quote:

First, the obvious reason, which is to keep his backs fresh throughout the course of a game, but more importantly throughout the course of a season.

I don't know. If you buy this argument, you could almost say he is using Ware too much. Particularly with his punishing style of running.
Posted by GeauxWarTigers
Auburn
Member since Oct 2010
18046 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:19 am to
quote:

I see 3 additional advantages of using many RBs:
competition for pt
rewards those who respond to coaching (e.g. you fumble, you don't play)
recruiting (there may be many incumbents but you can still crack the lineup if you are talented enough)


Also experience. If our #1 RB goes down the back up that would replace him wouldn't really be coming off the bench. He will have plenty of experience as well.
Posted by JonTheTigerFan
Central, LA
Member since Nov 2003
6784 posts
Posted on 10/19/11 at 11:23 am to
quote:

I tell you what you little fricker. I forgot more about football than you will ever know. And if you call me a moron again, I will get kicked off this site, and put in jail because I will take that computer you are hiding behind and shove up your arse.


I took his post as being on your side in a way and saying not much is "obvious" to most of the posters here. And did you really get that bent out if shape over a message board post?
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