How in the hell have we escaped the Texas Chainsaw massacre?

Leadership from Les

Texas looked so pathetic at times, it really looks like they gave up. Some injuries and a rookie QB but the leadership was awful. If the recruiting rankings are anywhere close to being correct, then Mack and his minions really bungled this year. Which explains why heads are rolling in Austin.

Miles has the bigger package

I don't know, but your subject line is very dramatic.

les

quote:

---

Is it coaching?? Is it our outstanding recruiting??

---

I think it's a combination. We have been lucky to have players who have made clutch plays when needed to. They don't quit, fight to the end, and always seem to believe they have a shot. Talent plays a large part in this, but the coaches do deserve some credit as well.

Another element, I think, is our kicking game. I've become accustomed now to having an excellent kicking game, but when you watch many other college teams, it really makes me take notice of LSU's kicking game. It's not just the field goal kicking (although that has been pretty darned good) but the whole bit: the kick coverage, kick return, and the punting. We've had a few breakdowns, but in sum it has been so huge.

Take Jasper, for instance. This guy not only booted 23 or 24 field goals this year (including 2 from 50+!) but also he punted for a 40 yd avg with more than half being downed inside the 20. Helton's punt numbers were also impressive. When you combine that kind of punting with good coverage and few turnovers, you force teams to drive 80-90 yds to score every possession. Even good offensive teams can falter under these circumstances. At the very least you can minimize their scoring (see Auburn).

Anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that I really appreciate Miles' seeming emphasis on the kicking game. It's been a big part of LSU's success.

The SEC was worse this year than it has been in a long time.