The Intangibles

A qualitative assessment - beyond the stats: Sure the stats are there to address the lack of a passing game...noted, as well as film to pronounce the techinical aspects of Lee throwing off his back foot (or so it seems). But all great teams possess other qualities that never show up on the stat sheet. I am sure you noticed the following as did I.

We belonged on the national stage. This was evident from the beginning as CLM could not keep his troops from nearly trouncing him coming out of the tunnel. When championship teams perform, certain characteristics are always evident. These characteristics reveal themselves from year to year and from team to team that compete at a high level - a level high enough to win championships. First and most evident was the swagger. Not the overconfident, obnoxious brand, but the intimidating presense that expands as the game progresses. There existed an aura or glow of knowing that we are the better team. The players' mannerisims, gestures, intensity, and focus were revealed throughout the night on and off the field. CLM and the players are on the same page. All championship teams overcome adversity at some point. This adversity either strenghtens or conquers organizations. The LSU organization is strong. Interviews reveal statements of togetherness, camaraderie, focus, and preparation. There seemed to be no moments of indecision from the coaching staff. Sure, CLM has his eccentric values, but we are comforted in knowing that his approach is solid - quirkiness accepted. The competitive passion revealed itself quite often during the game: Lee chewing some Duck butt after a pile up, Mathieu bowing down to no one, intense physicality throughout, and a supreme presense with strong hints of humility. This team has the humility of a champion, a contender. Soundbites consistently revealed a want (CLM speak) to improve and get better. This team has an identity, a vision, a purpose. This team has a mental toughness necessary to respond to the adversity that rears its ugly head in every game and inevitably during every championship run.

And finally, this team has fun. They love to play football. They play for themselves, their families, thier coach, for LSU, for Louisiana, and for the tigernation.

Saturday night was fun...and that is not on a stat sheet.