The Offense Hasn't Been the Main Problem

That's like saying, "the fact that he had both legs cut off and was bleeding to death didn't kill him, it was the cerebral hemorrhage." They'll both kill you.

Also, most of 2011, the offense was a juggernaut.

So you're just conceding that LSU will always be dreadful in the passing game?

quote:

---

RazorTiger30

---

quote:

---

Everyone on here keeps mentioning the fact that if Harris hits the short, intermediate passes we'll be fine. I agree with this to some degree but...If you think back to 2011 our offense was abysmal. The fact that our defense and special teams were so good masked our offensive short comings. These past few years we have lost games that in the past we would have won because the defense didn't let the opposing team hang 30 on us. Our new DC will be the reason if we make it or break it this year. Also if we pooch kick it against Wisconsin because the first kick goes out of bounds I'm going to loose it.

---

This is a poorly thought out take and I disagree with it.

When you call third down pass plays on your own side of the field versus Alabama-one of which is backed up inside of your own 10 yard line-with only a SINGLE RECEIVER in the route, you're absolutely setting yourself up for failure. There's no argument for the sensibility of that type of playcall in that situation.

In light of an inconsistent punter, even more inconsistent punt coverage, and a defense that was in transition with a new coordinator for the first time in 7 years both coaching wise and in terms of running more 30 front and running zone schemes in the Secondary, it's foolish bordering on STUPID to not be more aggressive when you do call passing plays on your own end of the field when you know that:

A.) ST won't flip the field for you
B.) DEF isn't as great as in year's past as its in transition.

Miles and Cameron did this not only once...but TWICE on 3rd downs inside of our own territory, and in one case backed up. WTF does this?

Say what you want about the defense-and admittedly t here were issues-but the playcalling, scheme and execution is ridiculous on offense and has been for years.

Oh and don't even talk about Arkansas. TO's on offense and a crazy scheme to not run LF7 early put us in a huge hole where we had to stay in shotgun no-huddle most of the d@mn game.

Just idiotic decision-making, poor execution, and foolish if not stupid playcalling in light of the context of what we have as a program last year in critical games that were squarely on the offense, its coordinator and Head Coach.

quote:

---

if we pooch kick it against Wisconsin because the first kick goes out of bounds I'm going to loose it.

---

you've already lost it. Did you forget thinking this:

quote:

---

The Offense Hasn't Been the Main Problem

---

defense has been a problem since 2011. can't stop run in big games. special teams haven't been special, just average. trey quinn dropped too many passes in key situations.

Our offense would be great if we had a decent quarterback.

OP, you are dead right in everything you wrote except for "loose". The word is "lose".

Both the offense and defense were good, but not great, last year. That's why we had a good, but not great, year. If our offense could throw the ball that would have been a great offense. And if our defense had been stout enough to stop any team's running game that would have been a great defense.

I also think the defense will be very stout against the run this year. They finally have the talent and depth that they haven't had since 2012.

LSU's style of play is to rely on defense and the running game. The running game was there, but the defense was spotty.

The truth is that in college you don't have enough time to practice to be good at everything. That is, unless you're Saban. But he probably bends the crap out of the rules and practices more than the rules allow. LSU chooses to practice the run game over the passing game. I don't think that changes a lot, but I think they will emphasize the pass more now that they have an experienced, talented QB.

I agree to a certain point. I believe the defense, offense, and special teams all share equal blame in our lack of success in the last few years. Cant defend the run against power run teams, cant pass (with any consistency) against a stiff run defense, and kick coverage has been terrible at times. LSU hasn't had a "total package" on the field in a while.

quote:

---

If you think back to 2011 our offense was abysmal. The fact that our defense and special teams were so good masked our offensive short comings.

---

The offense was not abysmal in 2011 outside of the 2 games against Bama and the first half in the SEC championship game. That offense was a perfect fit for the defense and the special teams they had that season. They ran it great, didn't turn the ball over, and had 2 quarterbacks that made plays when needed to a couple times a game. Did they benefit from the defense and special teams? Of course but their is something to be said about having an above 70 percent touchdown rate in the red zone. When they had scoring opportunities they took advantage of it.