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Can We Be Honest Regarding LSU & Alabama?

Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:25 am
Posted by AlexLSU
Member since Jan 2005
25341 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:25 am
Bama is the measuring stick for the rest of the SEC, I get that. But I think our fans more than any other fan base in this conference tend to unrealistically compare ourselves to the best past and present team in our conference. Some of that has to do with us being the consistent #2 in the SEC, but I think more has to do with the "Saban factor" and our insatiable hate for the guy and what he has built at Alabama.

We are all disappointed in LSU's play Saturday. For the first time in a few seasons, we thought the talent was there to realistically beat Alabama. It makes a loss to them tougher when you expect to win, especially when this game was, IMO, the least competitive game against them since Les has been here (other than the BCSCG). I'm disappointed, but I do think that our fans are being pretty unrealistic about our place in the SEC and college football cosmos, and here's why:

Alabama is the best program in the country. They have the best coach in the country, they have signed five consecutive #1 recruiting classes and they arguably have more tradition than any other program in the country which breeds a "win at all costs" mentality that is hard to fabricate if you haven't, in fact, won a shite ton over the decades. Why do we think we should be better than Alabama and thus define our own team's worth by that one game? If we lost to Florida or Auburn, but beat Alabama, we'd still be 7-1. Most of us would prefer a 7-1 record with a win over Alabama though, because they are the biggest thorn in our side.

A lot of the criticism on here is warranted, because we looked like shite and had an awful game plan Saturday, but let's be realistic here. Take inventory of the rest of the SEC, and tell me which team you would rather be a fan of:

Auburn - We're 8-3 against them under Les, and they are 2-4 in the SEC this year. They've had consecutive 10 win seasons ONCE in their history; Les is poised to have his eighth 10 win season this year.
Arkansas - Perennial underachievers (that always play us tough) but are an afterthought in this conference, currently 5-4.
Miss State - We're 10-1 against them under Les. Currently having a great season by their standards with two SEC losses
Ole Miss - Three losses this year already and wildly inconsistent as a program
A&M - We own them, and they haven't been good since Johnny carried them. Sumlin is 16-14 in the SEC
UF - We've won 4/5 against them, went 4-8 two seasons ago
Georgia - This program is in disarray in an awful division, three losses.
Tennessee - LOL
South Carolina - LOL
Mizzou - LOL
Kentucky - LOL
Vandy - LOL

Cliffs version:

Bama is better than everyone, not just LSU
LSU fans are unrealistic and unwilling to accept that we probably should lose when you play one of the GOAT coaches with GOAT talent every year
Every team has flaws and shortcomings, so don't maximize our own while marginalizing others' flaws

This post was edited on 11/10/15 at 10:27 am
Posted by Powerman
Member since Jan 2004
162223 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:30 am to
Some good perspective

I'd like to see us maintain our edge over AU and UF
Posted by dandan
Member since Nov 2007
4344 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:30 am to
The problem is Bama is beatable. It's not like they are blasting through the schedule like both LSU and they did in 2011. They struggled big time with Tennessee this year and lost 2 in a row to Ole Miss. Ohio state and Oklahoma both pushed them around in the postseason the last 2 years as well. I don't accept being 2nd best in the West as good enough. Neither should the players and admin.
This post was edited on 11/10/15 at 10:31 am
Posted by mostbesttigerfanever
TD platinum member suite in TS
Member since Jan 2010
5016 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:31 am to
THIS IS



the acceptance phase in words...
Posted by sjmabry
Texas
Member since Aug 2013
18500 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:31 am to
This is not just about Alabama, it's more about LSU looking the same week to week, regardless of the opponent. Our opponents know what we are going to do based on our personnel groupings and formations. We don't do anything other than try to muscle our opponents. Sad thing, there is that opponent in red who can't be muscled. The coaches film study should help them create a specific way to beat the opponent, but that doesn't seem to be the case with us. You can't tell me Les looked at the bama tapes and said, yeah, we can run on them all day.
Posted by dos crystal
Georgia
Member since Aug 2008
4720 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:32 am to
Excellent post. I've been trying to say this but you were able to articulate it better than I.
Posted by Salmon
On the trails
Member since Feb 2008
83571 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:33 am to
quote:

I don't accept being 2nd best in the West


How don't you accept it?

Posted by RedTigerRulz
BFE
Member since Oct 2013
15317 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:34 am to
Sure. We have comparable talent every year with them. BUT, we will NEVER beat them again as long as either coach remains in place.

We get out-coached every time we play them.

Posted by Salmon
On the trails
Member since Feb 2008
83571 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:35 am to
quote:

we will NEVER beat them again as long as either coach remains in place.


people that use absolutes like this are generally idiots FWIW
Posted by nitwit
Member since Oct 2007
12234 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:36 am to
Looking forward, this is a young, very talented team that is one year away (if we keep only one or two players).
We also have the best recruiting class ever about to sign.
So, the TALENT gap is closing.
It's the COACHING gap that will be under scrutiny ...
Les is a great human being, but he presides over a mess of a coaching (as opposed to recruiting) staff, starting with BFF Bradley Dale.
Posted by reauxl tigers7
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2015
1139 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:37 am to
Until we recruit at there level every year, we aren't going to beat them at there own game.
Posted by AlexLSU
Member since Jan 2005
25341 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:37 am to
quote:

The problem is Bama is beatable. It's not like they are blasting through the schedule like both LSU and they did in 2011. They struggled big time with Tennessee this year and lost 2 in a row to Ole Miss. Ohio state and Oklahoma both pushed them around in the postseason the last 2 years as well. I don't accept being 2nd best in the West as good enough. Neither should the players and admin.


Is it possible that Alabama focuses more and plays its best against LSU every year? They have a bye week before us for a reason, you know. Similar to how we dick around with lesser competition, Alabama does the same. They do not take LSU lightly. Even though they have LSU's number, the focus is always on LSU because they realize we are their toughest competition. They are more focused and prepared when they play us, that's reality.

And yes, other teams have had success against Alabama. Tennessee looked good against them (and lost), but they've dropped three other games this year. Ole Miss beat them, but got stomped 38-10 against UF (a team we beat) and lost by double digits to Memphis.

ETA:

You and I aren't suiting up on Saturdays, boss. It's okay to have an honest conversation about our place in the SEC. I promise it won't affect the outcome of the games.
This post was edited on 11/10/15 at 10:47 am
Posted by LSU_Saints_Hornets
Uptown NO,LA
Member since Jan 2013
9739 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:37 am to
quote:

Bama is better than everyone


Not named Ole Miss. Bama is not invincible.

quote:

LSU fans are unrealistic and unwilling to accept that we probably should lose when you play one of the GOAT coaches with GOAT talent every year


Where is your competitive spirit? You use the word probably, this implies that we should win some games. We have lost 5 in a row.

quote:

Every team has flaws and shortcomings, so don't maximize our own while marginalizing others' flaws




Ours our all coaching related

1. Game plan
2. Contingency plan or the lack there of.
3. Clock Managment
4. Special Teams
Posted by GeauxTigerTM
Member since Sep 2006
30596 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:37 am to
quote:

AlexLSU


That's a bitter arse pill to swallow, but there's a ton of truth to that.

Saban and BAMA are currently on a historic run... An unprecedented one in fact. It's our shitty luck that we are in what can only be described as our greatest run ever when our greatest rival is on a nationally historic run.
Posted by panterica
Member since Jun 2012
1274 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:39 am to
quote:

people that use absolutes like this are generally idiots FWIW


Always. Wait, shite... Lol. You're right, though.

I learned yesterday that LSU is looked at as Bama's championship game practically. They have LSU stickers on their weight training equipment. They have old LSU games on in every room of their facilities 12 months per year. Saban is obsessed with beating LSU and his recruiting pitch is that they're the team that can do it. It just makes me hate the midget that much more. I can't wait until LSU kills that shite.
This post was edited on 11/10/15 at 10:42 am
Posted by NorthEndZone
Member since Dec 2008
11299 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:42 am to
It's trying nearly the same strategy 5 straight times and failing each time that is frustrating everyone.

What is the difference between 4 TD passes and 3 interceptions versus 1 TD pass, 5 punts, and 1 interception?

LSU was not going to drive 75 yards in 12 to 15 plays on that defense. You have to take chances when the other team is equal or superior in talent.

Did any basketball team try to go inside against Shaq and Stanley Roberts even if it was their strength? No, they shot threes or tried to fast break.

Why can't a very good coaching staff see this? It is the only weakness in the staff - predictability.
Posted by Powerman
Member since Jan 2004
162223 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:43 am to
quote:

The problem is Bama is beatable. It's not like they are blasting through the schedule like both LSU and they did in 2011

They have one loss and have been consistently very good under Saban

2008 - Undefeated regular season, lost to eventual NC Florida in SEC title game.

2009 - National Championships 2009 (Perfect season)

2010 - Down year, lost to South Carolina, LSU, Auburn

2011 - We know what happened there

2012 - National championship with loss to TAMU in a close game

2013 - Auburn miracle season keeps them out of SEC and national championship (they were perfect in regular season before that)

2014 - CFP team

2015 - Unless they slip up they'll have another shot in the playoffs

They might not blow people out in every game but they consistently win.

It's not that they've been the most dominant team in the SEC over the last 7 years. They've been the most dominant team in the country. Ohio State is probably a close second and whoever third is, is pretty far behind those 2.

We would have to have a dynasty to even have a .500 record against them is the point.
Posted by Night Train
Member since Aug 2009
333 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:44 am to
We will never beat Bama or win the West again as long as Saban is Bama's coach and LES is ours. Les must have some good stuff because Saban loves pounding that arse every year!!!

We will always be a 10 win team and have tons of talent with Les, and that is great and most programs would love to be in our shoes!

Les cannot hold Saban's jock when it comes to coaching and its not even close. Different year same shite.

Saban probably is very thankful LES is our coach because he knows with our talent we could be scary!!

Geaux Tigers
Posted by Islander
Orange Beach, AL
Member since Aug 2012
177 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:45 am to
Sorry to butt in, but it is well known that UA is built to beat LSU. You have to get through that game before you can get to the next level. LSU is very good every year so that is why UA has them as the by week opponent to heal up from being everybody's best game and get ready for a physical battle. Miles and Saban are close philosophically, so I don't think either team will change a lot in the future. When Kiffin is allowed to have a free hand in the offense, it fricks up the flow of the game. Right now, UA is just out talenting people at every position except QB.
Posted by AlexLSU
Member since Jan 2005
25341 posts
Posted on 11/10/15 at 10:45 am to
quote:

Not named Ole Miss. Bama is not invincible.


Alabama is better than Ole Miss, don't be foolish. One team is sitting at 8-1 and will likely be top 2 in the CFB Playoff poll tonight while the other is trying to find an identity after its third loss.

quote:

Where is your competitive spirit?


I'm not competing on the field bro; I'm a fan.

quote:

You use the word probably, this implies that we should win some games. We have lost 5 in a row.


LSU has a chance to win every game it plays. Last year, we had a better game plan and should have won despite being an awful team. In 2012 we outplayed them but blew it with mental errors. They have better players and coaches, but we still have a chance. We've been underdogs five straight times and have come up short five straight times. I don't like it either, but I realize that Alabama is a fricking powerhouse that is hard to beat. Saban is something ridiculous like 59-12 in the SEC at Alabama.
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