re: LSU Improvements Needed Other Than Just QB Play

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We were playing wide open against ND I have no idea what game you watched

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We didn't use the spread option plays that worked against A&M, which obviously suited AJ since he rushed for over 100 yds. What plays are you referring to?

Major issues that we need to improve:

1) DL pressure/backfield disruption- even if the line can't penetrate effectively, they should at least be better at creation of the gap for the blitz player. Blitzes expose you to big plays when they are picked up easily by the offensive line, but obviously create big plays when players get into the backfield quickly. We really need at least one DL to be a disruptive force this year.

Which leads to

2) Create more turnovers- I think that losing Dwayne Thomas last year hurt more than we originally thought. Either he or Adams can fill that role this year, but Adams was a bit too inexperienced when DT went down. Recovering fumbles in the backfield and forcing quick throws is an area LSU hasn't excelled in for a while.

3) Wide Receiver play as a whole- I'd say at least 30-50% of the issues with our passing game can be attributed to the WR, mostly from inexperience. The talent is 100% there and I expect a big leap from this unit. Once teams learned they could essentially press cover a few of our guys and really affect routes and timing it became difficult. Becoming more physical over the offseason will pay large dividends if receivers can escape press. Dupre, IMO, will go down as one of the all time greats before he leaves.

4) Placekicking- I had become so accustomed to us having stellar FG kickers that last year was a quick reminder that they aren't automatic. Granted we had the huge 50yder to win at UF, but during the rest of the year the misses turned into momentum killers for a team that struggled to get points on the board. I'm not sure how this will work out this year, but hopefully will improve.

5). Confidence- I think the inexperience combined with the shellshocks of the MSU and AUB games made it difficult for the team to have the unwavering belief they would win the game eventually. I really think if we can exact some revenge on the road at MSU and then beat AUB at home this team will feel that no team can stop them.

Whether all this pans out remains to be seen, but I sure hope so. I'd love to see us back in the thick of everything.

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We look unbeatable with a wide-open new scheme against A&M, then revert back to boring predictable for Notre Dame.

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I disagree. I think our O performed a lot better against notre dame. it was our D that stunk the joint up. the notre dame offense kept the ball away from us and our D just allowed them to grind away. against notre dame our TE's got much more involved and overall Jennings looked pretty good.

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Pass rush

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Agreed. Predictable play calling, but I've accepted that this likely won't change.

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I've watched several of last year's games recently with a lot more attention to detail the second time around. Just wanted to see everyone elses' take on the true areas where LSU needs to improve, besides obviously quarterback. Here are a couple of things I've noticed:

1. Play calling
There's always a lot of criticism given to the qb about getting the play off. The problem is obvious when the qb is looking toward the sideline frustrated, and as if almost pleading for some direction. This seemed to be an ongoing problem throughout the season, and has been the cause of many a time out or delay of game. When they pan to Les, he's usually just watching and waiting, so it seems that Cam is the one making the decision. Shouldn't this be almost instant, given the fact that there are several coaches in the booth analyzing the defense?

2. Getting the snap off in a hurry
I know this is a problem in many loud stadiums, but some kind of improvement could be made on communication with the center. Hopefully another year of experience has led to improvement in communication and attention/urgency regarding the play clock.

Now go ahead and criticize my post, grammar, or tell me how it was too long. I'm not a coach or football expert of any kind, but I did play for some coaches that were very detail oriented and expected smart play.

I enjoy the actual football conversations on here, as many of you have a lot of insight and information, and am damn glad the off season is almost over.

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the two things you listed here, as well as what everyone else has listed can be improved with one word

execution

it's time for the execution of the players to quit being pointed out

the execution from the coaches box to the sideline needs to get better. it needs to improve more than the on the field execution does.

delay of game after time outs, punts, kickoffs and penalties. QB's begging for a play while the clock ticks past 10 seconds.

execution on the field will improve when the players are put in a situation to execute.

doesn't matter if LSU only uses 12 different plays all year, or if the fans have a good idea of what play is coming.

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Secondly, teams do things based on matchups and how they want yo attack weaknesses of other teams.

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which team is doing this? where can i see this?

Put teams away when we have a lead.
Maybe no 3rd and Chavis will help this.

And it's not just late in the 4th qtr but end of 1st halves also.

Score TOUCHDOWNS in the red zone

Don't clip on every MFing (&^%%^#^#$%^$^% punt or kickoff return...

Over under on delay of game penalties after a timeout set at 2.5

I'm taking the over.