LSU Stats from 2011-2015

With the exception of 2013,our y/g hasn't changed much. But the defense in 2011 was so good that the +/- yards was huge. So it looks like Les needs an other worldly defense to offset our average offenses to be able to be atop the SEC.

This makes sense because, with an elite defense last year, we are still scoring enough to win even with little passing potency.

The issue I've always had with Les his offensive approach is it seems as if he basically wants to do just enough to win. Every game I think he's wants to run and be pretty simplistic in the passing game to avoid turnovers at all costs. If he beats a team he's favored to beat by 2 TDs by 1 point, he doesn't care. He's only going to become less "risk averse" when absolutely necessary.

Basically, when LSU's offense HAS to execute in the passing game (i.e. they are trailing, the clock is winding down, and they have no other choice), they somehow find a way to do it. This has shown itself countless times.

Last week LSU is trailing 13-0. They get the White TD then the fumble recovery. All of a sudden a passing game that looked completely lost comes to life with the wheel route to LF and the TD to Dural. LSU is up 14-13 and Les goes dormant again...until the final drive. The most efficent and diverse LSU's passing attack looked all day was on the final drive when Les had no choice but to throw caution to the wind. The middle of the field suddenly became available. The TE was now an option. A 3rd WR (Chark) was now an option. The late INT was the result of a bad decision, not necessarily a poor approach in the passing game.

In 2014, LSU's passing game looks horrible at UF until they HAVE TO HAVE IT trailing late. Then, Jennings is able to come to life and convert a 3rd and 25 to help ultimately win the game.

Against Wisc. in 2014. LSU offense is once again a mess leading to a 24-7 2nd half deficit. Les has no choice but to put it in the air, and wouldn't you know, the passing game comes through.

In 2012 Mettenberger is average (at best) all season. The LSU offense is completely stagnant against Bama in the first half. Les has no choice but to let Mett loose in the 2nd half. Bama couldn't stop LSU's passing game in the 2nd half in a game that LSU should have won.

In 2013 LSU offense looks like shite against a bad Ark. team. Trailing late, Les has to throw AND trust a true Freshman back up (Jennings). He delivers.

The bottom line is I think Les looks at the passing game as something that can cause more harm (turnovers) than good. He wants to mitigate TOs at all costs. Even if that means the passing game is inefficient and the game itself (regardless of opponent) is a nail biter at the end. His approach is lets take a few shots here and there for a big play, but otherwise, let's not beat ourselves by turning it over.

This ALL stems from 2008 Les watched INT after INT be returned for a TD and from that point on refused to let 2008 happen again. He was willing to neuter his passing game; rely heavily on the defense; and play in some dogfights with lesser teams if it meant that LSU didn't "beat itself"

LSU has the personnel to be an explosive offense. They CAN move the ball efficiently through the air if they have to. But with taking more chances on offense (i.e. not just running out of the I and "safe" pass routes) comes a greater risk of TO. If Les is willing to go back to the pre-2008 mindset, then I think you see this team take off. If not, then 2016 will be no different than much of the 7 years before, good but not great

les is only going to pass the ball if it really desperately calls for it other wise he is going to run it down the other teams throat even if it means they stop it and that's the only time he throws the ball.