re: Still in the Top 10....Coaches, AP LSU #10

So, basically, we're OK. Win out, we play FL again in ATL. We control our own destiny. Les, use these two weeks to do some soul-searching, scrap the plays, schemes that aren't working. Make needed personnel changes. Here are some thoughts:

1) I'd open up competition on the O-line. I assume Barksdale and Black are solid starters; the rest of the positions should be up for grabs. Hitt has played poorly. You have some huge guys like Hurst, Faulk, Shaw ... play 'em. They can't do any worse.

2) Come up with some better plays. Scrap the option unless you can figure out to run it and have more than a few yards separation b/w QB and tailback. Run some screen plays. Check out vintage footage of the 1970's Dallas Cowboys on how to run real screen plays, that work. Work in some reverses, misdirection plays. Shorter passes, quick-hitters ... only throw deep if you're going to roll Jefferson out of the pocket. More pass plays to the TE and backs out of the backfield.

3. How about some one on one tutelage w/ your QB? He needs work on his drop back (he drops back too far) and elongated delivery. (and on running the option, see above.)

4. Basically install Shepard as your #2 QB and have him run at least a series a half, to include passing the ball.

5. Defensively, either do something to motivate the elder statesmen at defensive tackle, or sit them in favor of younger guys like Downs and Davenport. If Akiem Hicks isn't hurt, give him a shot. I can't really find much fault w/ the defense and you might do best to just leave Chavis alone and let him do his thing ... but for my money he doesn't blitz enough. I won't say the "S word" but I love the way a certain coach blitzes from all angles and with different players.

6. Channel your inner Lesticles. Where oh where has he gone? You played to keep it close, not to win, last night. C'mon man!

Let's pull this together and go into Tuscaloosa as a one-loss, top 10 team, loaded for bear.

Next Sunday's the first BCS rankings, right? That's what matters.

I didn't think we were a righteous No. 4, but if that's where you're ranked, losing (even at home) to the No. 1 team, the defending BCS champ, w/the current longest winning streak, & following 2 weeks--well, 4 years, really--of drama and idol worship of T. Tebow, 10th or 11th seems about right.

Don't forget, almost everyone (led by Herbie, Verne, etc.) is ready to anoint Fla. as the greatest team with the greatest player ever in the modern era. Should they go 14-0, that would give them 3 BCS titles in 4 yrs. Hard to argue against that.

If we really suck so much (as so many here are convinced), why was last night's game billed and hyped since the off-season and through Week 6 as Florida's toughest regular-season test? And guess what, it was. LSU holding Fla. to 13 points as they beat their first opponent w/a winning record (so far) is an accomplishment.

My .02 is that we won ugly and and have underachieved (esp. on offense) all year, despite being loaded with talent. But we did win all 5 of our games. So, LSU is still 5-1, with its only loss coming to the No. 1 team.

If Miles and his staff can spend the next two weeks fixing things and implementiing a revised offense w/R. Shepard and others doing what they do best and scrapping what others don't, going 5-1 (losing to 'Bama) the rest of the way isn't out of the question. If we go 10-2 and play in a good bowl game, I'd take that.

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Wow. I had us dropping to 11 or 12.

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I walked out of the stadium saying that we would drop to between 11 and 13. I don't see how we could reasonably be higher than 10, so I think we're getting some respect from the pollsters.

relax about one loss or two loss. LSU will have at leat 3 by the end of the year. Alabama is a sure fire loss. Arkansas and Auburn are no gimmies. When does Lee get another shot? I do agree about the option: TROW IT OUT!