LINK T-Bob Herbert assessment

just some cliff notes---

The Offense was Terrible, and Everyone Deserves Blame, not just Brandon Harris:
Still, Harris does not bear the burden of blame alone, as every single position group in this offense contributed their own special ingredients to the rotten gumbo that was LSU’s offense Saturday. The Wide Receivers did not catch the ball well. A lot has been made of Harris’ inaccuracies and some were worse than others, but I counted at least 4 drops on catchable balls that could have drastically altered the outcome of this game. I’m not saying the catches are easy, but if Malachi Dupre wants to be considered amongst the best WRs in the country, these are the plays you have to make. Tall receivers make their living high pointing balls and coming down with receptions. Much ado was made about the height of this WR group and they failed to take advantage of that height on Saturday

Coach Miles Should Definitely NOT be Fired:
LSU was embarrassed last season on a national stage when they had very public private talks with another head coach behind their current head coach’s back. What appeared to be the end of the Miles era ended up as the Mad Hatter’s greatest escape yet. By the end of the debacle, forgotten were the struggles of November. Fans' anger was replaced with sympathy as their most successful head coach in school history was hung out to dry by his bosses in the most public of forums. Coach Miles became a sympathetic figure. From villain to victim. In the end, Coach Miles retained his job and established dominance over Joe Alleva and his higher ups. This is the first reason why Coach Miles should definitely NOT be released, the fact that LSU does not want to be embarrassed once again on that national stage.

Dave Aranda and the Defense Lived Up to the Hype (Also Tre White is a Monster)
Although I’ve heard many people say they were unimpressed with LSU’s defensive play I have to imagine such statements are borne of emotion and frustration. Objectively speaking this defense was great. The Tigers held Wisconsin to just 339 yards and 16 points despite the fact that the Badgers ran a full 50% more plays than did LSU. In then end, the defense forced 4 turnovers (two ints, one fumble, turnover on downs), only gave up one touchdown, and scored 7 of the Tigers 14 points. If at times it felt as if they were struggling it is because they are only human. This defense was on the field for 23 minutes in the first half alone. 23 MINUTES!!! That number represents kryptonite to even the most talented of defenses. Eventually the laws of nature dictate that you tire out and start to get pushed around, however this never really happened to this Tiger defense. They remained strong throughout the night. Bending but not breaking.

When its all said and done, the Badgers only produced 6.6 yards per pass, 3.2 yards per rush, and were just 3/15 on third down. That is winning defensive football. Special shoutout to Tre White. He proved once again why he was given the hallowed number 18. He was dominant both on the outside and when he shifted inside to nickel. If you would have told me Friday that White would have a pick six I would have bet everything I had on LSU winning (Its a good thing you didn’t tell me).