The blessing in disguise of the UK 4th & 1, and Lane punting going forward

This is a good take. That 4th and 2 play call, fake reverse was a great play design.

Exactly. The Mississippi State and Auburn game was the Lane Kiffin I’ve been waiting to see.

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But I think something inside him changed after that game.

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Yes, that he can't trust his defense to get a critical stop at a critical moment late in a game. That is NOT to say Baker is a bad DC...he isn't. But the decision to punt vs. Kentucky had some merit if you believed in your defense. Instead of risking UK getting the ball at the LSU 43, nearly already in game-tying FG range, and needing a TD to win, Lane believed his defense would slam the door on a UK team with no TOs and a kicker who had just missed two straight FGs. It didn't...then didn't do so again on UKs first OT possession and the ensuing 2 point conversion attempt. The defense also could not get a critical 4Q stop after LSU tied the game at 24-24 vs. Ole Miss.

Now, if there is a decision that has merit either way, Lane is going to err on the side of himself (i.e. the offense)

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every once in awhile you just got to say, "What the heck" and take some chances.

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LSU can use a guy like Lane

The call in Ky. was (or may have been) outcome- determinative.
Neither the 4th and 2 at Auburn, nor any other gutsy call by the New Lane has been.
Not sure i agree it was a "blessing". Maybe an aberration.

Too late

Excellent observations. It's been 7 years since LSU has been "in the mix" for playoff contention. 20 years since we were favored over Ala. at home. I was there for the Kentucky game and it wasn't really frustrating b/c Kiffin had not showed his true poker hand to date. The trick plays were awesome and maybe he felt that was enough. Why tempt fate?

However, the decision on Sat. in the Plains to go for it that close to your own goal line was outstanding! One of the gutsiest calls in LSU history that early in the game. 99.9% of the time you punt - no matter how bad your punt game is. Props to Kiffin for the unexpected. Pretty much was play of the game. LSU scored on EVERY possession for remainder of half which was incredible to witness. Offense was unstoppable!

As for punting why not just dream up a play that can get you 2 yards w your punter on the field. Maybe put Harris back as punter. We know he can pass and catch the football..... Geaux Tigers!

When the refs and Sankey are against you, you got to say frick it and go pedal to the metal.