50 days must seem like an eternity for LSU. That is the distance between the Les Miles led Tigers and their quest for redemption. On September 5th, LSU travels out west to take on a terrible Washington Huskies squad that went 0-12 in 2008. This game is huge for LSU. Why? Because a victory helps to dissolve a bit of the sour taste left over from last season.
Down on the bayou, an 8-5 record is about as palatable as a bowl of rotten jumbalaya. One year removed from winning the national championship, the once mighty Tigers fell to just 3-5 in the SEC. The biggest factor in LSU's sudden demise was poor decision making at the quarterback position. In 2008, Tiger QBs threw a cumulative 18 interceptions. Against Georgia, Jarrett Lee threw two pick sixes to Dawgs linebacker Darryl Gamble. Those two mistakes loomed large, as Georgia defeated LSU by 14 points.
Fortunately for LSU, young QB Jordan Jefferson has emerged as a talented playmaker at the position. After starting just 2 games of the '08 season, Jefferson should be able to make great strides in 2009. "This year I understand the playbook more and I'm able to bring more to the table than last year," Jefferson told the press. If not, highly touted freshman Russell Shephard could get a chance to shine. Either way, LSU is in much better shape at the position than they were in '08. As the Tigers look to re-establish LSU as one of the nation's elite teams, 50 days must seem like a long ways away.
*To view highlights of Russell Shepard, click on the title of this post. Sorry, but there's no sound.*
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Herschel Walker
#34 torches GT.
6 comments:
The boy can play. His ability to see the field while running all over the place and being able to turn on a dime will create havoc, even against sec defenses
Go Tigers! It should be an interesting year for them in the SEC ... actually for a number of SEC teams I think. How will AU do? UMiss? Even Mississippi State? It looks like they did pretty well in their recruiting adding to their depth to augment their younger players that now have some experience. Gonna be an interesting year, but back to LSU ... If they can minimize mistakes, they'll be in the thick of things!
BOP
tcm850,
Can't wait to see this kid play. Looks like he's one of the most talented prospects entering the SEC. I've read a few articles saying that he will get some PT as a change of pace QB, regardless of how well Jordan Jefferson performs.
How are those Gators doing in recruting? I know it's early and the commitments are just verbals, but UGA has snatched 7 dudes from the Sunshine State. The latest being a tiny CB from Frostproof. Dude's supposed to have blazing speed. His cousin, RB Carlton Thomas, will be a RS Freshman at UGA this year. Thomas was one of few bright spots, during a low scoring G Day Game in the spring.
BOP,
I'm expecting LSU to come back with a vengance this season. RB Charles Scott out to be able to take some pressure off of a maturing Jordan Jefferson. The Tigers also retain the services of one of the SEC's most dangerous playmakers, Trindon Holliday. The track star is a threat to score, any time he touches the ball. The main concern for LSU, is that they don't have as much depth on the OL as they've become accustomed to, under Les Miles. When guys start getting banged up, LSU may have some issues. However, they still have one of the best linemen in the nation, in senior LT Ciron Black.
As far as the other Tigers are concerned, look for Auburn to struggle under first year HC Gene Chizik. He may eventually turn things around, but that team is worse than people realize.
Not sure how I feel about Ole Miss. Jevan Snead is being hyped as the best SEC QB not named Tebow. I'm not sure if I buy into the hype. But, I do see the potential for him and RB/WR/Wildcat QB Dexter McCluster to score a lot of points in Oxford.
Miss State may have found some swagger, with the hiring of former Florida OC, Dan Mullen. But these Dogs ain't ready to hunt. The recent arrest of RB Anthony Dixon doesn't help matters at all. Haven't heard about any suspension or disciplinary action yet, but State can't afford to have their leading rusher on the sidelines. The good news... Incoming freshman, Tyler Russell, appears to be the heir apparent to senior QB Tyson Lee. The kid threw for 3,284 yards and 40 tds, with just 5 interceptions as a senior. He could be the player Dan Mullen builds his program around.
How about ESPN and CBS making the deal with the SEC to air every SEC game for the next 15 years! This not only excites me because of my love for SEC football, but because I believe this will even help recruiting even more. Now, the league with the best players and best competition, will now allow for the best exposure.
850,
I couldn't agree more. That's great news for the SEC and fans. If, for some crazy reason, you're unable to watch a UF game, I hope you've at least got access to the web. If so, you can go to www.680thefan.com and listen to every broadcast live...for FREE. Although 680 the fan is based out of Atlanta, they have just become "the voice of Florida football" in the state of Georgia. How's that for weird?
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