It's that time of year again. The annual debate about the BCS standings. Who should and who should not be ranked. Included in this debate is what in the world to do with Boise ST and TCU. I may be old school or a littlie biased but Boise and TCU shouldn't even be in the argument. Now before all you BSU/TCU believers roll your eyes and say"Fazende's lost his mind again", let me make my case.
First, the darlings of ESPN,ABC, and most media "experts", blue field Boise St. (10-0 6-0). "Sure they play in a small conference but look at their marque wins outside the conference" is the case most frequently used for BSU. OK, let's look at their "marque" non-conference wins:
First Virgina Tech. Yes the always overrated and over ranked Hokies who begin every season top 10, lose their non conference games then regroup in that tough Coastal Division of the vaunted ACC. BSU received the earliest Christmas gift in history from Frank Beamer in week one when his team had the ball and the lead with less then two minutes to play and BSU without timeouts. Intead of three runs up the middle and punting with seconds remaining, he calls for a sweep on second down when his oh so well coached RB runs out of bounds stopping the clock. On third down, displaying Milesian clock management skills, Beamer calls for a pass which falls incomplete, again stopping the clock, leaving well over a minute to play. To their credit, BSU, led by QB Kevin Moore, thanked Frankie boy for his early good tidings by marching down the field and scoring the winning touchdown. VaTech came back strong after the loss promptly losing to James Madison University. That loss alone eliminates this as a "marque" win for BSU.
Second BSU marque win: Oregon ST. Why? Because they happen to play in the Pac 10. OSU had lost to TCU in week one and has followed the BSU loss with losses to 4-6 Washington and UCLA and 2-9 Wash St on their way to 5-5 with two games remaining. Though OSU plays in the BCS conference PAC 10, even BSU believers must concede beating them can hardly be considered marque.
Next marque match up: 10-1 #19 Nevada. Please. Nevada's 10-1 record against the likes of Eastern Washington, Idaho and Utah State impresses only those trying to make an argument for BSU's high ranking.
These marque wins were sandwiched by wins against such blockbuster programs such as Wyoming, Toledo and New Mexico St.
Now 11-0 TCU. The "thinking man's" pick. "Nobody is talking about TCU and their impressive run, they get no love!"
Stop! Now!
TCU "marque" wins:
Oregon State: read above
Baylor: Gave up an average of 48 points in their 5 losses includung 55 and 53 to Oklahoma St and Oklahoma respectively. But they did beat powerhouses like Sam Houston St, Buffalo and 5-6 Texas in the midst of their worst season in the Mack Brown era.
Utah: proud owners of wins against the likes of San Jose St, Wyoming and Colorado St. After losing to TCU, Utah got spanked by Notre Dame 28-3, erasing any luster TCU mat have gained by beating them.
"But these two programs can't help who they play, plus they beat everyone on their schedule by lopsided margins". You're making my point. They play a weak schedule year after year, never take the Florida St route of real tough non conference foes then whine about lack of respect at the end of the season.
If these schools could possibly go through a schedule that opens up with the usual pancakes then play in a row, Kentucky, at Alabama, at Arkansas, La Laf, at Tennesse, at LSU then close with an in state arch rival and still remain unbeaten, or even once beaten, then I would gladly show them the love so desperately covet. That's a typical SEC, PAC 10 or Big 12 schedule. That's why a one loss SEC,PAC 10 or Big 12 school should jump the likes of unbeaten BSU/TCU.
Let me put it this way.
Next season Mississippi St announces they are joining the CUSA West division with Tulane, UTEP, Houston, Rice and Tulsa. They add Wake Forest, Cincinnati and Vanderbilt, three BCS conference schools, to their non conference schedule. They run the table. They demand to be included at the BCS feast. Would all those BSU/TCU backers be on that Bulldog bandwagon?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
One Great Weekend
You work all week. Look forward to the weekend. Then something comes up and the weekend is partially or totally shot. Then there are weekends like the one I just had.
Friday: Brother Martin defeats Jesuit 28-27. My son plays in the band so it's always fun to watch the game and listen to the band play. Martin takes their band seriously and they practice very hard to make the games entertaining. There's a special moment after each game when the team gathers in front of the band as the fight song is playing, they hold their helmets above their heads in salute to the fans and band for their support as the fans applaud in apprecitation of a valiant effort. It's what's great about high school football. Oh, the game? Electric. Martin's star player, Dante Butler rushed for 267 yards and 3 touchdowns. The game was filled with lead changes and hard hitting, these rivals left it all out on the field in a great high school football game. Walking with my son to the car after the game, a lady dressed in Jesuit attire noticed his band uniform and graciously complimented the Martin band and congratulated him on their win. It demonstarted the class and mutual respect of these two traditional insitutions.
Hornets 96-Heat 93. During the Martin game, with frequent updates from my first son and eyeballing espn.com on my Blackberry, I was able to enjoy the Hornets extend their fast start to 5-0 by beating the next dream team, the Lebron, Dwayne and Bosh show.
Saturday: LSU 24-Alabama 21. After working early Saturday morning, I hustled back to get in front of my Sony 46 HD to watch the LSU game with my favorite football crew, me. Cozied up on my sofa with Blackberry in hand for game-texting, I got to see Les Miles exorcise the demons of the ghost of Nick Saban. With incredible play calls in the second half, timely execution from the offense and a return to dominence from the defense, LSU gave Miles the biggest win of his tenure. Yes, bigger than the BCS, for this was all his. No Saban players, no Saban shadow. Miles has finally...finally escaped the gorilla of Saban for evermore. He is now 2-2 against his predecessor and is tied for the most wins over bama by an LSU coach. Tied, that is, with Saban who was 4-1 against bama.
Still Saturday: Dinner with the Mrs. Started with corn and crab soup, Italian salad followed by an incredible ribeye and a side of mashed potatoes. The shrimp etouffe subbing grits for rice on the wife's plate was breathtaking. Coffee and pecan pie drinched in caramel sauce still haunt my tasebuds.
Hornets defeat the Bucks to go 6-0.
Sunday: Saints 34-Panthers 3. The Saints followed last week's huge performance with another, getting on top of Carolina early and often then finishing with yet another dominant deffensive outing. The offense showed they are starting to find their rythmn. The bye comes next week at a perfect time as players nicked up can heal their wounds and prepared for the stretch run.
Sunday evening: Dinner at R&O's then off to the brilliant Rain. A tribute to the Beatles. I have five kids, The two oldest listen to Lil Wayne and Jay Z. My three youngest are into the Beatles. Go figure. Watching a 17,14 and 12 year old standing, clapping and chearing the Beatles and seeing the joy on their faces was like Christmas morning. Rain was as magnificant as advertised. It was as if the actual Beatles were onstage. A magical ride from their Ed Sullivan appearance through Sgt Pepper then Abbey Road. All songs played to perfection along with costumes and stage show to match.
Arrived home just in time to watch my oldest son's live report from Charlotte, NC where he was covering the Saints game for Fox 8 sports.
Still Sunday...late. Bedtime. As with all great things, this weekend has come to an end, but since it was so eventfull, I should be good for a while. At least until next weekend.
Life is good.
Friday: Brother Martin defeats Jesuit 28-27. My son plays in the band so it's always fun to watch the game and listen to the band play. Martin takes their band seriously and they practice very hard to make the games entertaining. There's a special moment after each game when the team gathers in front of the band as the fight song is playing, they hold their helmets above their heads in salute to the fans and band for their support as the fans applaud in apprecitation of a valiant effort. It's what's great about high school football. Oh, the game? Electric. Martin's star player, Dante Butler rushed for 267 yards and 3 touchdowns. The game was filled with lead changes and hard hitting, these rivals left it all out on the field in a great high school football game. Walking with my son to the car after the game, a lady dressed in Jesuit attire noticed his band uniform and graciously complimented the Martin band and congratulated him on their win. It demonstarted the class and mutual respect of these two traditional insitutions.
Hornets 96-Heat 93. During the Martin game, with frequent updates from my first son and eyeballing espn.com on my Blackberry, I was able to enjoy the Hornets extend their fast start to 5-0 by beating the next dream team, the Lebron, Dwayne and Bosh show.
Saturday: LSU 24-Alabama 21. After working early Saturday morning, I hustled back to get in front of my Sony 46 HD to watch the LSU game with my favorite football crew, me. Cozied up on my sofa with Blackberry in hand for game-texting, I got to see Les Miles exorcise the demons of the ghost of Nick Saban. With incredible play calls in the second half, timely execution from the offense and a return to dominence from the defense, LSU gave Miles the biggest win of his tenure. Yes, bigger than the BCS, for this was all his. No Saban players, no Saban shadow. Miles has finally...finally escaped the gorilla of Saban for evermore. He is now 2-2 against his predecessor and is tied for the most wins over bama by an LSU coach. Tied, that is, with Saban who was 4-1 against bama.
Still Saturday: Dinner with the Mrs. Started with corn and crab soup, Italian salad followed by an incredible ribeye and a side of mashed potatoes. The shrimp etouffe subbing grits for rice on the wife's plate was breathtaking. Coffee and pecan pie drinched in caramel sauce still haunt my tasebuds.
Hornets defeat the Bucks to go 6-0.
Sunday: Saints 34-Panthers 3. The Saints followed last week's huge performance with another, getting on top of Carolina early and often then finishing with yet another dominant deffensive outing. The offense showed they are starting to find their rythmn. The bye comes next week at a perfect time as players nicked up can heal their wounds and prepared for the stretch run.
Sunday evening: Dinner at R&O's then off to the brilliant Rain. A tribute to the Beatles. I have five kids, The two oldest listen to Lil Wayne and Jay Z. My three youngest are into the Beatles. Go figure. Watching a 17,14 and 12 year old standing, clapping and chearing the Beatles and seeing the joy on their faces was like Christmas morning. Rain was as magnificant as advertised. It was as if the actual Beatles were onstage. A magical ride from their Ed Sullivan appearance through Sgt Pepper then Abbey Road. All songs played to perfection along with costumes and stage show to match.
Arrived home just in time to watch my oldest son's live report from Charlotte, NC where he was covering the Saints game for Fox 8 sports.
Still Sunday...late. Bedtime. As with all great things, this weekend has come to an end, but since it was so eventfull, I should be good for a while. At least until next weekend.
Life is good.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Smelling the Perfume
Ok ok, so I was quiet for a couple weeks as I let the events of the state's biggest football teams play out. First I truly felt LSU had a good chance to beat Auburn. Wrong! Second, I felt that after their performance against Tampa Bay, the Saints had righted the ship and would cruise past 1-5 Cleveland and their 23rd ranked defense. So confident was I that I skipped the game and watched it on tv . After all ,why be inconvenienced by that dome crowd for what was certainly going to be a boring blow out. EeeYeaah no.
Needless to say I was dissapointed by the results of both games.
Although I'll never be knocked over by a feather when Les Miles is outcoached, Sean Payton is beginning to resemble the mad hatter with each passing week.
As the 1-5 Browns stumped the Saints on Tommy Bowden's old Tulane coaching philosphy,"trickery,deceit and deception", my mind kept drifting to something former LSU basketball coach Dale Brown once said, " praise is like perfume, smells good but tastes bitter".
Payton still smells the perfume.
We all know the deserved praise that was heaped on Payton after the Super Bowl. The man absolutely earned it. But praise in its highest form is so intoxicating you become unaware of the effect it has on you. Dissenting opinions are brushed aside as uninformed second guessers. Attention to obvious details are ignored. A sense of superiority overcomes you in such a way that you feel there couldn't be any possible way of doing things other than yours.
What other explaination could there be as to why the Saints were caught so off guard by the trickery of the Browns? A coach on his game would have sensed during the week that a desperate 1-5 football team with a thrid string rookie QB just might have some slight of hand ready to"steal a possession" and keep the game close. Afterall, that was Payton's calling card when the Saints were the hungry hunters. But there were the Browns with one trick after another and Payton just staring in confused amazement.
A coach like oh I don't know, Bill Walsh, would have realized that a former longtime player with quite possibly an ax to grind would help his coaches devise a gameplan designed to confuse and embarrass a hall of fame QB. Then maybe he'd make of an adjustment or two. A coach still smelling the perfume would arrogantly ignore this and march on without any sense that changes are needed. But there were the Browns forcing what many consider the best QB in the NFL to throw a career high four interceptions. Payton? No adjustments, just staring in confused amazement.
The signs of perfume smelling have been revealing themselves for weeks. It's why you let time cruely slip away in the closing minutes of a losing game that should never have been close to begin with. It's as if there was stunned disbelief that his team was actually losing to a vastly inferior team.
The perfume smelling seems to have permeated through the team. It's why a winless team with a rookie QB hangs around until the final play. Offensive linemen block by reaching instead of doing what my biddy basketball players did: "Slide your feet"! Receivers fumble on the opponets one yard line, don't fight for the extra yard on third and short, give up on routes and drop pass after pass after pass. Defensive backs go for picks when simply allowing a catch then making a tackle before the sticks would do. And don't even get me started on field goal kickers!
Payton loves to refer to his most influental mentor, Bill Parcells, in times of adversity. I couldn't think of a worse mentor. While Parcels was a great coach, he took bunker mentality to extraodinary heights. He seemingly had a visceral distain for people outside of the"bunker". Something Payton seems to be doing now. All this does is drive a wedge between the coach and his biggest PR department, the press. Which in turn gets the fans going. In New Orleans you want the fans on your side, believe me.
As for LSU, les miles managed to navigate his team bumbling,stumbling and fumbling to 7-0 and #6 ranking. However his team and their #3 ranked defense ran into the most dominate player in college football and had no answer. miles' problem continues to be deciding what to do with the QB situation. Personally, I thought Jordan Jefferson had his best game of the season against Auburn considering it's magnitude. His running style was the only part of the LSU offense they kept Auburn on their heels. It seems to me that a coach on his game would go with the hot hand at QB and ride him until it cools off. Subbing QB's series to series without consideration of the flow of the game disrupts an offesne's best friend, rythmn. Until he figures this out, LSU will continue to increase alcohol sales in Louisiana. But rest assured LSU fans ,ole les could never be accused of smelling the perfume.
Needless to say I was dissapointed by the results of both games.
Although I'll never be knocked over by a feather when Les Miles is outcoached, Sean Payton is beginning to resemble the mad hatter with each passing week.
As the 1-5 Browns stumped the Saints on Tommy Bowden's old Tulane coaching philosphy,"trickery,deceit and deception", my mind kept drifting to something former LSU basketball coach Dale Brown once said, " praise is like perfume, smells good but tastes bitter".
Payton still smells the perfume.
We all know the deserved praise that was heaped on Payton after the Super Bowl. The man absolutely earned it. But praise in its highest form is so intoxicating you become unaware of the effect it has on you. Dissenting opinions are brushed aside as uninformed second guessers. Attention to obvious details are ignored. A sense of superiority overcomes you in such a way that you feel there couldn't be any possible way of doing things other than yours.
What other explaination could there be as to why the Saints were caught so off guard by the trickery of the Browns? A coach on his game would have sensed during the week that a desperate 1-5 football team with a thrid string rookie QB just might have some slight of hand ready to"steal a possession" and keep the game close. Afterall, that was Payton's calling card when the Saints were the hungry hunters. But there were the Browns with one trick after another and Payton just staring in confused amazement.
A coach like oh I don't know, Bill Walsh, would have realized that a former longtime player with quite possibly an ax to grind would help his coaches devise a gameplan designed to confuse and embarrass a hall of fame QB. Then maybe he'd make of an adjustment or two. A coach still smelling the perfume would arrogantly ignore this and march on without any sense that changes are needed. But there were the Browns forcing what many consider the best QB in the NFL to throw a career high four interceptions. Payton? No adjustments, just staring in confused amazement.
The signs of perfume smelling have been revealing themselves for weeks. It's why you let time cruely slip away in the closing minutes of a losing game that should never have been close to begin with. It's as if there was stunned disbelief that his team was actually losing to a vastly inferior team.
The perfume smelling seems to have permeated through the team. It's why a winless team with a rookie QB hangs around until the final play. Offensive linemen block by reaching instead of doing what my biddy basketball players did: "Slide your feet"! Receivers fumble on the opponets one yard line, don't fight for the extra yard on third and short, give up on routes and drop pass after pass after pass. Defensive backs go for picks when simply allowing a catch then making a tackle before the sticks would do. And don't even get me started on field goal kickers!
Payton loves to refer to his most influental mentor, Bill Parcells, in times of adversity. I couldn't think of a worse mentor. While Parcels was a great coach, he took bunker mentality to extraodinary heights. He seemingly had a visceral distain for people outside of the"bunker". Something Payton seems to be doing now. All this does is drive a wedge between the coach and his biggest PR department, the press. Which in turn gets the fans going. In New Orleans you want the fans on your side, believe me.
As for LSU, les miles managed to navigate his team bumbling,stumbling and fumbling to 7-0 and #6 ranking. However his team and their #3 ranked defense ran into the most dominate player in college football and had no answer. miles' problem continues to be deciding what to do with the QB situation. Personally, I thought Jordan Jefferson had his best game of the season against Auburn considering it's magnitude. His running style was the only part of the LSU offense they kept Auburn on their heels. It seems to me that a coach on his game would go with the hot hand at QB and ride him until it cools off. Subbing QB's series to series without consideration of the flow of the game disrupts an offesne's best friend, rythmn. Until he figures this out, LSU will continue to increase alcohol sales in Louisiana. But rest assured LSU fans ,ole les could never be accused of smelling the perfume.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saints Offense has been Figured Out
I'll never forget comedian David Spade on Saturday Night Live in the late 90's as Weekend Update's Hollwood Minute reporter. A picture of then slumping box office icon Eddie Murphy appeared on the screen to his upper left, "look children, he said in bedtime story like excitment, "it's a falling star"! If Spade were doing a football version of that spot now, the Saints offense would be inserted where Murhy's name was. For a team who's resume boast the #1 ranked offense in three of the last four seasons, they by all means, are falling stars.
The first four subpar performances all were written off as flukes caused by the strength of their opponents. The Vikings had an axe to grind. The 49ers were embattled after week one and were in "rally the troops mode". The Falcons (a loss) and the Panthers(a near loss) were divisional foes familiar with the Saints offense therefore not in awe of their offensive expertise. But after the fifth straight and worse performance since somebody name Brooks was QB(considering their opponent), denial ain't just a river in Egypt.
Defending Super Bowl champions DO NOT lose to teams like the Cardinals! Sorry, just doesn't happen.
As fans and psuedo reporters, we all fell lock step in line with the refrain, enabling the defending champs. Giving them the benefit of the doubt. This, after all is Sean Payton and Drew Brees, world champion coach and QB. They must have it figured out. No cause for alarm.
Well I'm here to tell you folks, be alarmed!
This offense is a falling star! And in a big way!
They have been figured out!
You see, while Payton and Brees were out writing books and making appearances on every show from David Letterman to DR. Phil, defensive coordinators were breaking down footballs great equalizer. Film.
While Brees was figuring new pregame rituals and chants for the fans, defensive coaches were constructing game plans to take away his ability to change the complexion of a game with one play.
While the offensive line was celebrating being named OL of the year by doing what human behemeths do, EAT, defensive line coaches were designing multiple fronts to confuse and outmaneuver what has become an overweght and out of shape group of fat guys wearing football jerseys.
While the receivers were out celebrating their contributions to the NFL's best offense, they forgot how to catch the ball.
Before you accuse me of jumping the gun, consider the offense has gone against the 24th,26th and 29th ranked scoring defenses in 3 of 5 games. They needed a last second field goal to win one, a defensive stand to preserve a 16-14 win and then lost to the other, who also own the 30th ranked total defense.
Some will say that injuries are affecting the offense. Bull! Every team has injuries. The Saints defense is just as decimated with injuries and they have moved up from 25th last season to 18th this year. In fact, the defense is mainly reponsible for the Saints wins. Holding the leagues best RB to under 100 yards, coming up with big stop after big stop to get the offense the ball back and preserving the Carolina win.
So what's the problem? Same coach, same QB, same receivers and OL. One word.
Focus.
Their opponents have it in abundance, the Saints offense is lacking it.
Lack of focus leads to mental errors, penalties,dropped passes,turnovers and sacks. Have you ever seen more of any of these than this year? False starts, fumbles, interceptions, pressure on Brees. All has been in abundance in 2010.
Here's the problem. It's too late to go back to the drawing board. That is what offseason is for. It's not like Payton and Brees have a secret formaula on Airline Drive that will instantly cure the malaise. Payton, Brees and the offense have been caught with their pants down. With shrinkage!
Once you've been exposed, it's hard to get it back.
The first four subpar performances all were written off as flukes caused by the strength of their opponents. The Vikings had an axe to grind. The 49ers were embattled after week one and were in "rally the troops mode". The Falcons (a loss) and the Panthers(a near loss) were divisional foes familiar with the Saints offense therefore not in awe of their offensive expertise. But after the fifth straight and worse performance since somebody name Brooks was QB(considering their opponent), denial ain't just a river in Egypt.
Defending Super Bowl champions DO NOT lose to teams like the Cardinals! Sorry, just doesn't happen.
As fans and psuedo reporters, we all fell lock step in line with the refrain, enabling the defending champs. Giving them the benefit of the doubt. This, after all is Sean Payton and Drew Brees, world champion coach and QB. They must have it figured out. No cause for alarm.
Well I'm here to tell you folks, be alarmed!
This offense is a falling star! And in a big way!
They have been figured out!
You see, while Payton and Brees were out writing books and making appearances on every show from David Letterman to DR. Phil, defensive coordinators were breaking down footballs great equalizer. Film.
While Brees was figuring new pregame rituals and chants for the fans, defensive coaches were constructing game plans to take away his ability to change the complexion of a game with one play.
While the offensive line was celebrating being named OL of the year by doing what human behemeths do, EAT, defensive line coaches were designing multiple fronts to confuse and outmaneuver what has become an overweght and out of shape group of fat guys wearing football jerseys.
While the receivers were out celebrating their contributions to the NFL's best offense, they forgot how to catch the ball.
Before you accuse me of jumping the gun, consider the offense has gone against the 24th,26th and 29th ranked scoring defenses in 3 of 5 games. They needed a last second field goal to win one, a defensive stand to preserve a 16-14 win and then lost to the other, who also own the 30th ranked total defense.
Some will say that injuries are affecting the offense. Bull! Every team has injuries. The Saints defense is just as decimated with injuries and they have moved up from 25th last season to 18th this year. In fact, the defense is mainly reponsible for the Saints wins. Holding the leagues best RB to under 100 yards, coming up with big stop after big stop to get the offense the ball back and preserving the Carolina win.
So what's the problem? Same coach, same QB, same receivers and OL. One word.
Focus.
Their opponents have it in abundance, the Saints offense is lacking it.
Lack of focus leads to mental errors, penalties,dropped passes,turnovers and sacks. Have you ever seen more of any of these than this year? False starts, fumbles, interceptions, pressure on Brees. All has been in abundance in 2010.
Here's the problem. It's too late to go back to the drawing board. That is what offseason is for. It's not like Payton and Brees have a secret formaula on Airline Drive that will instantly cure the malaise. Payton, Brees and the offense have been caught with their pants down. With shrinkage!
Once you've been exposed, it's hard to get it back.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Payton Gets It
Brousing the headlines of NOLA.com, I came across one that jumped at me: "New Orleans Saints Invite Vandebilt High School Football Team to Friday's Practice". I don't have inside informantion on who's decision this was but it has Sean Payton written all over it. I say this after having read Payton's book. I get the sense that Payton knows not only that theres more to life than football, but he also knows what football can do for someone's life.
In case you didn't hear or if you live outside our state, Vandebilt Catholic is the school devastated last September when their starting QB and safety, along with two female students, died tradgically in a single vehicle accident while returning home from an LSU football game. It was also reported that, horrifically, the students texted their parents at 12:45 am to tell them they were close and would be home soon. When they did not show up by 3 am the parents started their own search. As a parent, this is THE nightmare. I can't help but feel Sean Payton, as a dad, was touched by this and extended the invitation. I'm always touched by such signs of good will because is shows that under the hard nosed , intense exterior of an NFL coach, it's somehow comforting to me knowing he is aware of the world outside the cocoon his profession places him.
Sean Payton is such a coach, he gets it. He has demonstrated this multiple times since becoming Saints head coach. He is willing to use his position to affect the lives of those in hardship. Whether its instilling joy into a young boy stricken with a terminal illness, busing his team to assist Katrina victims rebuild their house or bringing in a group of young men whose lives have been turned upside down, Payton gets it.
And I'm glad he gets it! Because it displays the human side of the people who get praised or cursed every week depending on the score of a game. In some cases criticism comes even after a victory.
I'm glad he gets it becuase I'm a Sean Payton fan. I would want someone that I'm a fan of to behave insuch a way.
I'm glad he gets it. He knows how ingrained into the culture football is in this part of the world. Bringing in these young men and the families of the victims could in no way ease the grief they are feeling, but this will be a good sign of support to get the healing process jump started.
It's a nice touch by a football coach who gets it.
And I'm glad he gets it.
While I'm at it, God bless the families and teammates of the those students lost way to soon.
In case you didn't hear or if you live outside our state, Vandebilt Catholic is the school devastated last September when their starting QB and safety, along with two female students, died tradgically in a single vehicle accident while returning home from an LSU football game. It was also reported that, horrifically, the students texted their parents at 12:45 am to tell them they were close and would be home soon. When they did not show up by 3 am the parents started their own search. As a parent, this is THE nightmare. I can't help but feel Sean Payton, as a dad, was touched by this and extended the invitation. I'm always touched by such signs of good will because is shows that under the hard nosed , intense exterior of an NFL coach, it's somehow comforting to me knowing he is aware of the world outside the cocoon his profession places him.
Sean Payton is such a coach, he gets it. He has demonstrated this multiple times since becoming Saints head coach. He is willing to use his position to affect the lives of those in hardship. Whether its instilling joy into a young boy stricken with a terminal illness, busing his team to assist Katrina victims rebuild their house or bringing in a group of young men whose lives have been turned upside down, Payton gets it.
And I'm glad he gets it! Because it displays the human side of the people who get praised or cursed every week depending on the score of a game. In some cases criticism comes even after a victory.
I'm glad he gets it becuase I'm a Sean Payton fan. I would want someone that I'm a fan of to behave insuch a way.
I'm glad he gets it. He knows how ingrained into the culture football is in this part of the world. Bringing in these young men and the families of the victims could in no way ease the grief they are feeling, but this will be a good sign of support to get the healing process jump started.
It's a nice touch by a football coach who gets it.
And I'm glad he gets it.
While I'm at it, God bless the families and teammates of the those students lost way to soon.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Miles is Just Lazy
Reliving the final minute of the LSU game in continued horror I remembered something I saw on an ESPN special called Gruden's Champ Camp. This was the brilliant program breaking down the Saints Super Bowl season with the always entertaining and, ironically the #1 choice of LSU faithful to be their next head coach, Jon Gruden. I remember his profile on the way Saints HC Sean Payton conducts practice. His amazement in particlular was the fact that Payton practices the Victory play. That's the play every football team uses as the QB kneels down to kill the final seconds of the game preserving victory. "Imagine", Gruden says, "Payton is so detail oriented he dedicates a segmnet of practice to this simple play"! Yes, I can imagine. Because Payton never wants his players to be surprsied by a situation on the footbal field. Because even though every player,coach and trainer is dying to end practice to get out of the scorching NOLA heat, Payton leaves no possible situation uncovered.
That is why what happened to LSU in the final seconds of the Tennesse game is simply unforgivably devastatingly unnacceptable! What makes it so damn outrageously egregious is it wasn't the first time. Ole Miss was less than a year ago! What this leaves me to believe is les miles is either stupid or lazy.
As much as his vocabulary points to the contrary, I don't think miles is stupid. But lazy? Hells yeah! In fact calling miles lazy is an insult to lazy people. When I say lazy, I'm not talking as in Garfield who sleeps all day and only wakes up to eat lasagna. I'm talking about a "we don't need to worry about it" attitude. "Practice Victory? We don't have to worry about that, it's a simple play" leads to "we don't need to practice end of game situations, we'll deal with that when the time comes". The result is what happened at LSU last Saturday, Ole Miss last season and others to many times to list.
Miles said it's embarrassing the way the game ended. Embarrassing? Burping in church is embarrassing. Humiliating is what happened to LSU yesterday. Already disrespected by the media, fans and coaches across the country, LSU has become a punchline in college football.
The problem for LSU fans is they won that game. They're 5-0. Can't get rid of a coach who is 5-0. All of miles' apologists love to quote his record in his defense. Wins agianst the ULMs and the LaTechs of the world, ugly or not, will continue, thus infalting miles' record. His recruiting classes are always in the top 10. Nevermind the fact that Hallman,DiNardo and Stovall were equally affective as recuiters because Louisiana and Southeast Texas is such fertile ground for football talent.
Miles is the clone of Charlie McClendon. Feed off the talent left by your predicessor then win just enough on your own to justify keeping your job. "Charlie Mac only loses to the Bear" said the enablers back then, "Les has a winning record" they say now. The plain truth is Charlie Mac stunted the program's growth back then and miles does now. With the massive expansion of the national media now compared to the McClendon era, these blunders become legendary overnight. Football fans as far away as Washington state bare witness to miles' ineptitude.
LSU fans are now in a conundrum. They want LSU to succeed but Les Miles to fail. The problem is he'll continue to do both in such fashion his demise (or lack thereof) will be debated as much as the need for a playoff in college football. Their only hope is for Rich Rodriguez to fail so badly at Michigan that they will hire Miles away from LSU. Well don't look now LSU fans, the Wolverines are also 5-0 and have an explosive QB. Scratch that idea. No, LSU fans, you are stuck with ole Les. Maybe he'll attend a Sean Payton coaches clinic next off season. Unless the circus is in town that day.
That is why what happened to LSU in the final seconds of the Tennesse game is simply unforgivably devastatingly unnacceptable! What makes it so damn outrageously egregious is it wasn't the first time. Ole Miss was less than a year ago! What this leaves me to believe is les miles is either stupid or lazy.
As much as his vocabulary points to the contrary, I don't think miles is stupid. But lazy? Hells yeah! In fact calling miles lazy is an insult to lazy people. When I say lazy, I'm not talking as in Garfield who sleeps all day and only wakes up to eat lasagna. I'm talking about a "we don't need to worry about it" attitude. "Practice Victory? We don't have to worry about that, it's a simple play" leads to "we don't need to practice end of game situations, we'll deal with that when the time comes". The result is what happened at LSU last Saturday, Ole Miss last season and others to many times to list.
Miles said it's embarrassing the way the game ended. Embarrassing? Burping in church is embarrassing. Humiliating is what happened to LSU yesterday. Already disrespected by the media, fans and coaches across the country, LSU has become a punchline in college football.
The problem for LSU fans is they won that game. They're 5-0. Can't get rid of a coach who is 5-0. All of miles' apologists love to quote his record in his defense. Wins agianst the ULMs and the LaTechs of the world, ugly or not, will continue, thus infalting miles' record. His recruiting classes are always in the top 10. Nevermind the fact that Hallman,DiNardo and Stovall were equally affective as recuiters because Louisiana and Southeast Texas is such fertile ground for football talent.
Miles is the clone of Charlie McClendon. Feed off the talent left by your predicessor then win just enough on your own to justify keeping your job. "Charlie Mac only loses to the Bear" said the enablers back then, "Les has a winning record" they say now. The plain truth is Charlie Mac stunted the program's growth back then and miles does now. With the massive expansion of the national media now compared to the McClendon era, these blunders become legendary overnight. Football fans as far away as Washington state bare witness to miles' ineptitude.
LSU fans are now in a conundrum. They want LSU to succeed but Les Miles to fail. The problem is he'll continue to do both in such fashion his demise (or lack thereof) will be debated as much as the need for a playoff in college football. Their only hope is for Rich Rodriguez to fail so badly at Michigan that they will hire Miles away from LSU. Well don't look now LSU fans, the Wolverines are also 5-0 and have an explosive QB. Scratch that idea. No, LSU fans, you are stuck with ole Les. Maybe he'll attend a Sean Payton coaches clinic next off season. Unless the circus is in town that day.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It's in their head
In today's sports world of "what have you done for me lately", the Saints and LSU are asking themselves the same question about two players who've lately for me haven't done much good.
In LSU's case, the QB position has gone from a weakness to outright liability. We all knew the starter was coming into the year with questions but this is ridiculous. The LSU QB is the lone reason they've been in close games instead of blow outs in three of their four wins.
First it was his technique. Bad footwork , holding on to the ball to long, can't read a defense, locks in on receivers,etc.etc. But now you have an evan bigger factor...his mental status. The pressure of performing at the higest level of college football and to do well has made him a basket case. In other words...
It's in his head.
Of all positons in football, QB is the worst to have head issues. If your QB doubts himself every move he makes, your offense suffers. There's an old saying in football, "hit the QB and the whole team feels it". It's feels it worse if the hit is self inflicted. It leads to sacks, high throws,short throws and turnovers, and that's just on the field. Off the field a whole other set of problems come up. Once losses result there's a mutiny on hand and things spiral downward quickly.
To cut this off the head coach must step in and make a change. Make a change for team morale, especially as the defense and special teams are playng at BCS championship levels. Make a change for the coachng staff who put in hours of work breaking down film, conducting meetings and teachng on the field. Make a change for the fans who work hard all week and look forward to seeing their favorite team go to war with all weapons on the ready. Make a change for the head coach to call off the wolves chomping at his hide week after week.
But mostly, above all and for HIS sake, make a change for the QB himself. For him, so he doesn't have to worry after every play if he'll be booed, if he'll let down his teammates,coaches, family or himself. To me it's worse to keep sending a QB back on the field , setting him up for more failure and humiliation, when it's painfully obvious to all who will see that he is struggling badly. Make a change.
It's in his head.
In the case of the Saints you have a kicker, Garrett Hartley, coming off a dream season. He kicked his team into the Super Bowl, set a record for most kicks beyond 40 yards in that Super Bowl. Had his own float in the parade to honor that team.
That was last season.
This season started with two missed field goals, one from approximately the same spot of championship kick, the other from much closer in. Not only did he miss, he missed badly. He missed so bad that it caused doubt to creep in. In other words...
It's in his head.
Hartley now has to deal not only with the pressure of being the kicker on a team that looks toward another Super Bowl, but with a kicker's worst enemy in his head...doubt. That doubt, by his own admission, invaded his pysche on the overtime try against Atlanta resulting in a shank. A shank so bad the fans in the 20 yard line seats were seen scrambling for the souvenir. Doubt is why a kicker possessing the skills the likes of only a handfull of men in America misses a chip shot so close he could normally make blindfolded, leftfooted with one hand tied behind his back. Doubt is why a team with feelings of loyalty bring in an older kicker for a sideline episode of In Treatment. Doubt is the reason a change must be made.
Make a change for the fans, players,coaches and himself so now of us have to bite our nails, hide our faces or simply look the other way when he is sent out for another "chip shot" game winning field goal.
In LSU's case, the QB position has gone from a weakness to outright liability. We all knew the starter was coming into the year with questions but this is ridiculous. The LSU QB is the lone reason they've been in close games instead of blow outs in three of their four wins.
First it was his technique. Bad footwork , holding on to the ball to long, can't read a defense, locks in on receivers,etc.etc. But now you have an evan bigger factor...his mental status. The pressure of performing at the higest level of college football and to do well has made him a basket case. In other words...
It's in his head.
Of all positons in football, QB is the worst to have head issues. If your QB doubts himself every move he makes, your offense suffers. There's an old saying in football, "hit the QB and the whole team feels it". It's feels it worse if the hit is self inflicted. It leads to sacks, high throws,short throws and turnovers, and that's just on the field. Off the field a whole other set of problems come up. Once losses result there's a mutiny on hand and things spiral downward quickly.
To cut this off the head coach must step in and make a change. Make a change for team morale, especially as the defense and special teams are playng at BCS championship levels. Make a change for the coachng staff who put in hours of work breaking down film, conducting meetings and teachng on the field. Make a change for the fans who work hard all week and look forward to seeing their favorite team go to war with all weapons on the ready. Make a change for the head coach to call off the wolves chomping at his hide week after week.
But mostly, above all and for HIS sake, make a change for the QB himself. For him, so he doesn't have to worry after every play if he'll be booed, if he'll let down his teammates,coaches, family or himself. To me it's worse to keep sending a QB back on the field , setting him up for more failure and humiliation, when it's painfully obvious to all who will see that he is struggling badly. Make a change.
It's in his head.
In the case of the Saints you have a kicker, Garrett Hartley, coming off a dream season. He kicked his team into the Super Bowl, set a record for most kicks beyond 40 yards in that Super Bowl. Had his own float in the parade to honor that team.
That was last season.
This season started with two missed field goals, one from approximately the same spot of championship kick, the other from much closer in. Not only did he miss, he missed badly. He missed so bad that it caused doubt to creep in. In other words...
It's in his head.
Hartley now has to deal not only with the pressure of being the kicker on a team that looks toward another Super Bowl, but with a kicker's worst enemy in his head...doubt. That doubt, by his own admission, invaded his pysche on the overtime try against Atlanta resulting in a shank. A shank so bad the fans in the 20 yard line seats were seen scrambling for the souvenir. Doubt is why a kicker possessing the skills the likes of only a handfull of men in America misses a chip shot so close he could normally make blindfolded, leftfooted with one hand tied behind his back. Doubt is why a team with feelings of loyalty bring in an older kicker for a sideline episode of In Treatment. Doubt is the reason a change must be made.
Make a change for the fans, players,coaches and himself so now of us have to bite our nails, hide our faces or simply look the other way when he is sent out for another "chip shot" game winning field goal.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Saints Version 3.0 Instill Calm
Sitting in my local watering hole watching the Saints beat the 49ers 25-22 on a last second field goal, I noticed something about myself. As the Saints were driving toward the game winning field goal, I was calm. Here were my beloved Saints in a do or die situation in San Francisco and I was cool as Knight from Real World. What up wit dat?
If you know me you know the last thing I am when it comes to watching the Saints is calm. In fact, if I were ever hooked to an EKG during a Saints game, a crash cart would have to be on stand by ready to hit me with the defib. Yet here I was completely at ease.
Can you blame me though? These are not your father's Saints, not even your uncle's Saints. Hell, not even your brother's Saints. These are the new Saints, version 3.0. The Saints 3.0 win games at the end, not blow them. These Saints allow the other team to commit crucial penalties, agonizing turnovers and game ending drives. These Saints close out games not leave the door open.
Remember the phrase "they left to much time on the clock"? That was the phrase most often used for the Saints when they were banging their heads against the Candelstick Park wall in the 80's and 90's as the likes of Joe Montana and Steve Young were stealing victory from the back pockets of the Saints. Shoot, even some guy named Steve Bono got into the act during the Saints 1992 run to the divisional runner up spot. Remember? The Jim Mora coached 12-4 team? Finished second in the division to the 14-2 49ers?
The Saints verion 3.0 are now the team that make the likes of the 49ers players sit in their locker room and ponder the what ifs. Now THEY are the ones sitting in the lockers wondering "how in God's glory did we just lose this game"? Their fans are the ones who must walk the ramps of their home stadium in drunken disgust knowing we HAD the champs in our grasps and let them slip away. They now are the ones who must deal with the sickness in the pits of their stomachs as they watch the visiting fans dancing and celebrating out the stadium. Breaze is not just wind swirling in Candelstick anymore, Brees is now in their heads. Like Montana was to Saints fans. Just ask the folks in Minnesota, Indianapolis, Washington, Phoenix, etc. etc. etc.
So remember Saints fans, the next time you're biting your pillow, pacing the floor or burying your face in your hands as the Saints' game is coming down to the wire, CALM DOWN!
These are the new Saints, version 3.0
If you know me you know the last thing I am when it comes to watching the Saints is calm. In fact, if I were ever hooked to an EKG during a Saints game, a crash cart would have to be on stand by ready to hit me with the defib. Yet here I was completely at ease.
Can you blame me though? These are not your father's Saints, not even your uncle's Saints. Hell, not even your brother's Saints. These are the new Saints, version 3.0. The Saints 3.0 win games at the end, not blow them. These Saints allow the other team to commit crucial penalties, agonizing turnovers and game ending drives. These Saints close out games not leave the door open.
Remember the phrase "they left to much time on the clock"? That was the phrase most often used for the Saints when they were banging their heads against the Candelstick Park wall in the 80's and 90's as the likes of Joe Montana and Steve Young were stealing victory from the back pockets of the Saints. Shoot, even some guy named Steve Bono got into the act during the Saints 1992 run to the divisional runner up spot. Remember? The Jim Mora coached 12-4 team? Finished second in the division to the 14-2 49ers?
The Saints verion 3.0 are now the team that make the likes of the 49ers players sit in their locker room and ponder the what ifs. Now THEY are the ones sitting in the lockers wondering "how in God's glory did we just lose this game"? Their fans are the ones who must walk the ramps of their home stadium in drunken disgust knowing we HAD the champs in our grasps and let them slip away. They now are the ones who must deal with the sickness in the pits of their stomachs as they watch the visiting fans dancing and celebrating out the stadium. Breaze is not just wind swirling in Candelstick anymore, Brees is now in their heads. Like Montana was to Saints fans. Just ask the folks in Minnesota, Indianapolis, Washington, Phoenix, etc. etc. etc.
So remember Saints fans, the next time you're biting your pillow, pacing the floor or burying your face in your hands as the Saints' game is coming down to the wire, CALM DOWN!
These are the new Saints, version 3.0
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Ready to Blast off for Second Year Coordinators
When you look at the two biggest football teams in Louisiana, you see two big similarities. The two have defensive coordinators in year two. You also don't need xray vision to see that these two have put their stamp on their two squads. OK ,enough wiht the twos already!
Alright, but it can't be denied that Greg Williams and John Chavis have done what they were brought in to do.
It didn't take long for New Orleans Saints' DC Greg Williams to change the culture of a defense that was an after thought in Sean Peyton's first three years as head coach. We all know that while the Saints enjoyed the #1 offense in the NFL in two(there's that number again) out of three years, the defense was less then spectaular, in fact it was pretty lousy.
In 2008 alone, the 8-8 Saints blew fourth quarter leads in nearly half of their 8 losses, finishing one game out of the playoffs. That defense finished 26th in scoring while the offense was first. So what did Peyton do? Something his predecessor refused to, cut ties with his long time friend, coaching associate and third year DC Gary Gibbs. Peyton recognized what previous Saints HC Jim Haslett would not or could not, the defense needed a change in leadership.
From day one of mini-camp the change in culture took hold. The defense becaome uber-aggressive. If nothing else was accomplinshed, that alone set the stage for what was in store for opposing offenses in 2009. The Saints D will challenge you every play of every day. The #1 objective? Create turnovers. The result? The Saints rocketed from -4 or 22nd in the giveaway /takeaway ratio to +11, #3 in the NFL. That stat alone made the switch worth it.
Now in year two of Williams system, the Saints D looks more aggressive and aimes to improve other areas. The most important being points allowed. The Saints under Williams did improve from 26th to 20th in the league, that number has to come down. Judging from game one it looks like they are on the right track. The Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 14-9, the fewest points ever for a win in the Peyton era. Why? Because Wlliams boys stuffed the running of Adrien Peterson causing a rusty Brett Favre to carry the load. He couldn't. Saints win.
In Baton Rouge, good defense is not only expected but demanded. LSU fans throughout the years could always hang their hat on a tough SEC caliber defense. So in 2008, coming off a BCS championship, head coach les miles decided to go with co-coordinators to replace the departed Bo Pelini. That was doomed from the start. Realizing, to his credit, co-cordinators would not work at LSU, miles made the switch and brought in Chavis.
Chavis, who came from the University of Tennesse where his defenses were always highly respected in the SEC, went right to work instilling leadership and discipline. Year one's defense yeilded 103 less points than 2008, 68 less than the BCS title team of 2007. The early returns on year two are promising. Despite a meltdown in the fourth quarter of the UNC game, Chavis' defense have looked faster,quicker and more physical. They have dominated their opponent for 7 out of eight quarters with aggressive run stuffing coupled with more bltitzing. Outside that quarter LSU has surrendured only 13 points. Because Chavis' defenses have always improved as the season progressed, this bolds well for LSU fans hoping the Tigers return to the days of hearing the band play the Chinese Bandits salute.
A huge caveat in 2010 is the poor quarterback play by the offense which could be the worst enemy of the LSU defense. Since LSU has no SEC caliber QB and the risk of leaving the D on the field to long wearing them out, look for the offense to go to a more conservative running and short passing game.
In year one in charge of their defenses, Willimas and Chavis changed the culture, laid the foundation and provided a launching pad. In year two they're ready to blast off.
Alright, but it can't be denied that Greg Williams and John Chavis have done what they were brought in to do.
It didn't take long for New Orleans Saints' DC Greg Williams to change the culture of a defense that was an after thought in Sean Peyton's first three years as head coach. We all know that while the Saints enjoyed the #1 offense in the NFL in two(there's that number again) out of three years, the defense was less then spectaular, in fact it was pretty lousy.
In 2008 alone, the 8-8 Saints blew fourth quarter leads in nearly half of their 8 losses, finishing one game out of the playoffs. That defense finished 26th in scoring while the offense was first. So what did Peyton do? Something his predecessor refused to, cut ties with his long time friend, coaching associate and third year DC Gary Gibbs. Peyton recognized what previous Saints HC Jim Haslett would not or could not, the defense needed a change in leadership.
From day one of mini-camp the change in culture took hold. The defense becaome uber-aggressive. If nothing else was accomplinshed, that alone set the stage for what was in store for opposing offenses in 2009. The Saints D will challenge you every play of every day. The #1 objective? Create turnovers. The result? The Saints rocketed from -4 or 22nd in the giveaway /takeaway ratio to +11, #3 in the NFL. That stat alone made the switch worth it.
Now in year two of Williams system, the Saints D looks more aggressive and aimes to improve other areas. The most important being points allowed. The Saints under Williams did improve from 26th to 20th in the league, that number has to come down. Judging from game one it looks like they are on the right track. The Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 14-9, the fewest points ever for a win in the Peyton era. Why? Because Wlliams boys stuffed the running of Adrien Peterson causing a rusty Brett Favre to carry the load. He couldn't. Saints win.
In Baton Rouge, good defense is not only expected but demanded. LSU fans throughout the years could always hang their hat on a tough SEC caliber defense. So in 2008, coming off a BCS championship, head coach les miles decided to go with co-coordinators to replace the departed Bo Pelini. That was doomed from the start. Realizing, to his credit, co-cordinators would not work at LSU, miles made the switch and brought in Chavis.
Chavis, who came from the University of Tennesse where his defenses were always highly respected in the SEC, went right to work instilling leadership and discipline. Year one's defense yeilded 103 less points than 2008, 68 less than the BCS title team of 2007. The early returns on year two are promising. Despite a meltdown in the fourth quarter of the UNC game, Chavis' defense have looked faster,quicker and more physical. They have dominated their opponent for 7 out of eight quarters with aggressive run stuffing coupled with more bltitzing. Outside that quarter LSU has surrendured only 13 points. Because Chavis' defenses have always improved as the season progressed, this bolds well for LSU fans hoping the Tigers return to the days of hearing the band play the Chinese Bandits salute.
A huge caveat in 2010 is the poor quarterback play by the offense which could be the worst enemy of the LSU defense. Since LSU has no SEC caliber QB and the risk of leaving the D on the field to long wearing them out, look for the offense to go to a more conservative running and short passing game.
In year one in charge of their defenses, Willimas and Chavis changed the culture, laid the foundation and provided a launching pad. In year two they're ready to blast off.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Now THAT'S les miles Football
If any of you hear me on the radio (Fridays 1pm-2pm on 690am WIST), last Friday you would have heard as close to a mea culpa toward les miles that I could possibly make. If you read this you also know what little respect I have for les miles' coaching ability. Last Friday (9/3) I predicted that despite les miles, LSU's schedule sets up to be a possible BCS bowl season.
Well it's Sunday after game one and those regurgitated words are already stuck in my throat. I say this because of the events that unfolded last night.
We all know the story. LSU's opponent, UNC, was devastatingly undermanned due to NCAA and self imposed suspensions. They were also distracted because these suspensions came down the day before the game. LSU is returning a 3rd year QB, 4th year RB and WR, and a 5th year RB amongst other 4 and 5 star recruits. Included in this group is the #1 ranked overall player in the country, the #1 rated WR in the country and the #1 defensive player in the country, all second and third year players. You get where I'm going with this. LSU is loaded with experienced talent, period.
This should have been a game LSU fans were embarrassed about because they ran up the score on a defenseless bunch of back ups and sub par ACC starters. A team in disarray. A game where ESPN commentators were blasting les miles for leaving Jordan Jefferson in during the 4th quarter with such a big lead.
For three quarters this game was looking like just that. LSU led 30-10 and was inside the UNC 15 yard line when Steven Ridley scored a touchdown that made it 37-10. Now in Tuscaloosa, Gainesville or Austin this would have been the final nail in the coffin of a team that put up a valiant fight under extremely challenging conditions.
But this is Baton Rouge, well Atl in this case, but you know what I mean. This is les miles football, baby!
After leading 30-10 and scoring an apparent td the following happen in the 4th quarter:
1. That nail clinching TD was nullified by a holding penalty
2. That 3rd year qb Jordan Jefferson lost 20 yards on grounding penalty putting his team out of field goal range
3. After pinning UNC at their three yard line with 10:14 showing on the clock and before I could finish the thought in my head "just don't give up a big play here and ...", the defense, which had dominated for 3 quarters gives up a 97 yard td pass..30-17
4. Another LSU holding penalty, LSU punts
5. UNC drives, scores a td on the nations best red zone defense from last season...30-24
6. UNC recovers an onsides kick
7. LSU's D gets up from the mat and holds on 4th down with a great blitz from freshman Tyronn Mathieu
8. LSU runnig back Steven Ridley, a senior, in the midst of running for the game clinching 1st down fumbles
9.UNC drives to LSU's 5 yard line and on the final play of the game has a chance to score the go ahead touchdown
10. they fail!!!!
LSU wins!!!!!!
Only among LSU fans there was no !!!!. No celebrton for surviving such a debacle. Every LSU fan that I know was pissed! Even the most fervent defenders of les miles were calling for his head. In general, the concensus among LSU faithful was embarrassment. After WINNING a game, LSU fans were embarrassed!
Why?
14 pealties, 5 turnovers and again blowing a 4th quarter lead!
How does this keep happening!?
Because in the 6th year of his program, les miles' team still makes the same mistakes at the same time the same way. In short, they show NO SIGN of improvement. From the 3rd year qb who couldn't find a secondary receiver with a GPS device to a 4th year rb who couldn't protect the ball in a Wells Fargo truck.
Why?
Because les miles does not demand this from his players. He may say the words, but he doesn't demand it. If anyone watched ESPN's coverage of Alabama'a fall practices, you witnessed a coach who demands improvement from his players. His mantra? Win every play every day. He doesn't just say it he demands it. That team hasn't lost a regular season game in 3 years.
les miles? He overslept on game day. That's all you need to know.
THAT'S les miles football!
Well it's Sunday after game one and those regurgitated words are already stuck in my throat. I say this because of the events that unfolded last night.
We all know the story. LSU's opponent, UNC, was devastatingly undermanned due to NCAA and self imposed suspensions. They were also distracted because these suspensions came down the day before the game. LSU is returning a 3rd year QB, 4th year RB and WR, and a 5th year RB amongst other 4 and 5 star recruits. Included in this group is the #1 ranked overall player in the country, the #1 rated WR in the country and the #1 defensive player in the country, all second and third year players. You get where I'm going with this. LSU is loaded with experienced talent, period.
This should have been a game LSU fans were embarrassed about because they ran up the score on a defenseless bunch of back ups and sub par ACC starters. A team in disarray. A game where ESPN commentators were blasting les miles for leaving Jordan Jefferson in during the 4th quarter with such a big lead.
For three quarters this game was looking like just that. LSU led 30-10 and was inside the UNC 15 yard line when Steven Ridley scored a touchdown that made it 37-10. Now in Tuscaloosa, Gainesville or Austin this would have been the final nail in the coffin of a team that put up a valiant fight under extremely challenging conditions.
But this is Baton Rouge, well Atl in this case, but you know what I mean. This is les miles football, baby!
After leading 30-10 and scoring an apparent td the following happen in the 4th quarter:
1. That nail clinching TD was nullified by a holding penalty
2. That 3rd year qb Jordan Jefferson lost 20 yards on grounding penalty putting his team out of field goal range
3. After pinning UNC at their three yard line with 10:14 showing on the clock and before I could finish the thought in my head "just don't give up a big play here and ...", the defense, which had dominated for 3 quarters gives up a 97 yard td pass..30-17
4. Another LSU holding penalty, LSU punts
5. UNC drives, scores a td on the nations best red zone defense from last season...30-24
6. UNC recovers an onsides kick
7. LSU's D gets up from the mat and holds on 4th down with a great blitz from freshman Tyronn Mathieu
8. LSU runnig back Steven Ridley, a senior, in the midst of running for the game clinching 1st down fumbles
9.UNC drives to LSU's 5 yard line and on the final play of the game has a chance to score the go ahead touchdown
10. they fail!!!!
LSU wins!!!!!!
Only among LSU fans there was no !!!!. No celebrton for surviving such a debacle. Every LSU fan that I know was pissed! Even the most fervent defenders of les miles were calling for his head. In general, the concensus among LSU faithful was embarrassment. After WINNING a game, LSU fans were embarrassed!
Why?
14 pealties, 5 turnovers and again blowing a 4th quarter lead!
How does this keep happening!?
Because in the 6th year of his program, les miles' team still makes the same mistakes at the same time the same way. In short, they show NO SIGN of improvement. From the 3rd year qb who couldn't find a secondary receiver with a GPS device to a 4th year rb who couldn't protect the ball in a Wells Fargo truck.
Why?
Because les miles does not demand this from his players. He may say the words, but he doesn't demand it. If anyone watched ESPN's coverage of Alabama'a fall practices, you witnessed a coach who demands improvement from his players. His mantra? Win every play every day. He doesn't just say it he demands it. That team hasn't lost a regular season game in 3 years.
les miles? He overslept on game day. That's all you need to know.
THAT'S les miles football!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Favre...what a drama queen
Brett Favre showed up at the Minnesota Vikings traing facility to meet with the organization to discuss the possibility of his return. In a scene right out of the O.J. white Bronco drama, Vikings cladded fans lined the streets to get a glimpse into the black BMW with tinted windows. Tweets, Facebook posts and text messages clogged cyber space from the Mall of the Americas to Bristol, Conn.
This after 3 players flew down to Mississippi to sway the long time gunslinger to return for one more run at the Super Bowl.
In a league full of drama queens, Favre holds the trophy.
Hey Vikings, have you NO shame?!
Where is your manhood?!
I haven't seen a guy chased by other guys like this since I unwittingly stumbled onto the wrong street during Southern Decadance week. Brett must feel like the lead queen at the Madri Gras drag ball.
"Now Brett, you know we cannot perform at full capasssity without you leading usth with your manly slapsss on our tushies"
"Coach has made usth all get mani-pedis to prepare jusths for your arrival"
"Pleeeeease Brett", holding his leg as he tries to walk away, "we promise, you won't have to rehearse". "Just show up and give it up like the Brett we know"!
"I dunno,boys", chaw juice dripping down his chin. "My ankle just won't do raight"...spits..."sides, dares sum armadillas running free on myland dat need shootin and my pick up needs a good washin"
"No Brett!" "Don't say it!" " Don't even think it!" "Tevaras can't throw like you, and Sage always cracks under pressure!" "NO, it MUST be you or we're not leaving"
"Ok boayz", hands on hips and looking up to the sky,squinting and speaking just above a whisper, "I'll come up, but I cain't promise nuttin. I'm just commin ta taulk. Don't getcha hopes up, but we'll see"
So up he came. All those Vikings boys are partying. The fans are making plans to be in Dallas in February.
But wait.
He's only here to "talk".
He wants to be courted harder.
He hasn't heard enough grovelling. He wants big time pimpin. He wants Zygi Wilf on his knees in the "we're not worhting" position.
Thats when he'll agree to play then reveal...
"Jus kidd'n, I was coming back all along...gotcha"
The teams exhaults in cheer and joins for a group hug.
This after 3 players flew down to Mississippi to sway the long time gunslinger to return for one more run at the Super Bowl.
In a league full of drama queens, Favre holds the trophy.
Hey Vikings, have you NO shame?!
Where is your manhood?!
I haven't seen a guy chased by other guys like this since I unwittingly stumbled onto the wrong street during Southern Decadance week. Brett must feel like the lead queen at the Madri Gras drag ball.
"Now Brett, you know we cannot perform at full capasssity without you leading usth with your manly slapsss on our tushies"
"Coach has made usth all get mani-pedis to prepare jusths for your arrival"
"Pleeeeease Brett", holding his leg as he tries to walk away, "we promise, you won't have to rehearse". "Just show up and give it up like the Brett we know"!
"I dunno,boys", chaw juice dripping down his chin. "My ankle just won't do raight"...spits..."sides, dares sum armadillas running free on myland dat need shootin and my pick up needs a good washin"
"No Brett!" "Don't say it!" " Don't even think it!" "Tevaras can't throw like you, and Sage always cracks under pressure!" "NO, it MUST be you or we're not leaving"
"Ok boayz", hands on hips and looking up to the sky,squinting and speaking just above a whisper, "I'll come up, but I cain't promise nuttin. I'm just commin ta taulk. Don't getcha hopes up, but we'll see"
So up he came. All those Vikings boys are partying. The fans are making plans to be in Dallas in February.
But wait.
He's only here to "talk".
He wants to be courted harder.
He hasn't heard enough grovelling. He wants big time pimpin. He wants Zygi Wilf on his knees in the "we're not worhting" position.
Thats when he'll agree to play then reveal...
"Jus kidd'n, I was coming back all along...gotcha"
The teams exhaults in cheer and joins for a group hug.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Saban owns Miles...again!
When LSU head coach Les Miles made the announcement at the 2007 Bayou Bash, "we now have a rivalry, f***ing Alabama", the crowd at the event went crazy. Apparently then newly hired Alabama head coach Nick Saban, the target of Miles' angered testimony, went a little crazy as well. Seems he took Les up on that challenge and has set to beat Miles at every turn since. Except for 2007 in Tuscaloosa, this has been no rivalry. Saban has owned Miles. I mean OWN! Hands down, papers in hand, has the deed to prove it own! Although the games played between the two teams have been
competitive, Saban has taken 2 out of 3.
But the real beat down has been in recruiting.
It started the same year of Miles' declaration.
In 2007 DE Luther Davis went on national TV at the US Army all-star game and donned an LSU cap as he commited to the Tigers in front of the whole world. Weeks later he went on a weekend visit with Saban. He is now the starting DE for Alabama.
In 2008, Kenny Bell, a highly touted WR from Rayville,LA, committed as a junior to LSU for the 09 class. Just before signing day, Bell visited Saban for a last minute recuiting trip just to check it out. He is now a redshirt freshman battling for a spot on the 2-deep depth chart for...Alabama.
Same class, Darrington Sentimore from Narco, LA, a DE from Destrehan High School narrowed his choice for college ball between LSU and Saban U...winner?..'Bama.
The same can also be said of Dutchtown RB Eddie Lacey from Geismar,LA. He is the now #3 RB on the depth chart behind Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingam and sophomore phenom Trent Richardson( more on Richardson later). Normally #3 is not the ideal place to be, but considering how much Saban relys on the running game, Lacy figures to see quality playing time this season.
Miles does no better with national recruits either. There have been national prospects on LSU and Saban U's collision course as well. Saban has landed every, not some, every one. Trent Richardson was considered an LSU lean throughout the 2008-09 recruiting season, after a weekend visit, Saban swayed the gifted RB to wear the crimson and white. Dre Kirkpatrick had LSU as a finalist for his services, he's currently the #1 CB for the Tide. Why?..Saban.
The latest chapter in this want-to-be rivalry is the announcment today of Tampa,FL 4 star QB Phillip Ely. He will play his college ball at Saban U. Up until the announcement LSU was considered the odds on leader for the elite 11 QB. They were in on him early. Were the first major college program to offer. They kept in constant contact with the QB who has lost zero starts in his high school career. They were one of only three schools thought to even be considered by Ely. Clemson and Ole Miss being the other two. Two nice programs but not on LSU's caliber. Maybe.
"About 4 weeks ago, Saban and I talked and he laid it all on the table for me with an offer," said Ely(pronounced e-lee). "Once I got that offer, I pretty much knew where I wanted to go. This really is a dream to play for a school the caliber of Alabama."
I stand corrected. LSU is the same caliber as Ole Miss and Clemson now that Miles has full rein of the program. A nice place to consider until the real programs come calling.
In fairness, Miles has landed some impressive recruits. He has been top 10 in all but 1 recruiting class since becoming LSU's coach. But I combed the LSU depth chart and for the life of me I can't find one player Saban U really coveted. Nor can I find any player from Alabama that Saban sought.
As for the rivalry? F***ing Alabama has dominated. Actually dominate is not a strong enough word. What word would be more powerful than dominate?...
Owned sounds about right.
competitive, Saban has taken 2 out of 3.
But the real beat down has been in recruiting.
It started the same year of Miles' declaration.
In 2007 DE Luther Davis went on national TV at the US Army all-star game and donned an LSU cap as he commited to the Tigers in front of the whole world. Weeks later he went on a weekend visit with Saban. He is now the starting DE for Alabama.
In 2008, Kenny Bell, a highly touted WR from Rayville,LA, committed as a junior to LSU for the 09 class. Just before signing day, Bell visited Saban for a last minute recuiting trip just to check it out. He is now a redshirt freshman battling for a spot on the 2-deep depth chart for...Alabama.
Same class, Darrington Sentimore from Narco, LA, a DE from Destrehan High School narrowed his choice for college ball between LSU and Saban U...winner?..'Bama.
The same can also be said of Dutchtown RB Eddie Lacey from Geismar,LA. He is the now #3 RB on the depth chart behind Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingam and sophomore phenom Trent Richardson( more on Richardson later). Normally #3 is not the ideal place to be, but considering how much Saban relys on the running game, Lacy figures to see quality playing time this season.
Miles does no better with national recruits either. There have been national prospects on LSU and Saban U's collision course as well. Saban has landed every, not some, every one. Trent Richardson was considered an LSU lean throughout the 2008-09 recruiting season, after a weekend visit, Saban swayed the gifted RB to wear the crimson and white. Dre Kirkpatrick had LSU as a finalist for his services, he's currently the #1 CB for the Tide. Why?..Saban.
The latest chapter in this want-to-be rivalry is the announcment today of Tampa,FL 4 star QB Phillip Ely. He will play his college ball at Saban U. Up until the announcement LSU was considered the odds on leader for the elite 11 QB. They were in on him early. Were the first major college program to offer. They kept in constant contact with the QB who has lost zero starts in his high school career. They were one of only three schools thought to even be considered by Ely. Clemson and Ole Miss being the other two. Two nice programs but not on LSU's caliber. Maybe.
"About 4 weeks ago, Saban and I talked and he laid it all on the table for me with an offer," said Ely(pronounced e-lee). "Once I got that offer, I pretty much knew where I wanted to go. This really is a dream to play for a school the caliber of Alabama."
I stand corrected. LSU is the same caliber as Ole Miss and Clemson now that Miles has full rein of the program. A nice place to consider until the real programs come calling.
In fairness, Miles has landed some impressive recruits. He has been top 10 in all but 1 recruiting class since becoming LSU's coach. But I combed the LSU depth chart and for the life of me I can't find one player Saban U really coveted. Nor can I find any player from Alabama that Saban sought.
As for the rivalry? F***ing Alabama has dominated. Actually dominate is not a strong enough word. What word would be more powerful than dominate?...
Owned sounds about right.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Les gets me again
So it's early August.
Monday night.
I'm in position in front of my beloved Sony 46", flippin the remote, supper is still dancing in my stomach. I see that two of my favorite shows are on at the same time, Last Comic Standing and America's Game. It doesn't even concern me that the Mets and Braves are going at it on ESPN. What do you want from me? I'm from the south. I'm from the Louisiana south. Baseball? Call me in October.
So I'm flippin between sets of LCS and the White Album of AG, "Missing Rings", the story of the 1998 Minnesota Vikings. The most compelling episode of this epic series. Chris Carter is money! John Randle makes you want to cry...and I HATE the Vikes!
Then the unthinkable! Commercials are runnning at the same time! Thinking on my butt, quickly I flip to ESPNews.
There's Kirk Herbstreit opining on who should be ranked preseason #1 in college football. OMG! TV is rollin' tonight!
As he finishes, the screen cuts to a list of the scheduled games on ESPN/ABC for the weekend of Sept 4: "USC v Illinois kicks it off Thursday night", the anchors voice is heard. "The weekend continues with Notre Dame vs Purdue, then the BIG one...Boise St vs Virgina Tech!"
Seems innocent enough until you realize that on the screen also happens to be the Chic-fil-A Kickoff Classic...LSU vs North Carolina.
No mention. Not even skimmed over. Not even as an after thought.
Sad as it is to admit, the anchor is correct. Boise St. vs. Va Tech IS the big one of the weekend. They are preseason ranked # 4 and 10 respectfully.
This is just another reminder of where LSU head coach Les Miles has taken his program. In year 6, Miles has managed to reduce the football team to just an incidental game, not even worthy of mention, on a list of "big" games to kick off the season.
Thinnk about it. Just three years ago LSU was headlining ESPN's football promotions. They had a legit Heisman Trophy candidate in DT Glen Dorsey, were fresh off a Sugar Bowl trouncing of hated Notre Dame, returning a ton of NFL caliber talent and had a 5th year QB, understudy to the first pick in the 2006 draft tutored by nationally respected offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher.
Today?..."oh the other game on the schedule, sorry, to insignificant to mention".
Suddenly, I got that sinking feeling in my already queezy stomach. The same one I had after Les' SEC Media Day performance. "I like my team". "I look forward to competing". "We are now working on clock management in practice"
Les, you did it to me again, without even being on the screen.
It's enough to ruin an early August night of television.
Monday night.
I'm in position in front of my beloved Sony 46", flippin the remote, supper is still dancing in my stomach. I see that two of my favorite shows are on at the same time, Last Comic Standing and America's Game. It doesn't even concern me that the Mets and Braves are going at it on ESPN. What do you want from me? I'm from the south. I'm from the Louisiana south. Baseball? Call me in October.
So I'm flippin between sets of LCS and the White Album of AG, "Missing Rings", the story of the 1998 Minnesota Vikings. The most compelling episode of this epic series. Chris Carter is money! John Randle makes you want to cry...and I HATE the Vikes!
Then the unthinkable! Commercials are runnning at the same time! Thinking on my butt, quickly I flip to ESPNews.
There's Kirk Herbstreit opining on who should be ranked preseason #1 in college football. OMG! TV is rollin' tonight!
As he finishes, the screen cuts to a list of the scheduled games on ESPN/ABC for the weekend of Sept 4: "USC v Illinois kicks it off Thursday night", the anchors voice is heard. "The weekend continues with Notre Dame vs Purdue, then the BIG one...Boise St vs Virgina Tech!"
Seems innocent enough until you realize that on the screen also happens to be the Chic-fil-A Kickoff Classic...LSU vs North Carolina.
No mention. Not even skimmed over. Not even as an after thought.
Sad as it is to admit, the anchor is correct. Boise St. vs. Va Tech IS the big one of the weekend. They are preseason ranked # 4 and 10 respectfully.
This is just another reminder of where LSU head coach Les Miles has taken his program. In year 6, Miles has managed to reduce the football team to just an incidental game, not even worthy of mention, on a list of "big" games to kick off the season.
Thinnk about it. Just three years ago LSU was headlining ESPN's football promotions. They had a legit Heisman Trophy candidate in DT Glen Dorsey, were fresh off a Sugar Bowl trouncing of hated Notre Dame, returning a ton of NFL caliber talent and had a 5th year QB, understudy to the first pick in the 2006 draft tutored by nationally respected offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher.
Today?..."oh the other game on the schedule, sorry, to insignificant to mention".
Suddenly, I got that sinking feeling in my already queezy stomach. The same one I had after Les' SEC Media Day performance. "I like my team". "I look forward to competing". "We are now working on clock management in practice"
Les, you did it to me again, without even being on the screen.
It's enough to ruin an early August night of television.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Uh-oh
Being an avid follower of then NFL since the age of 7, of all the things that make it great to me, number one is tradition. If your reading this, you're likey a football fan too. Being one, you know that the NFL and it's glorious past is shrowded in such images of those black and white footage reels from NFL films. From George Halas, co-founder of the league and long time owner/coach of the Chicago Bears pacing the sidelines in black frame glasses, trenchcoat and fedora to Vince Lombardi chastizing his players, "justabunch of grabbowskies out dare... grabbin...no tacklin!...grabbin!" Gale Sayers gliding past the outstrectched arms of sliding defensive players on a snow muddied field to Tracey Porter slamming the door on the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. Tradition has been the glue holding it all together.
An important traditon in the NFL is the hierachy of veterans to rookies. Inside that traditon is the hazing of rookies durinig training camp. Every rookie who has played the game has experienced some kind of hazing at least once. It's a right of passage. The stories are legendary. Taping to the goalposts, wild goose chases. "Hey rook, sing your college fightsong". "Hey rook, bring donuts to the meeting" "Hey rook, carry my shoulder pads"...(cut to the sound of screeching brakes).
Until now.
Uh-oh!
Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick, WR Dez Bryant from Oklahoma St. refused to participate. Asked to carry his shoulder pads by fellow WR Roy Williams, Bryant refused, saying, "I came here to play football, not carry someone's shoulder pads."
That sound you just heard were the collective horrified gasps of Jerry Jones, Wade Phillips and the entire Cowboys nation like George Cosatanza in the "shrinkage" episode.
Uh-oh.
Now, for any rookie this would be a red flag. But for Bryant, this is a red banner. A red strobe light of blinding brilliance.
For this is THE Dez Bryant who followed two highly productive seasons in Stillwater by being stripped of his eligibilty the second half of his junior year for improper associations with former NFL player Deion Sanders. A move that cost him millions due to his drop in draft stock. Under Armour has dropped what was going to be a big time endorsement deal negotiated by his marketing reps.
Now every sports media oulet has converged on this story like Lindsey Lohan's perp walk to prison.
Uh-oh.
Bryant's reputation for being a troubled and arrogant college player has now slivered it's way into his NFL image. In one practice he has sealed all of the doubt skeptics had about his maturity and demeanor.
His new teammate's suspicion about this potential prima-donna has been solidified. "We just got rid of T.O. now here comes D.B?!"
Uh-oh.
Guys like Ole Dez just can't help it.
His type come along every so often (Chad Ochocinco anyone?). They think THEY are bigger then the game. They can't understand how the game has prospered so long without them.
They have no sense of tradition.
Ironic, because Bryant was given the hallowed number 88. A Cowboys tradition, the number of WR greatness passed down from legends Drew Pearson and Michael Irvin.
The funny thing is, all this could have been avoided...
Just carry the damn shoulder pads!
Curse, rant, bitch all the way, but JUST carry the friggin pads!
Cowboys fans...
Uh-oh, indeed.
An important traditon in the NFL is the hierachy of veterans to rookies. Inside that traditon is the hazing of rookies durinig training camp. Every rookie who has played the game has experienced some kind of hazing at least once. It's a right of passage. The stories are legendary. Taping to the goalposts, wild goose chases. "Hey rook, sing your college fightsong". "Hey rook, bring donuts to the meeting" "Hey rook, carry my shoulder pads"...(cut to the sound of screeching brakes).
Until now.
Uh-oh!
Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick, WR Dez Bryant from Oklahoma St. refused to participate. Asked to carry his shoulder pads by fellow WR Roy Williams, Bryant refused, saying, "I came here to play football, not carry someone's shoulder pads."
That sound you just heard were the collective horrified gasps of Jerry Jones, Wade Phillips and the entire Cowboys nation like George Cosatanza in the "shrinkage" episode.
Uh-oh.
Now, for any rookie this would be a red flag. But for Bryant, this is a red banner. A red strobe light of blinding brilliance.
For this is THE Dez Bryant who followed two highly productive seasons in Stillwater by being stripped of his eligibilty the second half of his junior year for improper associations with former NFL player Deion Sanders. A move that cost him millions due to his drop in draft stock. Under Armour has dropped what was going to be a big time endorsement deal negotiated by his marketing reps.
Now every sports media oulet has converged on this story like Lindsey Lohan's perp walk to prison.
Uh-oh.
Bryant's reputation for being a troubled and arrogant college player has now slivered it's way into his NFL image. In one practice he has sealed all of the doubt skeptics had about his maturity and demeanor.
His new teammate's suspicion about this potential prima-donna has been solidified. "We just got rid of T.O. now here comes D.B?!"
Uh-oh.
Guys like Ole Dez just can't help it.
His type come along every so often (Chad Ochocinco anyone?). They think THEY are bigger then the game. They can't understand how the game has prospered so long without them.
They have no sense of tradition.
Ironic, because Bryant was given the hallowed number 88. A Cowboys tradition, the number of WR greatness passed down from legends Drew Pearson and Michael Irvin.
The funny thing is, all this could have been avoided...
Just carry the damn shoulder pads!
Curse, rant, bitch all the way, but JUST carry the friggin pads!
Cowboys fans...
Uh-oh, indeed.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Carrolling Past the Graveyard.
The recent events that occurred at the University of Southern California got me thinking. The same USC that was handed some of the stiffest penaties a big time football progam has receiced in years. Probation for 4 years, 20 lost scholarships, no bowl games for 2 years and the forfeiting of wins from the 2004 season. Plus, USC returned to the Downtown Athletic Club the Hesiman Trophy won by running back phenom Reggie Bush. AND , they also disassociated themselves from Bush as a public purging of their soul to the college football gods. It is also expected that the DAC will request that Bush return his Heisman.(we used to call that "indian giving" back in the old politically incorrect days of my youth).
Why all the fuss?
Because Reggie Bush allegedly received illegal cash payments from an agent. An agent whose feelings were hurt deeply when Bush dumped him for a more savvy agent upon his departure from USC.
What got me thinking was former USC head coach Pete Carroll. He was the man in charge of the USC football program when all of this took place. The one whose responsibilty it was to protect the young men who signed with the program while under his watch (at least I'm told that's what the coaches tell the parents of these players). The same Pete Carroll that bolted from the program when it looked like such events were about to unfold. Did he get a heads up from someone in the know at the NCAA? We'll never know. But we do know this.
While USC received those stiff penalties, Reggie Bush was publicly humiliated , stripped of his Heisman, and Athletics Director Mike Garett was fired, Pete Carroll was long gone to the NFL. Rewarded to the tune of 5 years at $33 million. Thats $33,000,000 and control over football operatoins of the Seattle Seahawks.
Huh?!
Wait! Surely, this is a joke! How can this be?
I'll tell you how.
You see, in the NCAA, coaches are allowed to leave for greener pastures. It doesn't matter if that coach was in charge of a program who now must pick up the pieces of the mess he left. He is free to pursue other opportunities, including the NFL and even another college job. All this without the penalty that his departed school received, which he caused or had a hand in causing.
Players, on the other hand ,are restricted to stay at the college they signed or face sitting out one year as a penalty for transferring. They are allowed to transfer without sitting out only if that program goes on probation. It's like in the movie "Good Fellas".
If a player has a change of heart? Tough. Sit out! Gets beat out and prefers to go to a school he feels gives him a better chance to play? Oh well. Sit out! Maybe a family member is sick or even dies,.Too f**ing bad! Sit!
But Carroll gets to start over with no penalty, in fact, rewarded ,as his former program fries.
My dad had a saying when someone "skates" by out of trouble. "He's just whistling past the graveyard". As in, "he just got away with murder when everyone else involved fried"
Or in this case, Pete is just Carrolling past the graveyard.
Why all the fuss?
Because Reggie Bush allegedly received illegal cash payments from an agent. An agent whose feelings were hurt deeply when Bush dumped him for a more savvy agent upon his departure from USC.
What got me thinking was former USC head coach Pete Carroll. He was the man in charge of the USC football program when all of this took place. The one whose responsibilty it was to protect the young men who signed with the program while under his watch (at least I'm told that's what the coaches tell the parents of these players). The same Pete Carroll that bolted from the program when it looked like such events were about to unfold. Did he get a heads up from someone in the know at the NCAA? We'll never know. But we do know this.
While USC received those stiff penalties, Reggie Bush was publicly humiliated , stripped of his Heisman, and Athletics Director Mike Garett was fired, Pete Carroll was long gone to the NFL. Rewarded to the tune of 5 years at $33 million. Thats $33,000,000 and control over football operatoins of the Seattle Seahawks.
Huh?!
Wait! Surely, this is a joke! How can this be?
I'll tell you how.
You see, in the NCAA, coaches are allowed to leave for greener pastures. It doesn't matter if that coach was in charge of a program who now must pick up the pieces of the mess he left. He is free to pursue other opportunities, including the NFL and even another college job. All this without the penalty that his departed school received, which he caused or had a hand in causing.
Players, on the other hand ,are restricted to stay at the college they signed or face sitting out one year as a penalty for transferring. They are allowed to transfer without sitting out only if that program goes on probation. It's like in the movie "Good Fellas".
If a player has a change of heart? Tough. Sit out! Gets beat out and prefers to go to a school he feels gives him a better chance to play? Oh well. Sit out! Maybe a family member is sick or even dies,.Too f**ing bad! Sit!
But Carroll gets to start over with no penalty, in fact, rewarded ,as his former program fries.
My dad had a saying when someone "skates" by out of trouble. "He's just whistling past the graveyard". As in, "he just got away with murder when everyone else involved fried"
Or in this case, Pete is just Carrolling past the graveyard.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Miles' trends like Coker's
Trends.
In 2001 Larry Coker was in his first year as the head coach of the University of Miami, FL, football team. He was celebrating their first National Championship since 1991 and their 5th overall. In 2002, the head coach of the same team this time mourned the loss of their 6th title try, this after winning 23 consecutive games as head coach of the Canes. Coker's first loss in two seasons as head coach was the 2002 BCS title game...With previous coach Butch Davis' recruits.
In 2006 Larry Coker was fired as head coach of the Canes.
Why?
How could this be?
This coach was fired after posting a 60-15 record?! He was 2-1 in BCS bowl games! 4-2 overall in bowl games! Yet, he was canned?!
Why?...
Trends.
Larry Coker's Canes were trending downard.
Consider. After winning 35 of his first 38 games, going 12-0,12-1, and 11-2. Coker was 33-12 over the next three seasons, posting records of 9-3, 9-3 and 6-6. More importantly, under his watch, Miami had gone from regaining the powerful image of "The U". Brash, intimidating and cockey. Back, simply, to Miami of Florida. Thus he was fired.
What does this have to do with LSU?
Trends.
On January 2, 2005, Leslie Edwin "Les" Miles was tagged to fill the unenviable void of the departed Nick Saban as LSU head football coach. He was charged with the caretaking of a program that had been rebuilt into a national power unlike any time in the previous 50 years of it's gloriuos history. A program reborn from one that had gone through a decade and a half of blundering coaches, unprecendented losing seasons, heartbreaking losses and oh too few flashes of brilliance.
Miles would inherited an embarassment of rich football talent, worthy of 5 number 1 draft choices, including 3 top 10 picks. QB's,RB's,WR's, DL's and OL's. You name it and not one position had a vacuum of 4-5 star recruits.
Miles' first season produced a 10-1 record and winners of the Western Division of the SEC. Losing only to Tennessee on a Monday night just weeks after Katrina. The season ended with a Chic Fil-A Bowl 40-3 thrashing of the Miami Hurricanes (coached by Coker). A # 5 ranking in the final polls.
Year 2 was 10-2 and a Sugar Bowl victory. A #3 ranking in the final polls.
Year three produced one of the most memorable seasons in NCAA history. Highlighted by 5 fourth down conversions in route to an epic 28-24 win over defending BCS champion University of Florida and their electric Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.
However, LSU wasn't the same team after that game. The next week saw LSU lose an overtime game to Kentucky, blowing a two score lead in the 4th quarter. A close call to Auburn followed by a season ending defeat at the hands of the infamous "AR-Kansas" Razorbacks in overtime, at home,with a chance to clinch a BCS title game birth.
After wishng to the nation "have a GREAT day!", then winning the SEC Championship game without starting QB Matt Flynn, the football gods smiled gracefully on Miles and the Tigers as the stars aligned and hell froze over. LSU claimed the title birth that seemed all but lost the week before. The Ohio State University fell to another SEC team and LSU was crowned BCS champions.
Les Miles had compiled a 34-6 record, 19-5 in SEC play in his first three seasons at LSU...with Nick Saban's talent.
In the two season's since Saban's recruited players have moved on and Miles' coaching stamp has been put on the program, LSU is 17-9, 8-8 in conference play. Including 1-7 record against Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Florida. Oh, by the way, Nick Saban has sinced returned to the SEC, at F***ing ALABAMA!
Trends.
One can certainly say that LSU is trending downward under Les Miles. Well I certainly am.
As you loook at the paralles of coaches Coker and Miles, I have one question. When would you have fired Coker? At 60-15 , certainly the critics were all over Miami for doing it. Well, it's been 3 season's since Coker has been fired and Miami is still trying to recover from his ineptitude. Still haven't regained "The U "status.
Les Miles' overall record at LSU is impressive at 51-15 on the surface, but the trending of last two seasons show no signs for optomism. This is year 6 of the Les Miles era at LSU. Trending downward in the SEC is not where you want to be in year 6 of your program. One more season trending down and Miles will join Coker in the ex coaches fraternity who possess "unfireable" records. Why?...
TRENDS!!
Especially since Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide, coming off their first title since 1992 is trending upward...like a bullet!
In 2001 Larry Coker was in his first year as the head coach of the University of Miami, FL, football team. He was celebrating their first National Championship since 1991 and their 5th overall. In 2002, the head coach of the same team this time mourned the loss of their 6th title try, this after winning 23 consecutive games as head coach of the Canes. Coker's first loss in two seasons as head coach was the 2002 BCS title game...With previous coach Butch Davis' recruits.
In 2006 Larry Coker was fired as head coach of the Canes.
Why?
How could this be?
This coach was fired after posting a 60-15 record?! He was 2-1 in BCS bowl games! 4-2 overall in bowl games! Yet, he was canned?!
Why?...
Trends.
Larry Coker's Canes were trending downard.
Consider. After winning 35 of his first 38 games, going 12-0,12-1, and 11-2. Coker was 33-12 over the next three seasons, posting records of 9-3, 9-3 and 6-6. More importantly, under his watch, Miami had gone from regaining the powerful image of "The U". Brash, intimidating and cockey. Back, simply, to Miami of Florida. Thus he was fired.
What does this have to do with LSU?
Trends.
On January 2, 2005, Leslie Edwin "Les" Miles was tagged to fill the unenviable void of the departed Nick Saban as LSU head football coach. He was charged with the caretaking of a program that had been rebuilt into a national power unlike any time in the previous 50 years of it's gloriuos history. A program reborn from one that had gone through a decade and a half of blundering coaches, unprecendented losing seasons, heartbreaking losses and oh too few flashes of brilliance.
Miles would inherited an embarassment of rich football talent, worthy of 5 number 1 draft choices, including 3 top 10 picks. QB's,RB's,WR's, DL's and OL's. You name it and not one position had a vacuum of 4-5 star recruits.
Miles' first season produced a 10-1 record and winners of the Western Division of the SEC. Losing only to Tennessee on a Monday night just weeks after Katrina. The season ended with a Chic Fil-A Bowl 40-3 thrashing of the Miami Hurricanes (coached by Coker). A # 5 ranking in the final polls.
Year 2 was 10-2 and a Sugar Bowl victory. A #3 ranking in the final polls.
Year three produced one of the most memorable seasons in NCAA history. Highlighted by 5 fourth down conversions in route to an epic 28-24 win over defending BCS champion University of Florida and their electric Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.
However, LSU wasn't the same team after that game. The next week saw LSU lose an overtime game to Kentucky, blowing a two score lead in the 4th quarter. A close call to Auburn followed by a season ending defeat at the hands of the infamous "AR-Kansas" Razorbacks in overtime, at home,with a chance to clinch a BCS title game birth.
After wishng to the nation "have a GREAT day!", then winning the SEC Championship game without starting QB Matt Flynn, the football gods smiled gracefully on Miles and the Tigers as the stars aligned and hell froze over. LSU claimed the title birth that seemed all but lost the week before. The Ohio State University fell to another SEC team and LSU was crowned BCS champions.
Les Miles had compiled a 34-6 record, 19-5 in SEC play in his first three seasons at LSU...with Nick Saban's talent.
In the two season's since Saban's recruited players have moved on and Miles' coaching stamp has been put on the program, LSU is 17-9, 8-8 in conference play. Including 1-7 record against Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Florida. Oh, by the way, Nick Saban has sinced returned to the SEC, at F***ing ALABAMA!
Trends.
One can certainly say that LSU is trending downward under Les Miles. Well I certainly am.
As you loook at the paralles of coaches Coker and Miles, I have one question. When would you have fired Coker? At 60-15 , certainly the critics were all over Miami for doing it. Well, it's been 3 season's since Coker has been fired and Miami is still trying to recover from his ineptitude. Still haven't regained "The U "status.
Les Miles' overall record at LSU is impressive at 51-15 on the surface, but the trending of last two seasons show no signs for optomism. This is year 6 of the Les Miles era at LSU. Trending downward in the SEC is not where you want to be in year 6 of your program. One more season trending down and Miles will join Coker in the ex coaches fraternity who possess "unfireable" records. Why?...
TRENDS!!
Especially since Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide, coming off their first title since 1992 is trending upward...like a bullet!
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