The final few minutes of the last two LSU games have been exciting, frustrating, exciting again and, in the final analysis, victorious. Up to tonight my mantra has been the worst 5-0 team in NCAA history. Victories against North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, West Virginia and even Tennessee last week have been non-inspiring. It has been almost as if they win despite being the sloppiest looking team on the field. Almost every major sports publication and media outlet was making fun of the poor play of LSU especially last week. Most of the criticism has been directed to head coach Les Miles and offensive coordinator Gary Crowten. And I for one say rightfully so.
But amazingly the Tigers entered tonights pivotal contest against Florida 5-0 and fresh with the reality that the invincble and mighty Alabama Crimson Tide lost and lost big. Alabama's loss is more than enough to make today a happy day. But I settled in to see if LSU would be inspired to respond to the #1 spot in the SEC West and play Tiger football against the Gators, who have had LSU's number these past two years.
For the most part I witnessed a better offensive effort and the typical solid LSU defense. But lo and behold, here comes the offensive penalties and the turnovers and what should be a blow out is a close game. Florida only had one killer drive, all the rest of their points are off the turnovers and our total and complete collapse on special teams. But here we go into the 4th quarter and we are running dive plays in the middle putting our fragile QB's in pressure situations. The play calling again became questionable.
Despite all of this, LSU is in a position to still win the game. As they let the clock wind way down it appears all LSU can do is kick a very long field goal to tie the game and head to the overtime. No, Les Miles calls a fake and fortunately it worked; after a lengthy review. It was quite a gamble that did pay off as the kicker made the first down and the review held up. And with just seconds on the clock a beautiful TD reception by Tolliver and LSU beats Florida in the Swamp and all of a sudden it's the Tigers 6-0 with Alabama behind them and only Auburn keeping pace.
It is indeed exciting to see LSU football at 6-0 but they continue to be a mystery. The coaching is still inconsistent at best and the QB play, while better tonight, is still not great. But here are some positives: the defense is amazing. With guys like Nevis and Shepperd and Peterson; they may have some of the top defensive stars in all of college football. And we should thank the good Lord every day for a great place kicker.
But we won tonight and won in exciting fashion. Who knows what the heck will happen in the weeks ahead. LSU should have win # 7 in the bag as they play McNeese St. from Lake Charles, a small college team that is not even good among their peers this year. We still have Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss and Arkansas left to play along with another small Louisiana school. Just on paper, we should now win 9 games. And who knows what may happen when we tee it up against Auburn, Alabama and Arkansas. Any wins among the three "A" schools and what has been such a frustrating start could be another special purple and gold autumn.
Even with my criticism of the coaching staff, I love my LSU college athletics. In my adult lifetime I will never forget watching two football national championships and 5 baseball national championships.
Geaux Tigers and keep winning; even with the play calling that makes us nuts!
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