1st and Ten – Let’s see, should we
flip a coin? – 365 days ago at this time, didn’t it seem as though
the LSU Tigers were sort of, kind of in the same exact position as they
are today with their QB situation? Even though Jamarcus Russell spent
most of the 2005 season as the starter, Matt Flynn led the Tigers to
quite an impressive bowl victory over the program formerly known as the
U. Although some might feel Flynn’s start was a one-time deal, there
are some that feel Russell isn’t completely the answer either. The
biggest knock on Russell is his decision making. The junior out of
Mobile, AL has such confidence in his howitzer of a right arm that he’ll
try to squeeze a ball into a small space, a space that only he thinks he
can hit. Hence, the question about his decision making skills. It’s
more confidence than ineptitude, but that’s not enough to appease the
most ardent of Tiger fans. They see Flynn come in, not make mistakes
and move the team up and down the field. It’s not as pretty as Russell,
but 40 points will win almost any game in the SEC. And, it’s not like
Flynn did his work against Saginaw Technical and Agriculture State
University (STASU to you and me), it was against Miami. But, the rub
with Russell is that when he’s on, man, he’s scary. In the second half
against Alabama, it wasn’t his numbers, but the manner with which he
moved LSU throughout the second half and overtime. The throw he makes
for the game winning touchdown isn’t made but by two or three QBs in the
nation. Two or three collecting paychecks in the NFL, that is. Then,
there’s the ‘prodigy’. Don’t believe it? Just ask him – Ryan
Perrilloux. Equal parts Russell and Flynn, Perrilloux does a little bit
of everything, decent wheels, lightning bolt of a right arm and a
confidence level to match. Fit him into the mix as well, when will his
time come? So, let’s go back to the original question – how different
is the QB situation now than it was 365 days ago? Russell has talent,
but the questions linger about his game management. Flynn is steady,
but not as explosive as the man he backs up. Perrilloux is the great
unknown, stressing the word unknown (he’ll say great, we’ll say
unknown…for now). There just doesn’t seem to be a definitive number one
like Chris Leak at Florida. Oops, maybe a bad example.
2nd and Seven – LaRon’s World –
Watching Super Bowl XL this past February, it was hard to miss Pro Bowl
safety Troy Polamalu. Of course, his hair sometimes overshadows his
game, but, as a football player, the man was such a polarizing figure on
the champs’ defense. Watching LSU free safety LaRon Landry for the last
three years, he’s probably the closest in stature and style of play to
Polamalu. Ever since his first start as a true freshman in the national
championship year of 2003, Landry has been a little bit of everything
for the Tiger defense. He’s solid in coverage. He can blitz. He can
play near the line of scrimmage as a fourth linebacker. He is the
leader of Bo Pelini’s defense. Sure, Jesse Daniels is a star at strong
safety, but it’s Landry who it all revolves around. Like Polamalu.
Watch Landry on a Saturday night, then watch Polamalu the next day.
They aren’t exact replicas, but when a key play has to be made, it’ll be
one of these two making it. But, they fly to the ball, love to run
through people and are barely ever in the wrong position.
3rd and Three – Warning label:
Dearth of returning offensive linemen (uh oh) – For all of the skill
players that return this year (of course, the question of whether
they’re all healthy still hovers in the air), the offensive line
situation is a bit dicey, in particular at the tackle position. Andrew
Whitworth had a stellar career in purple and gold and his leadership and
ability to control the edge were key for this offense the last few
years. Brian Johnson will move from right tackle inside to left guard,
leaving both tackle positions open for competition. The good news, if
there is any, is that the Tigers probably have more interchangeable
parts for five spots this season, but then again that could create some
unrest and uncertainty if a solid quintet isn’t in place for the ULL
opener. With both running backs coming off injuries, the offensive line
becomes that much more of a concern and a focal point for the Tigers.
4th and One – The X Factor – 2003
LSU had Skyler Green. 2004 USC had Reggie Bush. 2005 Texas had Ramonce
Taylor. The common thread for each of those teams, outside of the
national championship glass trophy that each earned, was the fact that
each team had an X factor – one player who could do a little of
everything who put the pressure on teams wherever he lined up. For this
year’s LSU team, who is that guy? The skill players have experience and
have been productive, but what one guy really changes defensive schemes
for opponents? They’ve lacked that type player for a few years; even
Green the past two years wasn’t as threatening as he was in 2003. The
bread and butter for this offense should be the power running game and
play action off of it, but do the Tigers have a guy who breaks your
back, a guy you have to account for every single play, no matter where
he lines up? Maybe it could be a guy like Keiland Williams, used in
tandem with either Alley Broussard or Justin Vincent? Maybe it’s
diminutive Trindon Holliday, who could be the prototypical #3/slot
receiver with his quicks. For all of the talent on this roster, a game
changer/X factor must emerge to put pressure on SEC defenses, especially
with Broussard and Vincent coming off knee injuries.