The future looks brighter for LSU–much brighter than it did a few weeks ago after the shocking home loss to Troy. Now at 6-2, the Tigers have ‘Bama immediately in view.
LSU football looks to be quietly moving back into focus. The Tigers were on the mat after two bad losses — at Mississippi State and a head-shaking home-loss to Troy.
Courtesy: USA Today
Coach Ed Orgeron was on the block and the team had a perfect excuse to quit on their coach. Recruits might have had second thoughts, too.
But that’s not how the script reads now. With the legs of Derrius Guice, the strength and bend of Arden Key, and the pure leadership of Delvin White this team has turned the corner. LSU stands 6-2 (3-1, SEC) and the Tigers will shock the world IF they can beat Alabama.
Sound crazy? Well, who would have predicted Syracuse beating #2 Clemson? And, remember, these same Tigers took care of SU earlier this year, 35-26.
Last Saturday LSU warmed up for the November 4 trip to Tuscaloosa by overwhelming Ole’ Miss. The Tigers are off this Saturday and that gives LSU two weeks to prepare for ‘Bama.
Job #1 is finding a passing game. Offensive misdirection isn’t enough to win. It might keep ‘Bama off-balance for a while, but Nick’s teams always make adjustments. So Danny Etling must be willing to stand and deliver. He also needs to push that 8th and maybe 9th man out of the box to open up jet sweeps and middle running lanes.
Ed’s smiling now. (photo, NOLA.com)
Defensively, the Tigers must tackle. That means wrapping up and Gator-rolling ankles on the edges and in the middle. Every Alabama runner needs to have a sore lower-half by the end of the second quarter. If the Tigers can’t chip away at the Tide’s foundation, then this game will get quickly out of hand.
But one thing we know, for sure, is that the Tigers’ rebound has helped them on the recruiting trail. The ultimate coop will be if Ed Orgeron and Matt Canada can convince Justin Fields to flip his commitment from Georgia to LSU. His talent is what they call “next level,” as is the ability shown by both Jacob Eason and Jake Fromm.
If Fields moves to LSU, then I think there’s no question that LSU will be knocking at Alabama’s door. And a Fields’ commitment would send shock waves to uncommitted start across the State of Louisiana.
We know that the Tigers’ defense is looking promising with the potential addition of 5-star d-backs Anthony Cook and Kelvin Joseph. And both lines would receive a boost if Coach O can lock up top JUCO commits and a few other 4-star linemen. He already has transfers ready to go next year.
The future looks brighter for LSU–much brighter than it did a few weeks ago. After the Troy loss, I read predictions that the Tigers’ loss would have “devastating results.” Instead, LSU has won three-in-a-row with two of those wins coming on the road.
The next five years will have ups and downs, for sure, but these Tigers are headed in the right direction — no matter how this year turns out.
Geaux Tigers!
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