LSU gets lucky – again
If you were an outsider looking at LSU’s record and scores you would not understand all the hype there is about the coach, the team and their performance. Once you started to read more about it on the other hand it would become clear why their coach Les Miles, even though he has lead them to a 5-0 record this season is not trusted. In case you have not seen the footage of the last minutes of the LSU – Tennessee game go to YouTube and check it out. There you will see how instead of calling a play in the last seconds of Saturday’s game Miles was more concerned with subbing instead of what was happening on the field. LSU fumbled the snap but because Tennessee was flagged just in time for having 13 players on the field. This gave LSU another opportunity, which they took full advantage of to bring it in for a touchdown and a final score of 16-14.
About everyone in the stadium, including both coaches, thought Tennessee had won unaware the Vols had been flagged for having 13 defenders on the field. The penalty gave the Tigers the reprieve they needed to punch in the winning score on Ridley’s run. It was a win, but fans were furious. LSU had been favored by two TDs, and not only needed a do-over to pull out a victory, they nearly lost in the same infamous way they did at Mississippi in 2009. That game ended with LSU recovering an onside kick and getting into Ole Miss territory with plenty of time to get into winning field goal range, only to lose yards, waste crucial seconds getting plays called, complete a desperation pass to the Ole Miss 5 with 1 second left and then fail to get off one last play.
For misjudgments like these some coaches get fired but Miles has not lost a game yet and his players see something in him that is not visible to the spectators. “He’s fiery, very fiery,” receiver Shepard said. “He’s a father-figure to a lot of these players that don’t have fathers. He’s the reason why a lot of players have had the opportunity to have successful careers.” In addition to being a father figure he also helps his players overcome homesickness and makes them feel comfortable. This coaching method might be a good way to bring the team together and should be used for team building activities. On the other hand it is going to be exciting to see how the rest of the season goes and how Miles will address the issues on the field and how he will go about fixing the apparent confusions during the games.
Full article: ESPN.com
The ol’ ball coach is calling the shots
Steve Spurrier, Head Coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks, is poised to make history and lead his team to the SEC Championship game. Steve is best at calling the offensive plays but sometimes decides the play-calling duties should be more of a “community” effort. When quarterback coach G.A. Mangus decides a play, Steve is going to be next to him or listening on the headset.
Last week at practice Steve spent as much time on the defensive side as the offensive side. This is the first time Steve has done that at South Carolina. He could be worried about his pass defense, as they’re ranked 112th nationally.
We will see how the play-calling goes this Saturday at noon against Tennessee. The Gamecocks are playing at home and are ranked 20 in the BCS Standings while Tennessee is not ranked.
Will cowbells be banned for Mississippi State?
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) will vote if fines will be given for the improper use of cowbells by fans during the Mississippi State games. The rule will be decided after this season is completed.
The SEC is imposing a $5,000 fine for a first-time offense, $25,000 for the second offense and $50,000 for the third offense. The use of cowbells can only be utilized before and after games, timeouts and after scores.
Scott Stricklin, MSU athletic director, told The Clarion-Ledger that the Bulldogs’ final two home games this season — Saturday vs. Kentucky and Nov. 20 vs. Arkansas — are “critical” to the program.” These are the two last chances that MSU fans can show their cooperation with the cowbells.
