GeauxTo
10-12-2006, 10:40 AM
Nice read from Chris Warner on TigerDroppings.com...
Kentucky travels to Baton Rouge this weekend without their starting tailback Rafael Little. This is a huge disadvantage for the Wildcats, but not one that they can’t overcome. Their quarterback is extremely athletic and their receivers, led by New Orleans native Dicky Lyons, Jr., are equally capable of helping pull the upset. However, LSU is a much more physical team and the Tigers normally win over 80 percent of their night games in Death Valley. It does not look good for the Wildcats.
After Kentucky, LSU will entertain Fresno State, a team that up until last season, was one of the hotter mid-majors to come around in years. However, Fresno lost to lowly Utah State this past weekend, and it is not looking good for them to pull an upset in what is sure to be another night game in Tiger Stadium.
After Kentucky and Fresno, LSU will finally get a much-needed week off to regroup until they head into their revenge game with the surging Tennessee Vols. Phil Fulmer is no longer alone at the helm of the Big Orange machine. He now has the luxury of having former Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe at his side, and it is paying sweet dividends for the Volunteers. Tennessee’s only setback on the year was a one-point loss to the Gators. LSU will need to be hitting on all cylinders to successfully pull off the upset in General Neyland Stadium.
Following the Knoxville tilt the Tigers will head home for the final two home games of the season. Bama and Ole Miss respectively will try and play spoiler in consecutive weeks and it’s almost a given that one of these contests will be played during daylight hours. My guess is that CBS will choose LSU-Bama for its traditional viewing popularity. Mike Shula’s squad should have at least three losses by then and they’ll be in dire need of a big SEC road win to lend credibility and confidence to a waning gridiron campaign. Ole Miss and Mr. Ed have no reason being on the field with LSU, but for some reason this game is always a concern for the faint of heart. The Tigers will have to take a business-like approach.
The final regular season game is a big one. Traveling to Arkansas will be a tough task for LSU. Darren McFadden is looking good behind a senior-laden offensive line and Arkansas is shaping up to be the cream of the SEC Western Division having already knocked off two of its better teams in Alabama and Auburn. This one will be huge regardless for LSU. For the last two years I’ve tabbed the Hogs as a preseason spoiler. The prediction finally rang true. With a little good fortune, it could be for a shot at the championship. Even if it isn’t, it could prove to be the difference between regarding a New Year’s bowl game for the Tigers.
Don’t Give up on These Tigers
Although it’s tempting to do so, don’t give up on this team. With six games remaining, much can happen. For it to be optimal the eight Tiger senior starters are going to have to conduct a “Come to Jesus” soul-searching meeting in which they make some candid reflections and recommend some tough changes. These are the last six regular season games of their career and if they are to be special their attention to detail and discipline are imperative.
The LSU players know that they are talented and capable of better results. They don’t need to be told this. Too much time has gone into preparation. Pain and self-denial are their constant companions as football players. However, just as their bodies crave nourishment, exercise and rest, their psyches long for love and recognition. If an all-out fan mutiny is averted at this critical mid-season juncture, the team still has a realistic shot at achieving something special.
Kentucky travels to Baton Rouge this weekend without their starting tailback Rafael Little. This is a huge disadvantage for the Wildcats, but not one that they can’t overcome. Their quarterback is extremely athletic and their receivers, led by New Orleans native Dicky Lyons, Jr., are equally capable of helping pull the upset. However, LSU is a much more physical team and the Tigers normally win over 80 percent of their night games in Death Valley. It does not look good for the Wildcats.
After Kentucky, LSU will entertain Fresno State, a team that up until last season, was one of the hotter mid-majors to come around in years. However, Fresno lost to lowly Utah State this past weekend, and it is not looking good for them to pull an upset in what is sure to be another night game in Tiger Stadium.
After Kentucky and Fresno, LSU will finally get a much-needed week off to regroup until they head into their revenge game with the surging Tennessee Vols. Phil Fulmer is no longer alone at the helm of the Big Orange machine. He now has the luxury of having former Ole Miss head coach David Cutcliffe at his side, and it is paying sweet dividends for the Volunteers. Tennessee’s only setback on the year was a one-point loss to the Gators. LSU will need to be hitting on all cylinders to successfully pull off the upset in General Neyland Stadium.
Following the Knoxville tilt the Tigers will head home for the final two home games of the season. Bama and Ole Miss respectively will try and play spoiler in consecutive weeks and it’s almost a given that one of these contests will be played during daylight hours. My guess is that CBS will choose LSU-Bama for its traditional viewing popularity. Mike Shula’s squad should have at least three losses by then and they’ll be in dire need of a big SEC road win to lend credibility and confidence to a waning gridiron campaign. Ole Miss and Mr. Ed have no reason being on the field with LSU, but for some reason this game is always a concern for the faint of heart. The Tigers will have to take a business-like approach.
The final regular season game is a big one. Traveling to Arkansas will be a tough task for LSU. Darren McFadden is looking good behind a senior-laden offensive line and Arkansas is shaping up to be the cream of the SEC Western Division having already knocked off two of its better teams in Alabama and Auburn. This one will be huge regardless for LSU. For the last two years I’ve tabbed the Hogs as a preseason spoiler. The prediction finally rang true. With a little good fortune, it could be for a shot at the championship. Even if it isn’t, it could prove to be the difference between regarding a New Year’s bowl game for the Tigers.
Don’t Give up on These Tigers
Although it’s tempting to do so, don’t give up on this team. With six games remaining, much can happen. For it to be optimal the eight Tiger senior starters are going to have to conduct a “Come to Jesus” soul-searching meeting in which they make some candid reflections and recommend some tough changes. These are the last six regular season games of their career and if they are to be special their attention to detail and discipline are imperative.
The LSU players know that they are talented and capable of better results. They don’t need to be told this. Too much time has gone into preparation. Pain and self-denial are their constant companions as football players. However, just as their bodies crave nourishment, exercise and rest, their psyches long for love and recognition. If an all-out fan mutiny is averted at this critical mid-season juncture, the team still has a realistic shot at achieving something special.