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Tuesday, December 30, 2008
View from Baton Rouge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jim Kleinpeter, the outstanding LSU beat writer for the New Orleans Times-Picayune, took time this week to answer five questions about the Tigers and the bowl matchup:
What are the main reasons for LSU’s disappointing 7-5 record?
Everyone knew when Ryan Perrilloux was booted from the team in April it would take LSU down a notch. LSU had no quarterbacks with any experience and despite having a good offensive line and skill players, inconsistent play from Jarrett Lee hurt. He ended up throwing 16 interceptions, and though they weren’t all his fault, seven were returned for touchdowns.
But the biggest problem was on defense, where LSU had enough players from last year’s team to expect much better than what it showed. Twice they allowed 50-plus points, the first time in LSU history that has happened in one season. The defensive line was good against the run but LSU never had a consistent pass rush and young defensive backs repeatedly blew coverages all season. I believe there was a lack of leadership but also that the defense missed former defensive coordinator Bo Pelini’s fiery personality. I think last year’s unit played fiery and this year’s played more passive under co-cordinators Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto. The co-coordinator experiment was blamed and LSU will hire a new DC shortly after the bowl game.
Which LSU seniors are headed to the NFL?
The best bets are LG Herman Johnson, DE Tyson Jackson and C Brett Helms. Johnson was an All-American and is just a beast. Jackson hasn’t played up to the potential he showed as a sophomore, though he improved this year from his junior season. Helms is undersized, but a smart player. Lots of NFL teams go with smaller, mobile centers now. LB Darry Beckwith and DE Kirston Pittman have looked good at times, but both were nagged by injuries all season, which is a huge red flag for NFL scouts. Junior defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois had a groin injury and a disappointing season. He ought to come back, but is no fan of the classroom, so he might test the waters.
Give us a breakdown of freshman QB Jordan Jefferson and what you expect out of him Wednesday night.
We haven’t seen much of Jefferson. The coaching staff may have added a few plays for him that we don’t know about. He did looked rather poised for a freshman against Arkansas. The best thing about him is he is decisive when choosing between run and pass. He takes off, and he made some big plays with his feet. LSU can also go to its option package because he ran the spread option in high school and makes good decisions in that respect. He’s got a stronger arm than the other two QBs. The older players like him and say he’s cool and a leader in the huddle. I think the coaching staff will limit his burden because LSU has so many good players at WR and RB.
Talk about LSU’s offensive line and how it will fare against Michael Johnson and Tech’s front four.
Some may disagree with me, but I think LSU’s O-line was the unit that performed the best and most consistently. If LSU had chosen to run the ball more, it could have led the conference in rushing. It was close to the top. The pass protection was good until the end of the season when the whole team was in a funk. Three of the five are starting for the third straight year and four of them started last year. I haven’t seen Tech enough to handicap the matchup, but I know Michael Johnson is a good one. If he lines up at right end, you will have the best matchup in the game. LSU LT Ciron Black hasn’t missed a start in three years and is just as good as LG Herman Johnson.
How motivated are the Tigers?
I can’t say for certain because we aren’t around the players much, but I would have to guess it’s hard for them to care much about this game. The team just sagged completely after the loss to Alabama, which was sort of a last hurrah. The loss to Arkansas was inexcusable, as was falling behind Troy 31-3. I said earlier the leadership was not good. I think we’ll find out Wednesday. If LSU comes out and plays hard, it will be a testament to its leadership. If they don’t, it will prove my point. This game is a springboard for the players returning. It’s the seniors and how they want their last game to go — that will make the difference.
Your thoughts?
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