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Behind the Numbers: LSU v La Tech

Sorry for almost complete absence from the blog this past week and half.  Real life has intervened, and it was just La. Tech.  You understand.  I was at yet another wedding on Saturday and didn't watch the game until last night, which was just as ugly as I had heard.  So, without further excuse, here is this week's Behind the Numbers.

3/12 for 30 yards.  With about 5:30 left in the first half, Jarrett Lee came this close to throwing a pick six.  He had looked mediocre up until this point, but not exactly bad.  From that pass on, he went from mediocre to spectacularly awful.  He would only pass for 30 yards from that point on, and it was just as bad as the numbers make it sound.  The kid is still psychically and emotionally beaten from last year.  The fans have turned on him and they are unlikely to come back.  I like Lee and wish him well, but I have to say, I do not believe he will ever be an effective quarterback for LSU.  He absolutely needs to transfer.  The damage is too severe.

27 for 164.  Our running backs destroyed La. Tech.  With only one longish run, a 25 yarder by Keiland Williams, the running backs dominated, averaging just over 6 yards a carry.  OK, it's just La. Tech, I completely agree, but this was another encouraging sign of improvement for the offensive line. 

0.  The number of return yards by La. Tech.  LSU's punt game has been terrific all year, and last night was no exception, averaging 41 yards per punt and pinning the Bulldogs inside the 20 twice.  The one touchback was a 51 yard punt.  The special teams have really been a bright spot all season.

3/4.  La. Tech was three of four on fourth down.  That's just a fluke, right?  They were 5 of 18 on third downs, which is a good rate, but a horrible number of third downs to allow.  The Bulldogs converted two fourth downs on their TD drive in the first half, one aided by a generous spot and the other on a gadget play.  Hey, it counts, but it's not a long term concern.  

0/3.  By contrast, LSU went oh for three on third down in the first half (and 0/2 in the fourth quarter).  LSU's offense has been terrible at sustaining drives, and really, if the Tigers convert a third down or two in the first half, this game is likely a blowout.  Why?  Glad you asked.

51.2%.  The percentage of LSU's total yards in the whole game earned on the first two possessions.  LSU only managed 246 yards of offense, 126 of them on the first two possessions.  This had all the earmarks of a blowout win until LSU failed to earn a first down on two consecutive drives, one pinned deep in their own territory and the next the infamous Jarrett Lee almost-pick-six drive.  LSU let La. Tech in the game, and they played their hearts out.  As soon as the Bulldogs showed fire, LSU progressively went into the tank.  If LSU converts some of those third downs, they probably score and go up 17-6, and the rout is on.  Instead, they let the inferior team hang around and gain confidence.  Bad idea.

19-170.  The combined penalty yards.  Seriously, guys.  That was out of control.  

BlogPoll later today.  I promise. 

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Well, That Sucked

Nov 2009 by Poseur - 48 comments

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Not the first time

The real story of the Peterson interception — neither side judge had their eyes on the play.

by Billy Gomila on Nov 17, 2009 2:04 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Not to start a center controversy

since we just killed the minor QB controversy, but did anyone grade out how Lonergan performed at center in this game? Just curious since this is the first game we’ve seen an OL backup play the whole game.

CHAD JONES! WOOOO!!!!

by The Bengal on Nov 17, 2009 2:21 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

punting

i really thought one of the “hidden” issues of the game (i.e. one that doesn’t show up in a box score) was the punting game. lsu’s was pretty damn solid, and la tech’s was beyond atrocious. there was quite a bit of hidden yardage in those changes of possession. nice rugby punts buddy.

by gerry dorsey on Nov 17, 2009 4:25 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

It does show up in a box score

But I know what you mean. You have to look for it and punts and returns aren’t added into total yards. LSU’s special teams has kept the team above water all season. As a shot at the anti-Miles crowd, special teams is all about coaching.

Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
http://www.andthevalleyshook.com

by Poseur on Nov 17, 2009 5:06 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

What's hilarious is that it's something people try to invent as a problem frequently

One stat I’d love to see but isn’t kept track of — average starting field position. LSU’s kick off return average isn’t very good, but if you look at the number of squib kicks that have resulted in short returns to the 30-yard line, I think you’d find that it’s not quite the problem it’s been made out to be.

by Billy Gomila on Nov 17, 2009 6:21 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It can't be Miles

Oh yeah, well, Nick Saban is the special teams coach. So there.

by uberschuck on Nov 17, 2009 7:58 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

By all means

Please go root for Bama.

GEAUX TIGERS!!!

by SouthernMan on Nov 17, 2009 8:34 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

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