Published December 25, 2010 - 12:44pm
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Oh boy. This was supposed to be a rather dull week. The Tigers were going to have a few practices and head home for the holidays. That all changed Monday afternoon as the rumor engine went into overdrive. By Monday evening, we were confirming and breaking the news that Stevan Ridley would be ineligible. Although there are no specifics, the incident is an academic issue. The infraction is enough to not only make Ridley ineligible for the bowl game, but spring practice as well. All indications are that Ridley will be now entering into the draft.
Luckily, LSU has an arsenal of talent at the RB position. Michael Ford is an amazing talent and will more than likely get the start against A&M. Ridley’s absence could also mean more plays for Russell Shepard as well. Joining them in the mix are freshmen Alfred Blue and Spencer Ware. Senior Richard Murphy will also be in the rotation and give the LSU running back corps some veteran leadership. It will probably take a combination of all to replace the production and leadership of Ridley. At the very least, it will give us a peak at the 2011 running game.
Speaking of 2011, LSU will be playing a Thursday night game against the MSU Bulldogs. The game will be broadcast September 15th on ESPN from Starkville. Personally, I don’t think SEC games should be on Thursday nights. Period. I have never liked the idea and never will. Thursdays should be for conferences like the WAC, the ACC, CUSA and the Big East.
Next week, we will start taking a detailed look at the Cotton Bowl match-up and have some fun with 2011. For now, I would like to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. All of you, except the states of Alabama and Texas and of course, Ole Miss. You can all get coal in your stockings. GEAUX TIGERS! JOYEUX NOEL!!!
I agree that no SEC team should play on Thursday night.