Published September 6, 2012 - 3:21pm
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It is a well known coaching axiom that a team will improve the most between week one and week two. Here is a list of items that Tiger Fans will need to see addressed.
PASS PROTECTION MUST IMPROVE
The big men for LSU were supposed to be one of the biggest strengths of the 2012 Tigers. In the run game the big men were dominant against North Texas. However, the pass protection was definitely below par. The thin line for LSU to have a magic season was trampled when Zach Mettenberger was laid out by a Mean Green defender. This can’t happen again. Making matters worse, starting LT, Chris Faulk, could now be out for the season. This needs to show drastic improvement against the Huskies.
SACK SOMEONE
The defensive line for LSU was supposed to be one of, if not the best in the nation. Yes, there were six tackles for a loss, four passes batted down and one interception… but no sacks. To make matters worse, the Mean Green tallied two sacks for the evening. C’mon Tigers, we need to see some quarterbacks (not wearing a gold helmet) eat some turf.
METTENBERGER NEEDS TO ADJUST, IMPROVE
The performance was efficient (19-26,192 YDS,1 INT and 1TD) but not the debut we were all hoping for. Although, LSU had two completions of over thirty yards, which was probably more that the Tigers had during the last five games of 2011. Mett was also sacked twice and the interception was a forced pass that should have been tossed to the sidelines. This week, Mett will face a significant increase in talent on the other side of the ball. Besting his stats from last week will ease a lot of hearts in the Tiger Nation.
ERASE THE BIG PLAY ON DEFENSE
The Tigers gave up 219 total yards last Saturday. Eighty of those yards came on one play and the freshman corner wasn’t to blame. Eric Reid and Craig Loston, the two veteran safeties, made the gaff. This can’t happen against Keith Price and the Huskies.
MAKE ROOM AT THE TABLE
Last week we saw the “Shake and Bake” tandem of Alfred Blue and Kenny Hilliard rush for a combined 266 yards and two TDS. This week, Miles has indicated that Spencer Ware, Jeremy Hill and Terrance Magee will all see playing team. That is a lot of touches to spread around especially when Michael Ford and J.C. Copeland also contributed an additional 83 yards last week as well.
