I don’t know how much further LSU can fall before hitting rock bottom.
Saturday’s 38-17 loss to the University of Mississippi was the third butt-whooping the Tigers suffered in as many weeks. Despite outgaining the Rebels and having a significantly larger share of possession, LSU was never really in the game.
I understand LSU fans’ frustrations. I sympathize with the people who are upset their team wasn’t competitive for a third straight Saturday.
LSU fans, you have every right to be agitated.
But when emotions run high, logic and any semblance of grace are the first things to go. This is the time when logic and grace are needed most.
With the speculation about Les Miles’ future raging, I’ve seen him take a disproportionate amount of the blame. People seem to have forgotten players and assistants deserve their share of criticism.
It seems most people are more than happy to throw it all on Miles, though.
I saw some people undermine Miles’ coaching accomplishments in the few hours following the game, and that crosses the line.
I won’t stand for that. LSU fans, I love your passion to be great, but make sure to show respect and be fair.
I read a lot of asinine comments during the buildup to Saturday’s game. I’m scared to check the Internet or walk around campus without headphones this week because Miles doesn’t deserve the things I’ve read and heard.
Miles is the second-winningest coach in LSU history, and if he had the chance to stay as long as Charles McClendon, it wouldn’t even be close.
He’s won nearly 80 percent of his games in charge of the Tigers. He brought LSU a national championship and two SEC titles. He posted at least 10 wins in a season seven times.
If you’re under the opinion LSU should part ways with Miles after this season, I’m inclined to disagree with you.
LSU posted two consecutive less than stellar — for LSU standards — seasons previously under Miles. He righted the ship and won 44 games during the next four seasons. He built it back up once, and he can do it again.
Iowa fans called for Kirk Ferentz to be let go last season, and he responded by leading Iowa to an 11-0 start this season.
In fact, the speed that the higher-ups, reportedly, and fans seem to be pushing Miles out is telling. They want him gone now, and I’m convinced it’s because they know he will turn it around next season.
If you disagree, that’s fine. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but only a few people’s opinions really matter.
If Miles really is on the way out, the people who want him to stay and the people who want him to leave should unite to send him out the right way.
Remember the guy who struck up a relationship with Sid Ortis, not as some PR stunt, but because he genuinely cared.
Savor the Lesisms. Enjoy every time Miles uses the words “quality” and “want” this week. When LSU takes the field Saturday, take a mental snapshot of him holding the team back for what could be the last time.
Cherish every time the toss dive is run against Texas A&M University.
Don’t take cheap shots because if the end is near, Miles deserves to be praised for what he’s done, not butchered for what he’s done lately.
Miles is a great coach and a great man. Fans and the administration should tread carefully and handle the next couple of weeks with dignity and poise.
Miles deserves as much, no matter what his future with LSU may be.
Jack Woods is a 22-year-old mass communication senior from Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach him on Twitter @Jack_TDR.