Despite the 43-37 triple overtime setback to the Kentucky Wildcats, the LSU Tigers’ football team is still off to one of the best starts in the program’s storied 114-year history.
The team is 6-1 for the second time in Miles’ 3-year tenure, and prior to the loss, the team had reached the top of The Associated Press Poll rankings for the first time in nearly 50 years.
Even after allowing a season-high 43 points and recording no sacks against Kentucky, the defense is still ranked in the top-10 in the nation in most statistical categories, while the offense averages 38 points per game. Not to mention ESPN’s “College GameDay” has performed its show live from the University twice this season.
The Tigers have not struggled much this season, but the most consistent struggles the team endures is in the passing attack.
Throughout seven games this past season, the 2006 Tigers completed 133 of 198 passes for 1,843 yards between former quarterback JaMarcus Russell, senior Matt Flynn and sophomore Ryan Perrilloux.
LSU quarterbacks have attempted 199 passes this season, completing only 114 of them for 1,370 yards – 473 fewer yards than this past seasons seven-game total.
Flynn, who has been bothered with an ankle injury since the Sept. 8 win against Virginia Tech, is ranked No. 93 in the nation in passer efficiency with a rating of 110.3. He has led LSU to five of its six wins but has only completed 53 percent of his 156 passes with four interceptions and only five touchdowns.
“We’ve got to protect [Flynn] a little better,” said senior running back Jacob Hester. “When he gets a chance to set his feet, he makes the throw. Our emphasis this week has to be to protect [Flynn] and give him a chance to make big plays.”
Injuries to the wide receiving corps has not helped Flynn.
Senior wide receiver Early Doucet has missed five starts this season, and his absence from the team’s lineup has contributed to the lack of consistency in the passing game.
Doucet has been sidelined since he injured his groin during Sept. 14 practice. As a result he missed the team’s previous four games prior to playing one snap in the loss to Kentucky. Although Doucet has had minimal playing time, his importance shows in the stat sheet. And even though he has missed more than half the season, he is still the team’s second leading receiver with 15 catches for 153 yards.
“I look back and certainly wish that Early would have been with us,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “I look forward to the time that Early returns and feel the time is getting shorter before Early will take the field and play on a regular basis.”
Doucet’s return will be a welcome addition as the Tigers have little time to spare getting back on track in the passing game.
Half of the remaining opponents are in the top-30 in passing defense, not including a possible rematch with Florida, South Carolina or Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference Championship game, all of which have sufficient pass defenses.
“[Doucet] is [Flynn’s] go-to guy and getting him back will really boost our offense,” Hester said. “Being able to get Early back in midseason would be like trading for an All-Star.”
Fans might not have overlooked the apparent passing problems because of the team’s success in the running game. The Tigers sport the nation’s No. 10 rushing attack and are currently No. 2 in the SEC with 232 yards per game.
Headlined by Hester, whose 23 carries and 106 yards paced the Tigers in their 28-24 last-second victory against Florida, the Tigers have a stable of seven ball carriers, including two quarterbacks, who see consistent touches. Of those seven rushers, all have at least 23 carries, with Hester’s 104 leading the group.
After an explosive first half rushing the ball against the Wildcats and gaining close to 200 yards, the Tigers tapered off in the end and finished with just 61 yards in the second half.
“We have to establish a running game because that’s our offense; that’s kind of what we do,” Hester said. “Hopefully we can continue to do that, and it will open things up more for the passing game.”
Although the Tigers’ hopes of an undefeated season were dashed in the triple overtime loss to the Wildcats, sophomore running back Keiland Williams said the team still has reason for optimism.
“If we continue to take care of our business and handle the things we need to handle, then we’ll be all right,” Williams said. “If we win out, at the end of the season, we should be in the national championship game.”
—–Contact Jeff Martin at [email protected]