Ugly Win to Open the Season
I thought about turning off the game at halftime with the Tigers up 30-10. I’m glad I didn’t. It turned out to be quite a nail-biter, didn’t it? And it certainly didn’t have to be that way.
LSU took on a depleted UNC squad in the annual SEC / ACC pairing to open the regular season for 2010. North Carolina found out just before the game that they would be without a number of starters (primarily on defense) and although they entered the game ranked ahead of the Tigers (18 versus 21) they quickly became a double-digit underdog. Of course the game was already booked, so ABC had to go ahead and broadcast it. It turned out to be an exciting game, featuring multiple plays over 50 yards (including a 97 yard TD catch and run that was the longest play from scrimmage in UNC team history) and a last-second defensive stand by LSU to preserve the victory.
There are plenty of things to be happy about on the LSU side. First and foremost, of course, is the victory. Their return teams (punt and kickoff both) did a stellar job. The LSU punter did a nice job, including one incredible punt that pinned UNC back at their 1 yard line. But there were plenty of things to be unhappy about as a Tiger fan as well. The number of turnovers (5) including a stupid pass from Jefferson at the end of the first half. The defense gave up over 400 yards, mostly in the air. Some of the other receivers in the SEC have to be licking their chops after seeing the yards that Boyd put up (221 on six receptions). The LSU coaching staff once again showed poor clock management in the 4th quarter. But the fact that I would assume most fans would be the most worried about is after exploding for 23 points in the second quarter the Tigers managed exactly zero points for the rest of the game. They’re going to have to do better than that against the rest of the SEC.
Speaking of the SEC, how did the rest of the conference do?
Ole Miss got shocked, Florida’s offense looked weak, but other teams rolled over typical first-game patsies. Tennessee managed 50 points, Arkansas put up 44, Auburd hit 52, and Georgia put 55 on the Ragin’ Cajuns (USL). Even Mississippi State got into the act by dropping 49 on Memphis.
The next game up for LSU is Vandy, and they should win that road game. LSU hosts Mississippi State next, followed by a home game against top-ranked (25 for now) West Virginia. If the Tigers can’t muster up more offense and stop some of the big plays, they’re in for a long year. A very long year, considering how much improved Arkansas and Auburn will be this year. LSU could very well finish in the bottom half of the SEC West.