Morning Thread (9/13)

We're only three days away from the first "Biggest Game of the Year" for LSU. I don't know about you, but my nervers are already shot and we're not even to the coin toss yet. On to the news, which seems to be the same from both the Auburn and LSU camps ...

After its two blowout victories, LSU has racked up some pretty impressive statistical rankings. The Tigers are first in scoring defense and third in total defense. The offense appears to be slacking however, coming in seventh in scoring and 12th in total yards. LSU is first in the SEC in scoring offense and defense.

Whenever LSU and Auburn get together, inevitably the memories of the classic 1988 battle, the "Earthquake Game" are going to be rehashed. Tommy Hodson found Eddie Fuller in the back of the endzone on fourth down in the final two minutes for the win. The catch setoff a celebration that registered on the seismograph across campus. Scott Rabalais debunks the importance of that today, but the legend will always live on.

Rabalais documents the recent history in the LSU-Auburn series and it's impact on the SEC race.

LSU is becoming a defensive powerhouse in recent years and, despite six new starters on that side of the ball, is living up to the hype this year.

There are plenty of ties between Auburn and LSU's coaching staff.

Some people in the media don't get it. You can try to create a rivalry for LSU, but there will never be a true rivalry for the state's flagship institution. Yes, LSU vs. Auburn is a monster game, and has been for six years now. But, to try to place it in the same stratosphere as Auburn-Alabama is sheer lunacy. It may decide the SEC West champion, but the championship of the State of Alabama is more important to some people.

Pat Forde gives LSU-Auburn a de facto top billing in his column this week that counts down the biggest games of the weekend.

Auburn kicker John Vaughn, who missed five of his six field goal attempts including one in overtime against LSU a year ago, has put his rough performance behind him.

Discuss ...

Morning Thread (9/12)

Good morning Tiger fans. Only four more days until the biggest game in LSU's season, for now at least.

The anticipation is building and there is an electricity in the atmosphere -- and it's only Tuesday!

As much as we'll focus on The Plains, it's a monster weekend all over the country with seven games pitting top 25 teams against each other.

Coach Les Miles spoke at his weekly teleconference on Monday.

"In big games there is a lot of motivation. This football team understands who we play. There will be very few differences in our game-week regiment. There will be a lot of differences in how we approach the game in terms of extra time and our players wanting extra time. It is a lot of fun preparing for a traditional opponent in a key rivalry game. It's why you play football."

Glen Dorsey was named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week after making four tackles and 1.5 sacks in the win over Arizona.

Scott Rabalais, of the Baton Rouge Advocate, has an LSU notebook today.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has its weekly SEC recruiting update. The nation's No. 2 ranked center, T-Bob Hebert, has LSU in his top three. He is the son of former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert.

Phillip Marshall at the Huntsville Times has a great feature on the relationship between LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher and Auburn defensive coordinator -- and former LSU defensive coordinator -- Will Muschamp.

Memories of shared celebrations, of laughter and tears, of long days and longer nights, bind Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher.

In 2003, they celebrated a national championship together at LSU, two families reveling in the joy of the experience of a lifetime. The marching of time has only made their friendship closer.

Stewart Mandel came to his senses a little bit and moved LSU up to No. 6 in his power rankings. Last week, he had the Tigers a slap-in-the-face 10th. Maybe it was the way LSU drilled what is supposed to be a decent Arizona team.

At least somebody at ESPN is paying attention to the big games this weekend. It's good to know they can staff out somebody to write about No. 3 vs. No. 6 while all the big boys drool over USC and their 20-point fourth quarter blowout of Arkansas.

Separation definitely will be the theme in the Southeastern Conference, where history suggests two games Saturday could decide which teams play in the Dec. 2 SEC championship game in Atlanta's Georgia Dome. In the SEC East, No. 7 Florida plays at No. 13 Tennessee. In the West, No. 6 LSU plays at No. 3 Auburn.

In a conference with five teams ranked in the top 13 of the AP poll, there are no mulligans, especially this season.

Discuss ...

Morning Thread (9/11)

It's a HUGE week for LSU as the Tigers visit No. 3 Auburn on Saturday in one of the biggest games of the year. However, before we get into everything, take a moment to remember the victims and the heroes of 9/11 on the fifth anniversary of the tragedy. Our prayers go out to everyone affected by the event.

Now, on to the news which is very football heavy, as you might expect ...

LSU head coach Les Miles met with the media on Sunday to discuss the 45-3 drubbing his team gave Arizona over the weekend.

LSU moved up to No. 6 in the AP poll, leapfrogging Florida and Texas. The Tigers are seventh in the USA Today coaches poll. Auburn is ranked third and fourth in the two polls, respectively.

LSU's defense has been dominant so far this year, and people are starting to notice.

At this rate, LSU's fast, heavy-hitting and opportunistic defense would score more points this season than it gives up.

No. 3 Auburn may have something to say about that next weekend. But for now, led by a dominant and experienced secondary, LSU's defense has shown no let up since pounding the Miami Hurricanes 40-3 in last year's Peach Bowl.

The New York Times takes a look at all the big games this weekend and calls LSU-Auburn it's game of the week.

The defense of Louisiana State (2-0) put in one of the top performances of last week, holding Arizona to 54 yards through three quarters. Auburn’s experienced offensive line will be tested in trying to open holes for Kenny Irons.

Tony Barnhart does the same for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

It's only been two games, but the difference between the start to this year's season and last year's have been remarkably different.

Carl Dubois of The Baton Rouge Advocate takes a look at LSU's defensive play so far this year. The Tigers have allowed only 328 total yards and six points in two games.

Tommy Tuberville admitted what we've all known for years. Coaches don't "take it one game at a time."

With the luxury of two blowouts, both offensive coordinators -- Al Borges at Auburn and Jimbo Fisher at LSU -- have been able to keep their offense under wraps heading into the big game.

Auburn will be without linebackers Kevin Sears and Tray Blackmon on Saturday. The two are still serving an undisclosed suspension that was delivered by Tuberville in the preseason.

Phillip Marshall, who has been covering Auburn for as long as anyone can remember, says this year's LSU-Auburn game is going to be bigger than most.

Discuss ...

Why the SEC is the Nation's Best

First, let me apologize for no morning thread as I was unexpectedly unavoidably detained. Anyway, I happened upon Dennis Dodd's SEC preview on cbs.sportsline.com and actually agreed with a point he made.

The excellence of the SEC has reached critical mass. Its teams are so good. Almost too good in this BCS age. The competition is cannibalistic. One-time powerhouse Tennessee has had one down year. Suddenly, the Vols are, at best, the conference's fifth-best team going into a cutthroat 2006.

Normally, you'll find me ripping Dodd for his factual mistakes, poor writing/editing (it's gauntlet, not gantlet) and just plain being an ass. But he actually makes a point I have believed in for the past few years.

Since the BCS began in 1998, the SEC has had six different champions in eight years. LSU was the first two-time champion (2001, 2003) and Georgia joined the Tigers last year. Eight of the league's 12 teams have played in the SEC Championship game. For that reason, the Lee Corso's and Kirk Herbstriet's of the world tend to focus on team's that stay at the top of the heap from year to year (see USC, Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Michigan).

But that's exactly why the SEC is the best conference. It is impossible for any team in the SEC in its current state to establish dominance. The days of Steve Spurrier's mid-90's Florida Gators are over and, frankly, were over at least two years before he left The Swamp.

Every team in the top half of the SEC it just too good from year to year. It's actually possible for a team in the SEC to play for the championship one year and then go 5-6 the next (see Tennessee 2005, 2006).

Look around the nation. The Big Ten is won every year by either Ohio State or Michigan, save for a rare title by Iowa four years ago. The Pac 10 has one team, USC. The Big 12 championship race comes down to one game every year, Texas vs. Oklahoma. The ACC comes closest to the SEC in balance, but it is still between only three teams: Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech. The Big East is, well, the Big East.

None of the BCS conferences have the type of depth the SEC does. Every year, any of the top six teams of the league are completely capable of winning the league and potentially playing for a national title. Is there any doubt that teams fear going to play at Florida, at LSU, at Tennessee, at Alabama. Hell yes!

Do you fear playing at Georgia Tech, at Texas A&M, at Oregon State, at Minnesota? No, and neither do any other teams worth their salt.

That's why the SEC is the best now, has been the best for years, and will always be the best football conference in the nation.

Morning Thread (8/22)

The countdown continues, only 12 days until kickoff. That said, the news from the football front is picking up:

The football team holds its second scrimmage in four days today. On Saturday, JaMarcus Russell and Glenn Dorsey were the stars. It would be nice to hear good reviews of the running game and offensive line after today. Those are by far the biggest question marks for LSU going into the season.

Scott Rabalais makes the point I thought about yesterday, that LSU is becoming Defensive Tackle U (catchy, huh?) and Glenn Dorsey is set to continue the tradition. Dorsey follows NFL tackles Kyle Williams, Claude Wroten, Chad Lavalais, Howard Green and Booger McFarland, all who have worn the purple and gold since 1998.

Collegefootballnews.com has LSU's secondary rated as the second best in the nation behind Miami. If you ask me, LSU was underrated. LaRon Landry is an absolute stud and Jessie Daniels may be the most underrated defender in the SEC. Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon each have speed to burn on the corner.

LSU's opening game of the year against UL-Lafayette will be on TigerVision for $34.50. ESPN GamePlan will also have the coverage.

The team representing South Lake Charles, La., in the Little League World Series was eliminated by Portsmouth, N.H., yesterday.

Discuss ...

Morning Thread (8/21)

Happy Monday Tiger fans, only 13 more days until kickoff. There's not much to report on from the weekend since the scrimmage was closed to the media, but here's your weekend recap anyway ...

The football team scrimmaged Saturday, in a session closed to the media. The Advocate's Carl Dubois does his best to break down the scrimmage as he listened from outside Gate 3.

There was a small fire in Tiger Stadium, but it was quickly extinguished and there was no real damage.

The men's basketball team is getting a lot of love after last year's Final Four run. Despite losing Tyrus Thomas to the NBA, LSU returns three starters including SEC Player of the Year Glen Davis. Andy Katz has the Tigers ranked fifth in his summer top 50.

Glen Davis looked like a slimmed-down Corliss Williamson at the Nike Camp in Indianapolis. He finally looked comfortable in his own skin around the basket after dropping 20-plus pounds. The Tigers lost Tyrus Thomas and Darrel Mitchell off the Final Four team, but the rest of the crew is back.

David Toms, a former LSU golfer, finished 6-under and tied for 16th in the PGA Championship over the weekend. He pockets $94,000 for his effort. He now ranks 9th on the tour money list for 2006. Winner Tiger Woods was 18-under and took home 1.224 million (PDF) in four days of work.

Former Lady Tiger Seimone Augustus was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year, the second straight season an LSU alum has taken home the award (Temeka Johnson). She started all 34 games for the Minnesota Lynx and ranked second in the league with 21.9 points per game. Augustus received 34 of 56 possible votes.

LSU Holds First Scrimmage

On Saturday, the LSU football team got together in Tiger Stadium for 110-play scrimmage, it's first of the preseason. The most important aspect of the scrimmage was likely the play of quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who went 10-for-13 for 88 yards and a touchdown. That performance likely silenced any doubters as to who would be under center when UL-Lafayette comes to town on Sept. 2.

Other important notes from the scrimmage include that Justin Vincent looked good, running for 22 yards on four carries.

“We ran the football to a point, but we need to run the ball better in my opinion,” [head coach Les] Miles said. “"We really mixed it pretty well. I think both (Justin) Vincent and (Jacob) Hester were the front-runners at the tailback spot. Hester took some carries at the fullback spot as well.

“I think if you look at yards per carry, we were very efficient running the football. We need to run the football a little bit more effectively. That will be the goal for Tuesday's scrimmage."

On the other side of the ball, it appears that Glenn Dorsey is going to continue LSU's tradition of stellar defensive tackle play. He was a monster in the middle with two sacks on the afternoon.

"The defense played well,” Miles said. “There were a number of sacks and once again Glenn Dorsey created some problems for us. I thought linebacker play was good, and the balls that were caught in the secondary were contested. The rough view without tackling was that the defense is still doing well. Those sacks will have a different feel when it comes game time."

Wide receiver Craig "Buster" Davis and offensive guard Will Arnold sat out, but are expected back at practice on Monday. LSU takes Sunday off and will scrimmage again on Tuesday night.

AP Ranks LSU Eighth

The Associated Press poll was released Friday evening with LSU holding down the No. 8 spot. That's one spot higher than in the USA Today coaches poll, which had the Tigers ninth. The difference in the Tigers ranking lies with Oklahoma being ranked lower in the AP poll after expected starting quarterback Rhett Bomar was dismissed from the team.

While everyone keeps saying the year is wide open with no clear cut No. 1, Ohio State holds a pretty solid lead in both polls. Personally, I don't get it. The Buckeyes lost nine defensive starters and haven't ever been awe-inspiring on offense under coach Jim Tressel.

I also don't understand why voters are showering Florida with so much credit right now. The Gators are one spot ahead of LSU in both polls despite not winning as many as nine games in any of the last three regular seasons. Everyone seems to have come to the conclusion Chris Leak is not a good fit in Urban Meyer's offense, which is also being doubted as to whether it can work in the SEC.

West Virginia, ranked fifth, is still living off a surprising Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia. Of course, the Bulldogs were asleep the whole first half before waking up and nearly rallying from 28 points down for a victory. Yes, the Mountaineers won 11 games last year, but the Big East is a borderline mid-major conference. Every year, a team or two is labeled a national title contender after a big bowl win the season before (see Iowa, 2005). In 2006 it's West Virginia.

Morning Thread (8/18)

Sorry for the hiatus, there's been much vacationing going on. Anyway, it's good to be back and here's the news ...

LSU set a school record for football season ticket sales by selling 67,800 for the team's eight home games. The previous record was 67,355 set last year. LSU ranked sixth in the nation (PDF) in attendance in 2005.

Freshman defensive tackle Al Woods has finally academically been cleared to play by the NCAA Clearinghouse.

The Advocate's Scott Rabalais has a feature on fullback Jacob Hester, who expects to be a much bigger part of LSU's offense this year.

Ted Lewis of the New Orleans Times-Picayune features starting linebacker Darryl Beckwith.

CNNSI.com ranks LSU fourth in the nation and has a short feature on All-Everything safety LaRon Landry.

LSU is ranked seventh in the ESPN.com Power 16. Ohio State earned the top spot while Auburn was the highest ranked SEC team at fourth.

collegefootballnews.com answers 10 of the most pressing questions leading into the season. No. 17 asks who will be in LSU's backfield for the season opener against Louisiana-Lafayette.

The first man to get medical clearance wins a starting job. LSU is well-stocked in the backfield, but unfortunately for the Tigers, the starting quarterback is returning from injury, as are the top two options at running back. JaMarcus Russell is the incumbent behind center, but he missed spring to rest an ailing wrist and shoulder, and backups Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux could start for a bunch of programs. The competition will be even more interesting at tailback, where potential stars Alley Broussard and Justin Vincent are coming back from ACL tears suffered in 2005. Redshirt freshman R.J. Jackson, who looked promising, is also rehabbing an injured knee. If depth becomes an issue, and he clear academic hurdles, top recruit Keiland Williams will contribute right out of the gate.

CFN lists its top 40 games of the season with predictions. LSU makes the list a whopping four times: No. 28 vs. Tennessee, No. 17 vs. Alabama, No. 13 vs. Florida and No. 4 vs. Auburn. LSU is predicted to lose to the Vols (24-20) and Tigers (19-17)while beating Alabama (21-13) and Florida (24-20).

The Indianapolis Colts website features former Tiger Joseph Addai .

“I’ve just been going out there trying to relax and doing what I can do,” Addai said. “I feel comfortable out there last week. I might get more (carries). I don’t know. That’s up to the coaches, but I feel comfortable out there on the field. I just have to leave it to the coaches and get ready to do whatever they ask me to do.”

Former Tiger David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship winner, is 1-under after the first round of this year's PGA Championship at Medinah. Lucas Glover led after firing a 6-under 66.

Discuss ...

Morning Thread (7/12)

It's hump day and a pretty slow news day.

Former LSU football player and track All-American Xavier Carter ran the second fastest 200-meters in world history yesterday. His 19.63 time is eclipsed only by Michael Johnson's gold medal-winning time of 19.32 at the 1996 Olympics.

Former Lady Tiger Seimone Augustus won the Dribble, Dish and Swish competition at the WNBA All-Star festivities. She unseated defending champion Sue Bird.

A few of football's incoming freshman may have trouble qualifying academically for the upcoming season. The biggest issue is with West Monroe's Shomari Clemons.

It's not something we like to think about, but what would be the state of the LSU football program had it not beaten Oklahoma for the 2003 National Championship.

Alley Broussard appears to be on schedule with his rehab from a knee injury.

Discuss ...