Big Daddy felt more dazed and confused than Guantanamo Bay detainees suffering through a week without Saints football. LSU failed to fill the enormous void, thanks to awful play-calling and a pathetic performance by quarterback Jordan Jefferson. As LSU tailgating reached an apogee, the Tiger faithful hoped for another memorable night in Death Valley. Unfortunately, Jefferson’s reaction time was slower than that of George W. Bush when aides told him the nation was under attack. Thank the sweet Lord Jesus for Drew Brees. In this week’s edition of Saints Beat, Big Daddy covers President Obama’s visit, critiques Florida Head Coach Urban Meyer, recaps the Florida/LSU game, analyzes LSU Head Coach Les Miles, trashes today’s officiating, reminisces the night of September 29,1979, and releases his World Famous Pregame Information.
Since Coach Urban Meyer won two of the last three BCS championships, many consider him a modern-day coaching icon. Big Daddy knows that coaching success relies heavily on the horses in the stable, not necessarily on the offensive and defensive schemes being run. Strategy means nothing if the players can't execute the tasks required. Understanding Miami's recent internal problems mixed with Bobby Bowden's assisted living needs at Florida State, a mentally challenged monkey could cherry pick the sunshine state's top recruits to maintain the high talent levels Steve Spurrier left behind. Tim Tebow’s quarterbacking makes a head coach look really smart; however, Florida’s inability to dominate opponents in 2009 indicates that Meyer's spread offense is too one-dimensional. Secondly, legendary coaches taught their players moral values like respect and honor, unlike Coach Meyer's renegade bunch that stomped on the eye of the tiger during pregame warm-ups. The team's classless act proves he'll never achieve Bear Bryant or Joe Paterno status. Florida fans should demand more from their coaches and players.
Recapping the Florida/LSU game, Gator tight end Aaron Hernandez’s huge 15-yard gain on second and long from the Florida 6 yard line paved the way for a 13-play 82 yard drive, capped by Caleb Sturgis’ 28-yard field goal. The Gators led 3-0 after one. LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson's beautiful 26-yard pass to Brandon LaFell enabled the LSU to tie the game on Josh Jaspers 18-yard 3-pointer. Florida signal caller Tim Tebow used eight plays to engineer an 80 yard scoring march. Tebow converted a crucial third down with a three yard power run. One play later, Tebow threw a 24-yard touchdown toss to wide receiver Riley Cooper. Instant replay confirmed that Scott created separation by holding LSU defender’s jersey, the ridiculous blown call gave Florida a 10-3 halftime advantage. Defense dominated as both teams battles through a scoreless third quarter. When the final stanza began, LSU’s record-breaking crowd dreamed about producing another manmade earthquake fueled by a late Tiger rally, but terrible play-calling and Jordan Jefferson’s poor pocket awareness shattered those desires. Florida clinched a hard-fought victory when Tebow drove the Gators into red zone where Sturgis’ 32-yard gave the visitors a 13-3 win.
When Nick Saban disguised his Baton Rouge departure as a run for the NFL money, Les Miles was the reluctant LSU choice because several more established turned the job down. Overall Miles has been a great success. He won a BCS title two years ago, but last year the Tigers suffered through a dismal 8-5 season. Much like Dale Brown, Coach Miles’ strengths center around motivation, recruiting, and true belief in his players. Miles shortcomings stem from poor “X and O” strategy and an inability to hire the good coordinators. Bringing in John Chavis to run the defense has greatly improved that side of the ball, but the offensive play-calling is still atrocious. Add in Jordan Jefferson’s slow development under center spelled disaster against the powerful Florida Gators. Hey Big Daddy is not saying get rid of Les; all we need is a few tweaks on offense to right the ship. One other thing, you’ll never see a Les Miles coached team act inappropriately, Big Daddy likes that.
How many football junkies are sick of pathetic officiating? Whether its flagging helmet-to-helmet contact, protecting quarterbacks and defenseless receivers, stopping excessive celebrations and taunting, or simply making bad and flat-out missed calls, Big Daddy is fed up! Football's popularity is rooted in the fact that its a contact sport. Players get fired up when they make a big hit, seeing violent collisions causes uncontrolled outbursts by crazed fans. If this softer, gentler trend continues, the grid iron will be more watered down than President Obama's health care reform. Moving on, lets talk about zebra mistakes. In every case, sportscasters brush off egregious errors which influence game outcomes as human imperfection. Big Daddy has a radical solution. Referees should have careers like the players. No guaranteed contracts, their salary would be determined by whatever the NFL's player average. Physically they must be in the same shape and age as the players. If an official gets too old, screws up, or isn't good enough, he’s gets cut just like any washed up NFL player.
Who remembers B.C.? No, not "Before Christ;" "Before Cable" TV. On September 29, 1979, USC invaded Tiger Stadium as the top-ranked school in the land. Unlike today, the game was not televised, so unless you had a ticket, people were forced huddle around a radio with an ice chest of beer to listen the announcer call the action. The legendary John Ferguson (the voice of LSU football from 1946-1987) called the exciting radio play-by-play. USC featured the 1979 Heisman trophy winner Charles White, quarterback Paul McDonald, safety Ronnie Lott, tight end Hoby Brenner and were coached by John Robinson. LSU was coached by Charlie McClendon who utilized the two quarterback system with the late David Woodley and Steve Ensminger, accompanied by a tough fullback named Hookie Gajan. USC players still say that was the loudest roars they ever encountered playing in Tiger Stadium that night. Even though the tigers suffered a heartbreaking 17-12 loss, listening to that game with my Dad is my favorite LSU memory.
Tune in to the Section 645 Saints Beat next week when Big Daddy recaps the New York Giants game, reports from section 645, and examines the candidates for the upcoming mayor’s race. If your interested in learning the Saints storied past, log on to www.NOSaintsHistory.com to find out the interesting origins of our favorite pro football franchise. Now Big Daddy releases his World Famous Pregame Information: — Take the Saints minus 3 —
