Merry Christmas Tiger Fans!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TIGER FANS!!!

Earlier this week, I posted a video to get you pumped for Bowl Season. (And yes I capitalized "Bowl Season," because it's that important)

The video above is my favorite Christmas video ever. Give it a look as Christmas Day winds down.

As we draw closer to the Cotton Bowl, expect more posts here on HKT.

Sports Animal 920 -- Radio Appearance (Again!)

I will join Ross McDaniel on Shawn and Wally at 5:30 CT to talk SEC Bowl Previews. You can listen to the Sports Animal 920 AM on any local Arkansas affiliate or by clicking here for a live stream worldwide. (Worldwide sounds so cool)

Hear my predictions on The Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl, BCS National Championship and more!

My appearance yesterday was one of the funnest radio segments ever. In case you haven't figured out, I have plenty to talk about in the wide world of sports. And when "Trey-Day" told me Kobe was better than Jordan I didn't know what to do.

Expect more theatrics on the show today. 

You can follow Shawn and Wally or Ross McDaniel on Twitter.

Tiger Talk -- Wednesday Hot Links

LSU will appeal Ridley's violation
Photo via Nola.com

Big news in the world of LSU football regarding their most productive offensive player. That and more in this edition of Tiger Talk...

LSU running back Stevan Ridley has been ruled academically ineligible for the Cotton Bowl.

Sports by Brooks questions Alabama's renovations of a high school's facilities in preparation for the Capital One Bowl.

ESPN's Diamond Leung says Nicholls State Anatoly Bose's path to Division I college basketball has been quite astonishing. Bose lead Nicholls to an upset victory over LSU earlier this season.

LSU men's basketball looks to end their losing streak versus North Texas tonight in the PMAC.

LSU women's basketball extends their winning streak to five games after a strong second half versus Prairie View A&M last night. My friend and colleague Matt Boudreaux of NBC 33 reporting.

Sports Animal 920 -- Radio Appearance

Happy Bowl Season Tiger Fans!!!

Tomorrow I will join Ross McDaniel on Shawn and Wally at 6:15 CT to talk SEC Bowl Previews. You can listen to the Sports Animal 920 AM on any local Arkansas affiliate or by clicking here for a live stream worldwide. (Worldwide sounds so cool)

Hear my predictions on The Cotton Bowl, Sugar Bowl, BCS National Championship and more!

You can follow Shawn and Wally or Ross McDaniel on Twitter.

(Video) College Football Images of the Decade

This. Is. Epic.

Not a better way to start the bowl season than by watching this video.

Peterson Rakes In Postseason Awards

PP7 carried the LSU offense to begin the year on ST
Photo via Nola.com

LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson has swag, a lucrative professional football future and some serious speed. Peterson was phenominal for the Bayou Bengals this season.


But he now has some serious hardware to show for it.

Peterson was named the SEC Defensive and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year earlier this week. Tonight, he won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back and also won the Chuck Bednarik Award for the nations best defensive player at the College Football Awards on ESPN.

PP7 was the first defensive back to win the award since Charles Woodson won it in 1997. 

Peterson, who never fails to come up with a great quote, said in his acceptance speech that he knew a Tiger had to win in it. Auburn's Nick Fairley and Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers were the other nominees, both teams playing on teams who's team mascot is a Tiger.

LSU head coach Les Miles was in Orlando to support Peterson at the awards show. Auburn's Cameron Newton also won multiple awards tonight, including the Maxwell Award for the nation's best all-around player.

Hide ya kids, Hide ya wife people, PP7 lived up to his preseason hype.

Crowton Says He Wants to Stay at LSU

LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton expects to finish the last year of his contract at LSU next season.

Recently there have been rumors that Crowton would take the job as head coach of UL-Lafayette. Those rumors have been denied by sources at UL.

Many fans in Baton Rouge want Crowton to be fired after the season. Athletic director Joe Alleva has said decisions made in the offseason about LSU's coaching staff will be made by head coach Les Miles.

Fans have been critical of Crowton's inability to open up the offense and the lack of production from highly touted game breaker Russell Shepard. The offensive coordinator has produced better results with quarterback Jordan Jefferson.

Last Week for KLSU Sports Updates

This will be the last week of the semester for KLSU Sports updates. You can always listen to the KLSU Sports staff updates every Monday through Friday at 7:40 am, 8:40 am, noon, 3:40 pm, 4:40 pm and 5:40 pm.

My last updates will be on Wednesday at noon, 3:40, 4:40 and 5:40 pm.

Our weekly sports show "Out of Bounds" will still air on Sunday nights at 6 pm.

Feel free to Email us at sports@klsuradio.fm or via Twitter @KLSUSports.

Jasper, Peterson -- LSU vs Arkansas Postgame

LSU kicker Josh Jasper speaks about onside kick attempt after LSU's 31-23 loss versus Arkansas.



LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson talks after LSU's 31-23 loss versus Arkansas.

"Out of Bounds" -- (Guest) Barrett Sallee of College Football News

Join the KLSU Sports staff tonight at 6 pm CT on "Out of Bounds" on 91.1 KLSU. You can listen live on 91.1 fm or at our live stream on the website.

SEC football columnist Barrett Sallee from CollegeFootballNews.com will join us to recap this weekend's action. He will also give us a preview of the Iron Bowl and Battle of the Boot next weekend.

The KLSU Sports team will also dig into the Hornets, Saints and other news in the world of sports.

Houston Nutt Postgame -- LSU vs Ole Miss

Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt talks about his team's 43-36 loss versus LSU.

Nevis Deserves to be Lombardi Finalist -- Pelican Sports (Video)

Sorry for the latest inactivity of the blog. As you can see, I have been busy doing multiple television projects with Pelican Sports TV.

This was a piece I enjoyed doing with producer Chris LeCoq.  I wrote this column last week on the subject matter. Follow Pelican Sports on Twitter @PelicanSports.

Did Nevis Get Shafted?

Nevis gave LSU a big boost in the 4th quarter.
Photo via MockingTheDraft.com

Today the Rotary Lombardi Finalists were announced. The award is given to the best offensive or defensive lineman in college football. 

I got notification of one of the four finalists via @SECSportsUpdate on Twitter. That's when I knew LSU defensive tackle Drake Nevis was shafted for not being one of the finalists for the prestigious award.

In the famous words of Vince Lombardi, the famous Green Bay Packers coach whom the trophy is named after...

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON OUT HERE!!!"

Read more »

LSU Tiger Grass -- Pelican Sports TV

This was a feature story I was fortunate enough to be a part of on Tiger Stadium Grass for Pelican Sports TV's Tigers Roar. We all know how yesterday's Birthday Boy feels about the sod, so I journeyed through LSU's campus to see which students also wanted to taste victory.

You can view more videos done by me and Pelican Sports producer Chris LeCoq on our Facebook Page.  Also, tune into Tigers Roar every Wednesday night from 8-10 pm CT. Channels and replays can be found on our website.

Tiger TV -- Sports Showtime Analyst

I appeared on Tiger TV's Sports Showtime for the second time this year this past Tuesday. I had a ton of fun with my fellow KLSU Sports host Jason Templet.

Go to the 12:30 mark of this video to listen to Jason and I talk LSU Tiger Football, the New Orleans Saints and Hornets.

Note: I am not shaving this month because of "No-Shave November." I want to complete this feat for once during my lifetime. 

My Take on Newton ALLEGATIONS

Newton deserves the Heisman. Period.
Photo via al.com

Notice I capitalize the word ALLEGATIONS. And notice I just capitalized the word in my last sentence.

In this country, we are innocent until PROVEN guilty. That means clear, objective evidence. So for you LSU fans that believe these allegations will magically vacate Auburn's victories this year and push LSU higher in the rankings.

I don't cover Auburn for a living nor do I know much about this situation. But here are two people you need to listen to for a clear view on the story:

Read more »

LSU Rapper Ripping Up Baton Rouge

This video highlights my friend John Cefalu, better known in the rap game as "J.C." He has been a friend of mine for two years now, and I still don't know if I have found anybody that can match his LSU fandom and mad raps about the Tigers. You can be a part of J.C.'s entourage on Twitter @JCLSU.

This video was made by my friend Hannah Martin of The Ramen. You can view more of her work here.

Chavis, Peterson Speaks After Alabama Victory

LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis talks about his team's defensive performance against Alabama.



Patrick Peterson speaks after LSU's 24-17 victory over Alabama.

Les Miles Postgame -- LSU vs Alabama

Les Miles humors the media with his wit after LSU's 24-21 victory over Alabama.

Three Things to Look For -- LSU versus Alabama Prediction

I can't tell who won here
Photo via SI.com

We know what's at stake, let's get into the good stuff.

Here are three things too look out for...

2) Julio Jones versus Patrick Peterson, Round Three

This is actually Part II from my column earlier this week about the matchup.

Jones and Peterson have different seasons this year. Peterson started off with a bang as he dazzled many with his abilities to return punts. But these last couple of games have been tough for Peterson, as he has struggled tackling in the open field against Auburn and Tennessee.

Jones has been solid throughout the season, but hasn't had a game until his last against Tennessee that would really stand him out from other receivers. Against the Vols, Jones caught 12 passess for 221 yards.

I think the two will cancel each other out. Jones will make some catches on Peterson but none for big yardage. Peterson is going to jam him early so he knock him off his stride and get him off rhythm. Expect Alabama to run Jones on some short patterns and use his size as his advantage.

Read more »

"LSU Tailgate Show" from Student Union

Tune into 91.1 KLSU or www.klsuradio.fm for the "LSU Tailgate Show." Richard Fischer from Tiger Rag and Ryan Ginn from The Daily Reveille will join me to preview LSU versus Alabama. Show starts at 11:30 live from the LSU Student Union. 


Follow the KLSU Sports team on Twitter @KLSUSports.

EZ Grill Prediction -- LSU vs Alabama

Rachel from The EZ Grill sent me this video earlier today about their prediction for the big game this weekend. Tiger fans, I'm sure this will not disappoint.

Claiborne, Taylor Prepares for Alabama

Peterson vs Jones -- Part I

Peterson vs Jones = Classic
Photo via al.com

I can't wait.

I just can't freaking wait.

Patrick Peterson versus Julio Jones.

Russell Shepard said these are two of the best players in the SEC.

The matchup between these talented juniors is what I live for, especially me being a fan of the National Football League. I say this because it will probably be the last time these guys will face each other on Saturdays.

Peterson has nothing to hide regarding the matchup between the two.

"I'm going to be amped up. Julio versus Peterson, Round 3," Peterson said with a big grin on his face.

Read more »

Players Get Ready for Alabama

Flattering isn't it?

Photo via Bossip.com

LSU will welcome in the Alabama Crimson Tide for their biggest home game of the season Saturday. Both teams are looking to stay alive in the SEC West and BCS National Championship picture.

Today, "Lunch w/ Les" was filled with plenty of questions for Les Miles regarding the talented Alabama offense. I would jot down some quotes, but the wonderful people at LSU Sports has the whole conference verbatim on the official site. 

Here are some news and notes I found interesting from the LSU players from interviews today...

Read more »

Tiger Talk -- Thursday Hot Links

Randy Rosetta of The Advocate says the two quarterback system must get better.

The Times Picayune's Jim Kleinpeter says LSU still feels the sting from the Auburn loss.

The Daily Reveille gives the recent graduation rates of the LSU athletic programs.

Regan Gardner of Bleacher Report focuses on the positives and negatives after the Auburn loss.

David Parker of The Huffington Post tries to bust the BCS and fix college football.

LSU looks to the state of Florida for recruits writes Hunter Paniagua of The Daily Reveille.

I Can't Make This Stuff Up

Totally off topic here, but one of my buddies sent me a personalty test last night and I got some interesting results.

Folks, I can't make this stuff up. I guess I'm on the right path. Below are my results.

ENFP - "Journalist". Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.

Free Jung Personality Test (similar to Myers-Briggs/MBTI)

If you want to take the test, click here. After you get your results, a more detailed response to what the four letters mean can be found by clicking here. 

Peterson Prepares for Jones

Patrick Peterson comments on Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones.

LSU vs Auburn Postgame -- Cameron Newton

Cameron Newton speaks to the media after Auburn's 24-17 victory over LSU.

Jefferson, Peterson -- Auburn Postgame Pressers

Jordan Jefferson comments on the two quarterback system after LSU's tough 24-17 loss versus Auburn.



Patrick Peterson says there is still hope in LSU's season after a tough 24-17 loss to Auburn.

Follow @HardKnockTigers for Game Updates Live from Jordan-Hare

Live from Jordan-Hare Stadium, follow HKT on Twitter by clicking here or reading the bar on the right for in-game updates between LSU and Auburn.

Tweet me or comment below for your prediction!!!

Defending Cameron Newton -- LSU vs Auburn Prediction

Is Newton the best player in college football?
Photo via BleacherReport

LSU has faced their fare share of mobile quarterbacks this season and have superb in defending them. But when the Tigers face the Tigers, they will be facing a whole new animal.

Cameron Newton is "not your average" quarterback. Many thought another Tim Tebow wouldn't come for at least a decade, but college football fans are seeing that Newton is special.


LSU's "not your average" cornerback Patrick Peterson knows is too.


"6-6. He's running about... I'm going to say a 4.4 (forty-yard dash), strong arm. What else can you say?"

Read more »

LSU Offensive Midterms

The brains behind it all
Photo via collegefootballfansite.com

If I had to sum up LSU's offense in one statement, it might just go something like this:

"Damn, Les Miles is pretty self-conscious."

Seriously, only "The Mad Hatter" would be stubborn enough to keep playing a quarterback who is completing only 53% of his passes, has a TD-INT ratio of 2:7 and averaging 5 yards an attempt.

And, best of all, this so called "mobile" quarterback is bruising out a whopping 3.3 yds per carry.

The only conclusions I can think of that is keeping Miles from pulling Jordan Jefferson are either he doesn't want to hurt the kid's feelings or he doesn't want to admit he was wrong for letting JJ keep the keys to the offense for so long, which is garbage when you have a team with National Championship talent.

Now that my Jefferson bash is out of the way, lets take a look at the rest of the offense.

Read more »

LSU vs Auburn Preview -- Bayou Bengals Thoughts on Cam Newton

On Saturday, the LSU defense will have their hands full with Heisman candidate Cam Newton. LSU have had success defending mobile quarterbacks, so this week at HKT we will break down those games and what the Bayou Bengals need to do to shut down the hottest player in college football.

Here are Patrick Peterson, Jarrett Lee and Stevan Ridley's thoughts on Newton. Later this week I will share what Kelvin Sheppard, who many consider the quarterback of the defense, thinks about the gunslinger. (Or you can visit the YouTube page and watch it now.)



LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson talks about the LSU secondary and Auburn Heisman hopeful Cam Newton.



LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee talks about what makes Auburn quarterback Cam Newton special.



LSU running back Stevan Ridley talks about Auburn quarterback Cam Newton and getting ready to play in the plains.

Three Things to Look For -- LSU vs McNeese State Prediction

Good football teams run good fake field goals
Photo via Miami Herald

LSU Football is undefeated. They played two of the best games of the SEC season over in as many weeks and now has received much national attention.

But the national media aren't sold on the Tigers as a real national title contender because of how they have been winning. Yet if LSU remain unblemished, they will remain in the Top 10 of all polls.

LSU welcomes in the 2-3 McNeese State Cowboys to Tiger Stadium. Here are three things to look for...

Read more »

Helton on Fake Field Goal vs Florida

Placekick holder Derek Helton breaks down the infamous fake field goal that eventually lead to LSU's 33-29 victory over Florida.

Lee, Toliver Reminisces Florida Victory

Jarrett Lee talks about the victory over Florida, how he likes man coverage and the long journey with LSU Football.



Terrence Toliver talks about the victory over Florida and the connection between him Jarrett Lee.

Texas Connection Leads LSU in 33-29 Victory, Tigers Now 6-0

Photo via Fox Sports
Does this shot remind you of the Byrd catch versus Auburn in '07?

Is LSU really atop the SEC West? Can Christopher Nolan write a script better than this season for LSU? Am I in "Limbo" right now? 

The answers are yes, no and maybe/probably so. But the only answer that matter is the first one, as the Tigers defeated the Florida Gators in "The Swamp" 33-29.

The Tigers move to 6-0 on the season, and will have McNesse State next Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. LSU moves up three spots in the AP Top 25 to No. 9, with Auburn and Alabama right in front of them at No. 7 and 8 respectfully.

And even though "Lucky Les" had to pull another rabbit out of his hat to win it at the end, the game shouldn't have been that close. LSU is a better football team than Florida and Saturday night proved it.

Read more »

Chat with Bourbon & Coke -- LSU vs UF Preview

Because of this week's busy schedule, I might not be able to get around to writing a preview for this game. Before you grab tissues and think Armageddon is heading our way, there is still hope.

I had a small Email session with Bourbon and Coke to discuss this week's upcoming showdown between LSU and Florida. He threw five good questions my way about everything to LSU's quarterback situation to how I view Les Miles' job security.

Follow Bourbon and Coke on Twitter @BourbonandCoke.

91.1 KLSU -- LSU Tailgate Show

Tune into 91.1 KLSU or www.klsuradio.fm for the "LSU Tailgate Show" at 11:30.

See who the KLSU sports staff thinks will win the big matchup between Florida and LSU.

Ridley for Heisman?

Preconceived notions.

I hate them. I hate them. I hate them.

I fell victim to "PN" a few weeks ago when I wrote my West Virginia Prediction piece. I underestimated LSU running back Stevan Ridley's ability to run the football.

Ridley deserves to be in the Heisman discussion. He's not going to win it. In fact, he isn't even the leading contender on his own team.

StiffArmTrophy.com's weekly Top 25 shows Ridley is no where to be found amongst the Top 25 in the country for the award. The poll was done by 65 actual Heisman trophy voters from 36 states.

But just because he's not getting any recognition, that doesn't mean he shouldn't be amongst the chatter now.

Read more »

Tiger TV -- Sports Showtime Analyst

I made an appearance on this week's "Sports Showtime"on Tiger TV. This was my first appearance (12:00 mark) as an analyst on the show in two years, so please forgive the rust.

Fans ask me who should be the starter at quarterback, if Russell Shepard should get some snaps at quarterback and my thoughts on the Tigers so far this season.

A new "Sports Showtime" happens every Tuesday. For listings on all of the shows that air on Tiger TV, check out their website.

"Lucky Les" is the Luckiest Coach in America

"Lucky Les" sure is Lucky
Photo via cfbexaminer

Les Miles is the luckiest coach alive.

I am not the only person who agrees with that statement.

When the clock struck zero for the first time, LSU fell to 4-1 in the season. The Tennessee Volunteers pulled the upset of the day in college football. Derek Dooley pulled of his signature win in front of the fifth largest crowd in the history of Tiger Stadium.   

But only Les Miles gets a second chance for the clock to run out.

The Tigers, like they did versus Ole Miss last year, had problems managing the clock when it mattered most. LSU had first and goal on the Vols two-yard line with 36 seconds remaining.

On the first play, Miles attempted a play action pass on first down with Jarrett Lee that fell incomplete. Lee said after the game the ball was targeted for Rueben Randle.

On second down, Miles subbed in struggling Jordan Jefferson to play quarterback. His number was called to the right side, where he was stopped at the one-yard line.

Tick-Tock. Tick-Tock.    

Read more »

Peterson, Randle on LSU Victory Over Tennessee

Patrick Peterson talks about LSU's 16-14 victory over Tennessee. Peterson gives some thoughts on No. 7 playing offense.



LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle talks about the final few plays in the Tigers' thrilling 16-14 victory over Tennessee.

T-Bob Hebert -- LSU vs Tennessee Postgame

LSU center T-Bob Hebert talks about LSU's stunning 16-14 victory over Tennessee.

Miles, Dooley Postgame Pressers

Postgame press conferences from LSU's Les Miles and Tennessee's Derek Dooley.

Three Things to Look For -- LSU vs Tennessee Prediction

LSU is 1-8 over the last two years on CBS.
Photo via CapstoneReport

The LSU Tigers take on the Tennessee Volunteers Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The Volunteers come into Baton Rouge with a 2-2 record under first year head coach Derek Dooley.

LSU Football has been receiving much national attention through the superhuman efforts of Patrick Peterson so far this year. His "Swag" and ability to take the ball to the house every time he touches it had Tiger Stadium going into a frenzy in the victory versus West Virginia. 

If Tennessee special teams coach Eric Russell wants to keep his job, he must tell his punter to not kick the ball remotely in Peterson's region. Since "PP7" said he doesn't want to call fair catch any more this season, I wouldn't be surprised if Mike the Tiger has a better chance of taking one back.   

Outside of the special teams play, here are three more things to keep an eye on Saturday...

Read more »

ESPNU Campus Connection -- LSU Swag (Video)

This was my feature story on ESPNU's "SportsCenter U" called "LSU Swag." The piece aired a few weeks back for ESPNU Campus Connection. Click here for the original link.

An extended version of "LSU Swag" will air tonight at 8 pm on Pelican Sports TV's "Tigers Roar." Channels, as well as a live stream of the show, can be found on PelicanSportsTV.com.

In my years of broadcasting, never having I seen players have so much fun while doing anything with the media. There was so much more cut out just because of time (which means you should watch "Tigers Roar" tonight). Hopefully more opportunities like these arise continue later on down the road.

O Jordan Jefferson, How Little Can Change in Two Weeks

Tiger fans are tired of seeing the option
Photo via alligator.org

Haven't we been here before? But let's cut the small talk, let's get to the facts.

North Carolina: 15/21, 151 yds, 71.4%, 2 TD, 1 INT, 153.7 rtg

Vanderbilt: 8/20, 96 yds, 40%, 0 TD, 1 INT, 70.3 rtg

Mississippi State: 10/16, 97 yds, 62.5%, 0 TD, 0 INT, 113.4 rtg

West Virginia: 10/22, 75 yds, 45.5%, 0 TD, 2 INT, 55.91 rtg

TOTAL: 43/79, 419 yds, 54.4%, 2 TD, 4 INT, 97.2 rtg

Now after seeing all of those stats, some might say:

"97.2 rating? Thats not bad."

After hearing that college passer rating is not calculated on the 158.3 scale that the NFL uses, but on a scale on which the max rating is 1261.6, they might then say:

"How the hell is this guy still playing?!?!"

Read more »

Three Things to Look For -- LSU Versus WVU Prediction

Can LSU get Toliver involved?
Photo via BleacherReport

The LSU Tigers will welcome in the No. 22 West Virginia Mountaineers on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Les Miles has a great record at night games in Death Valley, and should be confident playing with a team thats 3-0.

The Tigers have won this season thanks John Chavis' to stingy defense. But the offenses they've played this season doesn't equal the firepower the Mountaineers possess.

Here are three things to look for when SEC meets Big East on Saturday...

1) How will the Tigers' defend Noel Devine and Geno Smith?

A hobby of many football fans is to watch their favorite college and professional stars' high school football highlight reels.

There might not be any player in college football who has better footage than Noel Devine.

Read more »

Tiger Talk -- Thursday Hot Links

The Tigers are 3-0, but questions are still afloat about the stagnent LSU offense. Here is this week's edition of Tiger Talk...

Brett Martel of the Associated Press (via NBC Sports) reports Les Miles believes the passing game will get better.

Andy Schwehm of The Daily Reveille says Patrick Peterson will not win the Heisman but will probably be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame 15 years from now.

Katherine Terrell of The Times-Picayune reports LSU tight end DeAngelo Peterson will make his first appearance in a Tiger uniform this season vs West Virginia.

Michael Lambert of The Daily Reveille reports former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger has been offered a scholarship earlier this month by LSU according to multiple reports.


Bleacher Report LSU featured columnist Brett Stephen says West Virginia has no match for LSU's defense.

ESPN SEC blogger Chris Low talks about the emergence of Drake Nevis and gives his prediction for this weekend's games in the SEC.

Dear Mr. Ingram, Please Hear Me Out (Again)

Ingram rushed for 144 yards versus LSU
Photo by: al.com

As many of you already know, I posted this letter before the college football season started. Three days later, Mark Ingram suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss the first two games of the season. Since I've spent most of my life in "The Natural State," some of my friends have asked me to post this column before the Alabama vs Arkansas game this weekend. But still, I don't care about the Hogs and was probably going to repost it anyway. The letter is still in original form with a few extra pictures. 

Dear Mr. Ingram,

My name is Carter Bryant, and first let me say you are one of the few truly outstanding individuals in college football.

For the last two years, I have been a credentialed member of the media covering LSU Tigers athletics. My favorite game I have ever covered was LSU vs Alabama in Tuscaloosa last year.

In the postgame presser of that game, you handled questions with grace and humility, proving that you are truly a team first player.

Later on down the road you would be crowned the only Heisman winner in Alabama's illustrious history. You did this while avoiding the “Heisman National Championship Curse” and leading your team to the title for the first time since '92. 

But I write this note to say something that you will not like or want to hear.

Read more »

A History Of Greatness: Where Nevis Ranks Among LSU Defensive Tackles

Lavalais did a little bit of everything as a defensive tackle.
Photo via DashRight93Berlin.com

HardKnockTigers would like to welcome contributing writer Ryan Brumley. With me being a former defensive tackle, he attacks a subject that draws near to my heart in his first work for HKT. Contact him at RyanBrum6@gmail.com.  


Over the past the past few years, Tigers fans have been waiting for the next great defensive tackle after years of domination at the position. 


Drake Nevis has finally exploded into that role this year. After having a stellar junior season, Nevis is now one of LSU's senior leaders on defense.

Read more »

Jasper on Kicking Performance, Shepard on Improving the Offense

LSU kicker Josh Jasper talks about his record setting performance vs Mississippi State, LSU's kickoff coverage and being perfect on field goals since his first miss vs North Carolina.



Russell Shepard talks about getting better at the small things at receiver, the youth on offense, watching film and the game by game process it takes to get better on offense.

"Mustang" 3-2-6 Formation Dominant in LSU Victory, Tigers Now 3-0

Chief = "Mustang" Mastermind
Photo via ESPN

LSU starts off their home campaign with an impressive 29-7 victory over Mississippi State.

The offense was average and the quarterback play was better from Jordan Jefferson, despite the numbers not saying so.

But the defense dominated. This defense is really really really good. Like really good. And they have the best defensive formation in the country in the 3-2-6 dime package.

Or, what the defense identifies as the "Mustang" package.

The formation has transformed LSU's defense, making it almost a defensive form of the spread. This makes defense exciting, forcing sacks and turnovers left and right on the field.

I mentioned it before the game how much the formation would be run against eh Bulldogs. Defensive Coordinator John Chavis called it up every time, and, if I'm not mistaken, all LSU turnovers came out of  that set.

Dan Mullen after the game told me what he thought of all the different looks LSU gave him. He said his team expected it and they just didn't execute.

I also spoke with Morris Claiborne, Patrick Peterson, Stefoin Francois and Kelvin Sheppard after the game. They all pretty much had the same answer about the "Mustang" package.

It can't be stopped.

Read more »

Peterson... "I Was Definitely, Definitely Going to do the Heisman Pose"

LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson says he would have done the "The Heisman Pose" if his punt return would have resulted in a touchdown instead of a penalty.

Peterson finished with two interceptions in a 29-7 victory over Mississippi State.

Claiborne, Sheppard Speak on "Mustang" Formation

The LSU Tigers defense dominated in their 29-7 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

The defense's best weapon was defensive coordinator John Chavis' 3-2-6 "Mustang" formation. Most, if not all, turnovers tonight came out of that set.

Later on, I will have a full post on the formation. It will be a full breakdown on how it works and if I think anybody will be able to crack it.



LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne talks about the "Mustang" package, LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis and Patrick Peterson after his two interception night against Mississippi State.



LSU linebacker Kelvin Sheppard talks to me about the 3-2-6 "Mustang" package, LSU Defensive Coordinator John Chavis and team speed.

Follow @HardKnockTigers for Game Updates

Live from Death Valley, follow us on Twitter by simply clicking or reading the bar on the right for in-game updates between LSU and Mississippi State.

Tiger Fans Must Preserve Death Valley Now

Beautiful
Photo via NCAAFootball.com

It sounds crazy, but I'm afraid Death Valley might take a step back this season. 

Tiger fans, before you inflict electronic verbal pain on me, let's rewind and take a step back.

The Rewind

In 2007, LSU fans went to go see "Inception." It included home games people would pay to see over and over again no matter what cost.

LSU crushed Top-10 Virginia Tech in an emotional home opener on national television (ESPN College GameDay was there), defeated No. 12 South Carolina in a rainy downpour highlighted by a clever trick play and played three other games only three words could describe versus Florida, Auburn and Arkansas... Oh My God!  

And those were just the home games.

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ESPNU Campus Connection -- LSU Swag

My piece on "LSU Swag" for ESPNU Campus Connection that aired last night will be replayed at 9:40/8:40 CT this morning.

Tune in as Russell Shepard, Brandon Taylor, Ron Brooks and Patrick Peterson tell me how much the word "swag" means to them.  

Three Things to Look for -- LSU versus Miss St. Prediction

Nevis has racked up 3.5 sacks this season
Photo by: LSUSports.net

Saturday Night in Death Valley. I can't believe it's here.

LSU kicks off their home season versus Mississippi State on Saturday. The Bulldogs come into Baton Rouge winless. But head coach Dan Mullen's club played Auburn tough, losing that game by only three points

What everyone will be looking for is LSU's quarterback play. I won't waste your time discussing who should be the starter, because HKT columnist Thomas Powers did a fine job of that the other day. 

Here are three other things to keep a keen eye on...

1. What about Mississippi State quarterback Chris Relf? 

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