Showing posts with label Josh Williford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Josh Williford. Show all posts
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BCS National Championship Film Study -- Would LSU Quarterback Jarrett Lee Have Made a Difference? (Part II)

Beckham Jr. and the offense failed to make explosive plays.
Photo via Washington Post
To read Part I of the "Would LSU Quarterback Jarrett Lee Have Made a Difference?" film study, click here. 


WARNING LSU FANS: WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO READ WILL BE TOUGH TO SWALLOW.


LSU missed a golden opportunity to score a touchdown on either of their first two offensive plays of the first half. Or, in a more joking manner, a golden opportunity to get past the 50 yard line. 

Now before I begin, I believe the toughest position to evaluate is quarterback. I think quarterbacks can only be evaluated by former quarterbacks and professional talent evaluators. Outside of football camp and sandlot pickup, I have never played the position. But because this Jefferson and Lee controversy is so rampant here in Baton Rouge, I decided to give it my best shot. But I am a better evaluator of the front seven and the running game.  

Much was made after the game by the horrendous play calling by coach Greg Studwara, Les Miles and the LSU coaching staff. But these next few film sessions might help open your eyes to show that the execution wasn't the best either.


LSU was effective on Nov. 5 with two plays against Alabama. The first was the option, which Alabama crushed to perfection in the first half in the championship game. But the other was with straight vertical passing routes, which LSU didn't do enough of in this game (as "The Cajun Cannon" pointed out).


After watching the tape, it seems as if the LSU coaching staff was saving the vertical passing plays to come with in the third quarter, which makes sense. They figured Alabama would come out compared for it, so they probably wanted to lull them to sleep and then hit them with deep ones coming out in the third quarter. If history means anything, Alabama avoided near collapse in their last National Championship game versus Texas when the Longhorns began their comeback in the third quarter.  

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LSU Versus Alabama Film Study -- The Tigers Earn Five Tough Yards on the First Play

Ware wore down the Tide with jabbing runs.
Photo via Uni Watch
This piece is a part of the "LSU Versus Alabama Film Study." To read the opening piece on the ultimate reason why Alabama lost to LSU, click here. Here is Part I & Part II of Alabama's first offensive drive. Today we check in on the LSU offense. 




I would like to first off wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I always love celebrating the birth of my risen savior. But I would like to issue an apology for not posting for over a week now. I had a feeling this would happen.



I have been home with my family in El Dorado, Ark. for the Christmas holidays. During Christmas, I am a volunteer for the Salvation Army. There is not a more rewarding experience than spending time working for them. Plus time with my family is valuable and watching people my age playing football on replay isn't as important as being around my bloodline.


But on top of that, I had to emcee and manage a rock concert put on by "The Swoops" two days before Christmas. Two of the three members are childhood friends and the other is a friend I've made since I've been in college (Yes ladies, all three guys and the sexy emcee/manager is single). It was a rush to be on stage with a damn strong band. 


But now let's get down to business.


Tiger fans were raving about the performance from LSU running back Michael Ford. He rushed for 72 yards on 11 carries while starter Spencer Ware rushed for only 29 yards on 16 carries. 


While the numbers and highlights show Ford had a better game, Ware was just as important. Despite his smaller stature, Ware punishes wimpy tacklers that stand in front of him. 


The comparison between the two can be compared to a boxer's punches. Ware's runs served jab punches to the Alabama defense while Ford connected on flashy hook punches. Like the final devastating left hook thrown from a championship boxer, Ford's run in overtime was the most highlighted offensive success replayed from this game. Most of Ford's yards came from brilliant execution on option plays. While Ford did a nice job, his yards were more of a byproduct of the play instead of impressive individual runs. 


Ware's case is the exact opposite. The three-man front of Alabama abused the LSU offensive line at crucial moments in this game. But Spencer broke and pushed back numerous tacklers for tough yardage. We will see it here on this play...


 
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