Man, we're a young team

[Crusty]

We really are a very young team - very young. Looking at the LSU depth chart, which does not include Erv, we have 11 of 24 RS Sophs or younger on Offense and 14 of 23 on Defense . That's 25 of 47 - over 50% with very little or no D-1 experience.

While this is very promising for the future, it also means that we probably need to temper expectations for this season. There are a few points to consider.

1. Most of our best skill players are true frosh or sophs.
2. Our secondary is the youngest unit on the team with 7 of 9 Sophs or younger.
3. Our younger players are clearly a level above previous rosters. Regardless of where you want to assign the credit, this is huge. Personally. I think being in the ACC expands our universe, but evaluating and closing the talent is all the staff. Time to give credit where it is due.
4. We have only 8 seniors on the Offense 2 deep and 4 seniors on the Defense 2 deep. 12 0f 47 - 25.5%.
5. We have only just begun getting players that can compete in the ACC.

Burning Red Shirts
I think what we are seeing is due to several factors. First, and foremost, we are playing the best players available and the younger players are better. Secondly, Lester is on record saying he values game experience more than a red shirt. Lastly, we are using early playing time as a recruiting selling point and for it to be credible Shafer has to walk the walk.

Blocking
Worthy of mention is that our WRs and TEs and doing a very good job of blocking downfield. In the past, Broyld and Kobena never held a block - never. Yes, some is formation and scheme, but most credit goes to players and coaches Acosta and Moreland.

Rough water ahead.
I don't know about you, but my kids gave me moments when I thought they were wise beyond their years and moments when I wondered whose kids they really were. As we move into the meat of our schedule, we are undoubtedly going to experience the same with these Orange kids. It is just part of the growing up deal. Let's just stay patient - don't blame the coaches for the players youth and stay positive.

If we win 5 or 6 with this young team we can all look forward to the future - finally. This is really exciting.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

It will be huge if we can go to a bowl simply because with such a young roster that extra practice time would pay huge dividends for the future.

 

[Faegan]

It will be huge if we can go to a bowl simply because with such a young roster that extra practice time would pay huge dividends for the future.

For teams that make lower tier bowls, this is the most important element of getting to the post season, imho.

 

[Shenexon]

We really are a very young team - very young. Looking at the LSU depth chart, which does not include Erv, we have 11 of 24 RS Sophs or younger on Offense and 14 of 23 on Defense . That's 25 of 47 - over 50% with very little or no D-1 experience.

While this is very promising for the future, it also means that we probably need to temper expectations for this season. There are a few points to consider.

1. Most of our best skill players are true frosh or sophs.
2. Our secondary is the youngest unit on the team with 7 of 9 Sophs or younger.
3. Our younger players are clearly a level above previous rosters. Regardless of where you want to assign the credit, this is huge. Personally. I think being in the ACC expands our universe, but evaluating and closing the talent is all the staff. Time to give credit where it is due.
4. We have only 8 seniors on the Offense 2 deep and 4 seniors on the Defense 2 deep. 12 0f 47 - 25.5%.
5. We have only just begun getting players that can compete in the ACC.

Burning Red Shirts
I think what we are seeing is due to several factors. First, and foremost, we are playing the best players available and the younger players are better. Secondly, Lester is on record saying he values game experience more than a red shirt. Lastly, we are using early playing time as a recruiting selling point and for it to be credible Shafer has to walk the walk.

Blocking
Worthy of mention is that our WRs and TEs and doing a very good job of blocking downfield. In the past, Broyld and Kobena never held a block - never. Yes, some is formation and scheme, but most credit goes to players and coaches Acosta and Moreland.

Rough water ahead.
I don't know about you, but my kids gave me moments when I thought they were wise beyond their years and moments when I wondered whose kids they really were. As we move into the meat of our schedule, we are undoubtedly going to experience the same with these Orange kids. It is just part of the growing up deal. Let's just stay patient - don't blame the coaches for the players youth and stay positive.

If we win 5 or 6 with this young team we can all look forward to the future - finally. This is really exciting.

Thanks for adding to my day...

 

[Crusty]

It will be huge if we can go to a bowl simply because with such a young roster that extra practice time would pay huge dividends for the future.

I actually think we are going to get an offense that we will like. Dungey's accuracy, ability to throw on the run and great touch on the long ball add up to a lot of exciting plays. Lester's introduction of the triple option (with variations) will put defenses back on their heels very often. Slowing reactions by a step or even half a step is exactly what is needed at this level. OIG, we are in for some fun.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I actually think we are going to get an offense that we will like. Dungey's accuracy, ability to throw on the run and great touch on the long ball add up to a lot of exciting plays. Lester's introduction of the triple option (with variations) will put defenses back on their heels very often. Slowing reactions by a step or even half a step is exactly what is needed at this level. OIG, we are in for some fun.

I hope you're right. Still cautiously optimistic.

 

[bee rye]

we are too. which has me still wondering if we are good, or if Auburn and MSU are bad.

we know what we have in Fournette (SO). But the jury is still out with a lot of our players.

 

[Crusty]

I hope you're right. Still cautiously optimistic.

I really was prepared for a run first heavy package style. With Hunt it would have been. Dungey changes everything. Adding play action and option to the base offense suggests tome that Lester knows how to use his talent. I must say, I never thought I would get this excited abut a RS Freshmen QB. I have watched replays over and over and his athletic ability and touch on his passes is remarkable. When everyone is on the same page this is going to get very interesting.

 

[Crusty]

we are too. which has me still wondering if we are good, or if Auburn and MSU are bad.

we know what we have in Fournette (SO). But the jury is still out with a lot of our players.

You will have him for one more year. He is going early and going high.

 

[Rocco]

It will be huge if we can go to a bowl simply because with such a young roster that extra practice time would pay huge dividends for the future.

I agree 100%. With such a young team, we need all of the practices we can get.

Very bullish on this team moving forward.

 

[bee rye]

I agree 100%. With such a young team, we need all of the practices we can get.

Very bullish on this team moving forward.

those bowl game practices really are important, and with more than half of the teams in college football going to a bowl, it just helps the better half get better, and hurts the bottom half even more.

 

[K Otto XLIV]

We are young except OL where we have 4 SRs, although Shanley could come back. If not for the OL next year would be a break out year for sure. But it might take 2 years instead.

 

[ThruWayWest]

We are young except OL where we have 4 SRs, although Shanley could come back. If not for the OL next year would be a break out year for sure. But it might take 2 years instead.

If I am an offensive lineman wouldn't I want to be a part of a program with a lot of skill players returning? It is rare for OLineman to contribute right away but it seems like in keeping with this youth movement concept guys might look at it as a real opportunity!