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Message: [QUOTE="Crusty, post: 1485829, member: 2265"] We really are a very young team - [I]very young[/I]. 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. [LIST=1] [*]Most of our best skill players are true frosh or sophs. [*]Our secondary is the youngest unit on the team with 7 of 9 Sophs or younger. [*]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. [*]We have only 8 seniors on the Offense 2 deep and 4 seniors on the Defense 2 deep. 12 0f 47 - 25.5%. [*]We have only just begun getting players that can compete in the ACC. [/LIST] [B]Burning Red Shirts[/B] 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. [B]Blocking[/B] 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. [B]Rough water ahead.[/B] 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. [/QUOTE]

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