LSU's game plan: No adjustments August 16, 2005 LSU head coach Les Miles (left) and quarterback Matt Flynn won't make any changes to the offense despite the loss of running back Alley Broussard to an injury. (AP) By Glenn Guilbeau [email protected] BATON ROUGE -- LSU's brain trust does not foresee any changes in the Tigers' offense in light of the season-ending knee injury to star tailback Alley Broussard. "Well, I don't know if it really does (affect the offense) at all because what you've got is a very unique situation at tailback," offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher said. "All the guys who are playing have actually done it in a game." Joseph Addai is a senior who started the first six games at tailback in 2003, gaining 520 yards and catching 14 passes for 86 yards before a knee injury. He returned to gain 680 yards last season while splitting the starting job with Broussard and also caught 26 passes for 294 yards. Justin Vincent is a junior who became a hero of the 2003 national championship season when he replaced Addai as the starter, gaining 1,001 yards in just seven starts and capturing the most valuable player award for both the Southeastern Conference championship game and the national championship game. Shyrone Carey is a senior who played nearly as much as Addai in the first half of the 2003 season, gaining 338 yards and scoring six touchdowns before a knee injury sidelined him. Carey led LSU with 73 yards on 18 carries in the 17-10 victory over Georgia early in 2003 that put the Tigers in the hunt for the national title. "Justin was the guy we won the national championship with," Fisher said. "Joe was starting before that. We beat Georgia here with Shyrone having a great game and Joe having a great game (65 yards on 15 carries). So the three proven guys we have are also game tested, not just talent tested. more here
Losing Alley may have an impact in short yardage and goal line situations. It's nice to have a big, bruising RB when you need a yard or two. But other than that, I think we'll be fine. Just can't afford any more injuries at that position.
I agree I don't think anyone thought we went to plan b. However Alley does bring some things to the table that the other backs don't.
Plan B is "Bombs Away", air it out early & often and pray for Addai to stay healthy. If anyone thinks Broussard's loss (he was on track for a 1st round pick) doesn't greatly affect LSU's offensive attack, they are fooling themselves. Sure, the coaches have downplayed the loss to the press. What else would you do if you were an LSU coach before the season started? You'd lie through your teeth. You can forget about the impressive numbers of the LSU rushing attack in 2004. These numbers will be made up in the air in 2005. Yeah, Plan B! Air it out! I can't wait until the NT game and a new offensive mindset. Bombs Away :thumb: :geauxtige LSU! :champs: :helmet: :lsup: :champs: :helmet: :crystal:
From what I remember, Addai is pretty bruising. Not sure how much smaller than Broussard, but he always looked like he ran REAL HARD. I would really like to see Justin return to Freshman form, regardless of any injuries. I'm pulling for Shy to return to 03 form also, plus the freshman backs to step up if needed. And ditto for Hester, I'd like to see him at running back sometime also. Hell, I like em all!!!
Addai runs hard. ANd love to see the ball in his hands. The diference I saw was that if the run seemed to be over Alley turned into a Tom Rathman style and put a hit on the defender and appeared to have a lot of fun doing it. AB did/does also have the ability to take it to the endzone so he is not just a Rathman style back. I guess more than 5 of us are old enough to remember Tom Rathman with the 49ers. :grin:
