Hypothetical, but serious question. Two scenarios, Miles leaves LSU or Saban leaves Bama...

I really haven't had enuf to drink tonight...next question??

Maybe it's Wisconsin Tap, I mean Nick Saban was mediocre at best before coming to LSU, except for 1 season with Toledo or something like that, Miles as well with Okie State. Maybe a job like LSU is enough to vault a coach into the elite, it did for our last 2 guys.

The Big Ten format is the fundamental model for LSU & Alabama (Arkansas 2013)..The difference is in the SEC it is with the added souped up speed skill postion athlete. This is a smart "hypothetical question" for both head coaches are old & in their sixties or near it.

Do they set up the pass with a strong running game? Certainly.

"The only year they had a passing game was due to Russell Wilson" isn't the case though.

I looked back over his seven years of coaching at Wisconsin and the one thing that caught me by surprise was how balanced his offense has been. Comparing running production to passing production there was a 135 yard difference between the two—over seven years.

When Wilson was the QB there was an 11 yard difference in run yards to passing yardage.

13th in total defense this season, 15th in 2011, 20th in 2010.

We've continually heard highlights of the Badgers and one of their running backs having a good game. Because of those sound bytes, I had him pictured as a ground and pound guy. Not to the extent of a Georgia Tech or Air Force team, but certainly to the point I expected to see 50-55 runs per game and 10-15 passes on any give game day.

What really shocked me was thinking that his offense was Petrino in reverse—a good 2 to 1 ratios difference between rushing to passing.

All that said, based on the more I learn, the more I'm thinking they've hired a pretty darn good football coach.

Wisconsin could play with Alabama in a close hard-fought game. So could Stanford or Oregon (different style for UO)

bielema would seem like a better hire at lsu now than miles did in 05.

i dont think its a gonna work out for arky. they dont have the hosses to play straight up. need something special/gimmicky. thought dr leach would be a great fit.

It'll take a lot of luck. Luck on injuries and luck with attrition are two that come to mind.

They've had the "big uglies" over the years that had done well in SEC play. Luigs who played center for a few years is one guy that comes to mind. Nate Garner, Demarcus Love are two tackles they've had that did well. They've not been able to put a line from tackle to tackle that's been outstanding though.

Depending on Bielema's player evaluation, and given four or five years to develop guys, he should be able to put a good offensive line together. The two's and three's if injuries hit? There's the crux of the matter.

Defensive lineman they've been able to grab as well. Bequette was the best of late and Jamaal Anderson comes to mind. But again, when injuries/attrition hit they lost more than just a step.

Another Hypothetical question(s):

What if Drew Brees had passed his physical at Miami? Do the Saints still win a Super Bowl? Does Saban win a Super Bowl with the Dolphins? Does LSU win the 2012 NC game? And possible play for the 2013?

It's amazing how Louisiana's football history (And Alabama's) changes if Brees sign with the Dolphins

sure, their top players have been as good as any.

Sure it is Wisconsin, I was looking at what his record in the Big 10, as it's all we have right now. I do wonder about his recruiting ability in the SEC, he's already complained about Urban Meyer's recruiting "Style", lol. Looking even further at the players he's put in the NFL, unless things change drastically, he's going to struggle. How's he going to do against Miles, Saban, Sumlin, Muschamp, Richt? You're right, neither of our last 2 coaches were elite hires at the time. And maybe I'm completely wrong, but I just don't see Bielema as a Top 10 coach at LSU or Arkansas. I think he'll come in 3rd or 4th in the SEC West most years, which is about par for Arky.