I just called into Hanagriff on Eagle 98.1!

I feel like-with no improvement-you've not improved 24 points since last year, even with the added incentive of you playing on your home field.

You lost your offensive coordinator, and you're in a totally new system-again!

You lost your entire front 7 on defense. You've got inexperience at each position.

You have a sub-par coaching staff who is only there because Emperor Lowder botched the hiring of Petrino. They are as lame as lame duck gets. Perhaps you may disagree, but evidently, the 'Lil Emperor doesn't. You know which one of you walks, and which one of you talks, as the saying goes...;-)

As for improvements...I think we have in Marcus Randall a much more mobile quarterback than in 2003. He's better at options and sprint outs than Matt Mauck.

I also think that in JaMarcus Russell we have a much better downfield threat than either of those two. The vertical passing game has just not been something we've been able to do the past few years. Catch and runs, yes. But, the gunslinger is just something we haven't had since '01 and Rohan. We do now.

In other words, both of the possibilities at quarterback are better at their own thing that Campbell is. Randall brought us to the cusp of the SECCG in '02. Russell rallied us against OSU. They both excelled last night. I wouldn't trade either of them for yours. I doubt you'd argue, either ;-)

Our offensive line returned 4 starters, and yes, I do believe we are improved.

Our secondary returned, and got a year older and wiser. We also recruited some really good players, and new players are stepping up there. We are improved greatly.

Our top 2 linebackers are an improvement over last year, as they both return and are better.

Our defensive line is still excellent, though whether they are as dominant as last year remains to be seen.

But, you've answered my question with a question. I've now answered your question. Now answer mine.

Which positions on the field of play have you improved over last year's laugher in Death Valley, cadillackattack? Have you improved 24 points since last year?

Just wondering...No smack intended...

 

JMO, and since you asked, I believe the two teams to be like this relative to last season's squads:

LSU
Offense - slightly better O-line and about the same on RB's. WR's, TE's, QB's have not demonstrated yet that they are equal to or better. Overall, not as good without Mauck's leadership at the helm.
Defense - secondary about the same, defensive front not quite as good as last season, LB's not as good yet as last season. Overall, one of the top 10 defenses in the nation.
Special Teams - not as good as last year, could be a factor
Coaching - as good as last year, could overcome

Auburn
Offense - improvements in O-line provide for an overall offensive improvement. All else about the same. AU's receivers have tremendous potential, but haven't been able to break through - same problem as last season. JC does not yet have a "go to" guy worked out.
Defense - secondary is much improved, more experienced. Defensive front and LB's are not as good yet as last season especially with the outside speed rush. Good depth, not enough experience to matchup with LSU's LB corps.
Special Teams - nothing great, but still better than last season.
Coaching - significant upgrade/improvement with Borges' gameday planning , adjustments, and playcalling. Defensive coaching has thus far been superb.

Overall, I still believe LSU has more talent and more experience than Auburn on paper, especially on defense - but there's no way that today's LSU team can legitimately be compared to LSU's '03 team - they were simply better and more experienced, with better leadership on both sides of the ball.

 

Does this improvement on your point translate into a 24 point swing? Does it mean that Auburn can win? Where and which points that you've talked about mean that Auburn will beat LSU?

 

A. No, it does not.
B. Perhaps, a few breaks could help.
C. Dunno, I haven't claimed they would.