Justin Vincent is our Third String RB now...

I think that you're on to something about the O-line...

I think that JV's speed was his #1 asset last year...

...and the line opened bigger holes that allowed him to break the longer runs...

...compared to last year, we haven't had many long runs from scrimmage this year...

...but with AB & JA we seem to be grinding out more yards...

...which isn't NECESSARILY a bad thing - it does seem like we are
wearing teams down (check OSU & UF)in the 4th quarter
(superior conditioning helps too)
- it's just bad for JV and his style of running...

 

Just to reiterate, the OL has not been the dominant force that we expected them to be. This has resulted in smaller holes, if any, at various times. I like the description of JV as being a slashing-type back. Once he hit the hole, his vision enabled him to get to space and make that one guy miss (and leave his jock behind).

With the shuffle we saw on the OL last game, I hope that was a wakeup call to all OLmen that if you are willing to bust your butt in practice, you will see the field. I think that was a huge difference last game.

I also find it unfortunate that Livings hasn't adapted so well at tackle. He was awesome at guard, but showed improvement last week at UF. Hopefully he can pull the changes together quickly and reestablish himself as a dominant force on the OL. He is incredibly talented, and will weather the changes.

With the off week, I expect the OL to come out really focused and blow Troy off the ball. It will be a confidence builder for them, and hopefully successful execution will carry forward for the remaining 4 games.

 

After Vincent clears up his case of fumblitis he will play more

 

We'll see him soon enough. You don't run all over Georgia and Oklahoma and stay 3rd on the depth chart. If there are nagging injuries (as rumored) he can heal them up this week, he is just too talented to be getting 1 carry for 0 yards.

 

most people have become attached to JV as a son due to his part of bringing the crystal to baton rouge but his lack of production is the reason he is 3rd string and its fair. NS doesnt play favorites as shown once again in putting a kid, who he really likes, 3rd on the depth chart.

JV is young and is having some growing pains but he and LSU will be better in the long run. Just think...this keeps him off the NFL scouts and agent's radar for now. Once he's producing and garnering all the attention that comes with a NC like he was before, he'll hopefully be a senior and quietly setting new LSU records.

 

Good point about the NFL scouts, I was scarred that he would have another huge year and bolt for the pros (he is draft eligible after this year), but that obviously won't be the case.

 

Who knows, perhaps he's putting too much pressure on himself to duplicate his success last year?

But I have to agree, Broussard's play thus far has been awesome! He really is a brusing running back and Addai has shown to have excellent hands out of the backfield (I can understand now why he was spending time was a WR during Spring and Fall practice).

JV needs to just hang in there--he'll be fine. I think he's got a good enough head on his shoulders to realize his potential and realize that he's still very much a big part of this team--and will be for years to come.

:geaux:

 

Not to be too cocky or overly confident, but I think all of our RB's will get substantial playing time vs Troy St. in 2 weeks.

If JV needs a "breakout game" to gain his confidence back, then this next game (and quite a few after that) should offer him the opportunities to do so.

 

Actually, you guys are giving the kid too much credit...Saban has told and I've retold this story about Vincent's mental makeup...

Coming into last year, in the offseason before the spring, Saban asked him what his goals were in a meeting. His reply?

Do whatever it takes to help the team.

Coming into this offseason before the Spring, Saban said over & over again on the Rubber Chicken Circuit, Saban said the reply to the same question was much different, eye opening, eyebrow raising, and explains MUCH of why he's third string right now...

I want to rush for 1,200 yards.

OK...Can anyone tell me that they NEVER read about that or saw it or just wanted to ignore it because they feel like Justin Vincent is more than just a cog that we put into our team when other talented players went down?

Why is he a gamer if he became selfish and individually motivated after winning a national title?

Saban is even saying-in the very article referenced here today-that Vincent is having mental problems...Mental trouble...His focus changed...and it went from team oriented and wide ranging...to very close focused and individual...

Vincent can ride the pine and find the fire, or he can ride the pine, get p!ssy, and become a cancer...I for one think he's of the type that will find the fire...but, he's a young kid who lost the focus he had early on, and he needs to refocus, quickly...

You guys can say what you like about what a saint the kid is and what a gamer he is and how he is just so much more talented than others...But Alley Broussard, Addai, and Carey are PRODUCING ON THE FIELD WITH PURPOSE. They are WINNING.

Justin Vincent ain't. Period. End of Story