Media Instigates USC/LSU Rivalry

Just goes to show how the media will come up with anything to talk about football in the offseason! I liked what Miles said 'bout USC's strength of schedule. Made me laugh. I also liked that little blast about Spurrier talkin trash when he was at UF. Don't hear him talkin that much at South Carolina.

 

I love how the guy likes to bring up the USC/Ark game... and Arkansas team that didn't have their starting RB or QB and that hadn't yet developed its "identity" as pretty much a single-wing option team... Then there is USC schedule.. overrated Cal, UCLA, and (especially) Notre Dame boosted their schedule strength... Plus the main aspect that he didnt address is that the physicality of the SEC is much higher than the Pac10... the Pac10 is known for air-it-out offenses... the SEC is known for the running game and great defenses... which schedule is going to be more grueling? Which conference is most likely to produce a fresh team come bowl season? Yet another reason taht all SEC fans should pray that there is no playoff system implemented... Imagine playing LSU SEC slate then going straight into a playoff.. would be more bad news for the SEC...

 

As much as the MNC game is a beauty contest, I really think CLM did a wonderful job of planting the seed to help LSU get into the game. The gators had to have breaks at the end of the season just to get there. It isn't always the deserving who get to play. If the media is focusing on this game today, the crescendo will only be louder and impossible to ignore when it comes time to pick the participants for the game. Everything from Katrina to the "split" championship will make this a marketing dream.

 

USC's D isn't exactly listed in the slacker department either. Our O line may keep Booty protected quite well. I'll say it again, your speedy receivers and our LB crew/secondary will be the BEST matchup in the country.

 

what rival??:dis::dis:

isn't the last time we played them back in 79 or something?:lol:

 

Run DMC wasn't 100% but he did play. Jones and McFadden combined for 99 yards. That's the same Arkansas team that ended up with 10 wins and a very close loss to LSU at home.

Don't forget how close LSU came to losing to ASU! And if the Pac10 is such a pansy conference, why hire Crowton?

The biggest hit that SEC teams take is the OOC and OOS scheduling. Play more games outside of the SEC and play more on the road. Ask Alabama what can happen with a little trip to the Islands. I've read more than a few times how glad many here are that the VaTech game is a home game for LSU. There's a reason for that and it has nothing to do with the tragedy there. Your schedule this season has your toughest games at home. Do you really want to change that?

Fans are being spun just like the coaches.

 

Vball, love ya' and all, but here's my take on the schedules of BOTH teams. LSU plays in the SEC, and EVERY game is a physically grueling battle...save for the likes of MSU and lefire: (had to be said). It is my belief that the reason LSU has done so well in recent bowl games is because of the month off to recover. When healthy, we are just that much better than everybody else.:hihi:

As far as USC goes, no doubt they are the most talent rich team in the country. But, midway thru an SEC schedule, and it would get ugly for the Trogans. Honestly, do you guys EVER play two good teams in a row?? IMHO, you play one or MAYBE two good teams all year...and PLEASE don't consider throwing ND in my face...that won't fly here...and you know it.:lol:

I believe USC could come into ANY SEC arena and leave with a victory on ANY given Saturday. But to do it all season? :nope: Their recent wins against SEC competition has been at home (I think), while our close WINS against Pac 10 competition has been on the road.

On the Crowton ???, I would think the reason for Crowton's hire is because CLM can handle a rushing attack on his own, but needs a Crowton to open things up with the talent we have on board. I don't think your question really makes sense, though. Nobody said the Pac-10 isn't a prolific offensive conference. You can rest assured we won't be hiring our DC's from the Pac-10, though.

Still love ya', though!:thumb:

 

What everyone unfortunate enough to live outside the south fails to realize, is that having a good record against the SEC in ONE game a year ain't the issue. After playing @ Arky, the you get o play @Auburn, @ Florida, and @ Tennessee. BAMA's D was nothing to laugh at last year either. IF you make it through that schedule in one piece, you get a potential rematch with Tenn or Florida, or maybe have to play UGA instead. It's not rising to the occassion ONCE and coming out on top that's difficult. It's doing it 5-6 times a year. It's facing multiple top 10 defenses and running teams per year. A brutal task not many outside of the SEC can handle. Would USC be successful in the SEC? Maybe. Would USC enjoy their dominance here that they do in the PAC-10? Doubtful at best.

The highest ranking Defense USC faced in the regular season last year was Arky. Week one when everyone is fresh. Arky was 4th best D LSU met up with. *EDIT- using "Total Defense" rankings*

 

Yeah, one would think after the two USC/Auburn games, the two arky games, and LSU's close calls against both Oregon State and ASU... that there would be a greater respect.
There's no doubt we all make fun of the Big Easy now and then, but I know the Big Ten has great respect for the Pac-10, probably because our history together goes back so far... and we know it's not easy to go out west, fight the time change, and win ballgames... and it's not just USC... going into Oregon, Oregon State, Washington (historically)... well, they're nasty places to play (cuz it's always friggen raining).
We try to respect all our foes. The SEC may run a team deeper most seasons than the other conferences... and they should take great pride in their accomplishments.... but there are lots of schools, many in the same conference, who can play the game at a very high level.

Deep Thoughts by "Hawker" Handey