LSU Coach Les Miles sounds off on USC

[Jens1893]

Well worth reading. And I chose that headline to get your attention, SoCal, as I know how much you love your local pro football team.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...usc/index.html

OK, it's official. What once sounded amusingly intriguing has now become a critical necessity.

USC and LSU have to play for the national championship this season. It is no longer possible to envision any other satisfying conclusion.

The nation's strangest and most unlikely rivalry of the past four years -- one that has thus far played out entirely off the field -- reached a new level of bitterness this week when the Tigers' increasingly rambunctious coach, Les Miles, made some strange and derisive comments about the Trojans.

"I would like nothing better than to play USC for the [national] title," Miles reportedly said in a speech to a heavily pro-LSU gathering in New Orleans. "I can tell you this, that they have a much easier road to travel. They're going to play real knockdown drag-outs with UCLA and Washington, Cal-Berkeley, Stanford -- some real juggernauts -- and they're going to end up, it would be my guess, in some position so if they win a game or two, that they'll end up in the title [game].

"I would like that path for us. I think the SEC provides much stiffer competition."

Forget for a moment the numerous, logical flaws in Miles' diatribe (i.e., the fact the team he's bashing beat SEC West champion Arkansas 50-14 last season). Forget for a moment the seemingly arbitrary shots at innocent bystanders Washington and Stanford. (Is Pete Carroll out there dissing Vanderbilt and Mississippi State at his booster functions?)

The real question is, why is Miles so worked up in the first place about a school 2,000 miles away? The answer: because his fans are.

It's not uncommon this time of year for coaches to go on the booster-club caravan tour to drum up support for the coming season. And in playing to the crowd, it's not uncommon for said coaches to take a couple friendly jabs at one of their rivals. (Steve Spurrier was notorious for this during his time at Florida.)

Miles' barbs, however, weren't directed at Ole Miss or Alabama. They were aimed at a foe the Tigers haven't faced since 1984 and aren't scheduled to play in the near future. Without context, they seem to come completely out of left field.

Yet if you know anything about LSU fans, you know the only way Miles could have played to his audience any better is if he'd broken out a baseball bat and started busting open a Nick Saban piñata. (Miles, a surprisingly animated showman, reportedly told a similar crowd on Signing Day, "We have a new rival in f---ing Alabama!") Over the past four years, Tigers followers have become nearly as obsessed with the Trojans as they are their own team. One frequent message-board poster on the LSU fan site TigerRag even goes by the nickname "OverratedSC."

As you might guess, it all dates back to 2003, when the two schools both laid a claim to the national championship. USC, excluded from the Sugar Bowl, that year's BCS championship game, beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl to finish No. 1 in the AP poll. LSU, by virtue of its victory over Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl, earned the top spot in the coaches poll.

It was hardly the first split title in college football's poll era and it probably won't be the last. Just like with Michigan and Nebraska in 1997, or Miami and Washington six years before that, the Tigers and Trojans were both officially recognized as champions.

But apparently, one trophy was not enough for LSU fans. Instead of basking in the glory of their school's first such championship since 1958, many Tigers zealots immediately began assailing media outlets like this one, furious that USC was stealing their thunder. Theirs -- as any LSU fan will tell you in excruciating detail -- was the only trophy worthy of official recognition because it was earned through the agreed upon BCS structure.

Such indignation only grew deeper over the two seasons that followed, with Tigers fans fuming at the mere suggestion the Trojans were going for a "repeat" in 2004 or a "three-peat" in '05, culminating with a set of LSU fans actually erecting a billboard near the USC campus to set the record straight.

But like a bad Roadrunner cartoon, the Trojans keep finding ways to stick it to their wanna-be tormentors, most recently stealing coveted running back recruit Joe McKnight out of the Tigers' own New Orleans backyard (and allegedly doing so with some illicit help from former USC-turned-Saints star Reggie Bush).

Which brings us to the present. The preseason mags have hit the newsstands, and the Trojans -- for the third time in four years -- appear to be a lock for No. 1. While there appears to be no consensus on No. 2, the most common choice -- including this writer's -- seems to be the Tigers. It makes sense. No two programs have recruited more pure talent over the past five years (at least according to the recruiting rankings) than USC and LSU. Both went 11-2 and won BCS games last year. Both have playmakers up the wazoo on offense. Both return most of the starters from their already dominant defenses.

Can you smell the possibilities?

LSU fans would presumably kill for a chance to exact revenge on a program that's caused them so much frustration the past four years. USC fans have never seemed particularly moved by the Bayou Bengals' badgering, but they certainly wouldn't mind the opportunity to shut them up once and for all. In fact, the first topic on WeAreSC.com's message board Thursday was devoted to why the Trojans' program is "better" than the Tigers'.

Now, LSU's coach has gone so far as to insert himself into a war of words previously waged solely in cyberspace (or on billboards). That's sure to work followers on both sides into a lather.

But it still doesn't explain why he's mocking USC's schedule.

In a follow-up conversation with reporters several days after his initial comments, Miles harped on a theme that's become almost nauseatingly redundant among SEC coaches over the past year: Why their league is so tough. Miles' view may just be the most zealous yet. If college football were to go to an eight-team playoff, he said, "there'd probably be at least four SEC teams in the top eight."

Seriously?

We've heard it. We get it. We've put it in bold type across the cover of Sports Illustrated: The SEC is the toughest conference. Florida proved that in the title game.

But it's not like the league is indisputably head and shoulders above everyone else. Perhaps Miles needs a reminder that two of his league's best teams last year, Arkansas and Tennessee, lost to the third- (Wisconsin) and fourth-place (Penn State) teams from the Big Ten in their bowl games. Or that the year before that, the SEC's champion (Georgia) lost its bowl game to the Big East's champion (West Virginia).

But apparently Miles' beef is not with the Big Ten or Big East. It's with those softies on the West Coast. Specifically, when asked by a reporter whether "something must be done about USC," Miles replied, "Should something be done about SC? Yeah. It might just have to be the system first, though." Translation: The "system" is presumably unfair because it allows a team like USC to waltz into the title game.

Such has become a common refrain since the Trojans' rise to dominance under Carroll: If USC played in a "real" conference, they'd lose xxx number of games. Regardless of how you feel about the Pac-10, this is a pretty idiotic sentiment seeing as the Trojans have continually beaten upper-echelon foes from those conferences under Carroll (including a 4-0 record against the SEC).

USC's easy "path" last year included a BCS team (Notre Dame) and two major-conference division champions (Nebraska and Arkansas). LSU's non-conference schedule, meanwhile, consisted of Louisiana-Lafayette, Tulane, Fresno State and Arizona. Under the BCS' old strength-of-schedule formula -- the one that shined so favorably upon the Tigers in '03 prior to its removal from the standings, the Trojans played the nation's toughest schedule; LSU's was 11th.

Nevertheless, Miles apparently felt moved to begin his BCS lobbying efforts in July (and to think people got on Urban Meyer for doing the same thing too early in November). That is, if you believe his speech was actually about lobbying.

It's highly unlikely Miles would actually concern himself with the possibility of his team being edged out of the national title game six months in advance. No coach in the country would ever presume his team will get that far -- not when they're busy freaking out about their shrinking depth at right tackle or the backup cornerback's summer-school grades.

So what, then, was the motivation behind his unexpected boisterousness? Here's a guess: He's covering his butt.

Yep. That's right. Miles' comments were one big excuse-in-the-making. He's seen the prognostications. He knows the experts are projecting a USC-LSU matchup. He knows his fans are foaming at the mouth for just such an outcome. And he's trying to diffuse those expectations -- and temper the possible letdown -- by saying, "Hey, I'd love to play USC, too, but if they get there and we don't, it's because we had to play Florida while they got to play Stanford."

You can read it between the lines in this follow-up comment to the Baton Rouge Advocate: "To say that the only achievement and the only positive ending is with one game and one game's ending, that's near-sighted, and that's a long way away."

Well, here's one person who's not letting you off the hook so easily, Les. You and your people have laid down the gauntlet, so now, you better make this thing happen. If the Trojans hold up their end of the bargain and reach the Superdome, we better see some purple and gold on that other sideline.

You worked up the crowd, coach -- now give 'em what they want.

[SoCalBronco]

**** U$C

They'll be damn good this year though....what a LB corps. Freshman Joe McKnight should make a big impact too in the offensive backfield.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I think this is going to be a spectacular year in college ball. There are a ton of great teams. I was listening to Buddy Martin, who used to be in Denver and knew more about college ball than anyone else in the press, yesterday. He couldn't shut up about how good a year it will be. He said Gary Danielson told him that there are more great players in the SEC than ever this year. Five or six SEC teams could be in the running for number one. Also in the race will be USC, Michigan, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Louisville and several others. SoCal - you know Miami is going to be better than you are giving them credit.

[SoCalBronco]

Originally Posted by Billy Clyde Puckett

I think this is going to be a spectacular year in college ball. There are a ton of great teams. I was listening to Buddy Martin, who used to be in Denver and knew more about college ball than anyone else in the press, yesterday. He couldn't shut up about how good a year it will be. He said Gary Danielson told him that there are more great players in the SEC than ever this year. Five or six SEC teams could be in the running for number one. Also in the race will be USC, Michigan, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Louisville and several others. SoCal - you know Miami is going to be better than you are giving them credit.

Yes, this should be another glorious year of college football. I dunno about five or six SEC teams, I know Florida is going to be hurt by the losses on Defense, but their offense should be even better, Tebow is a beast in the gun option and the last couple years their recruiting at the WR position in particular has been outstanding...actually last year their O was kinda crappy until the light came on in the SECCG and then ofcourse it continued in the title game, I think the O will be very strong though...they got some good OL too like Drew Miller...D is kind of suspect though, too many losses. LSU is loaded...I have not studied Tennessee that much, I'm sure Georgia will rebound, I have to study Auburn more closely. I like South Carolina alot, not to win the conference ofcourse, but to wreak alot of havoc.

As to Miami, Shannon is doing a very good job in recruiting, we just recently got a Top 100 national recruit a few days ago, I believe at LB...he has put together a staff of good recruiters, but I think suspect coaches, it is the Ron Zook model...we'll see, I am not sold on them as actual football coaches, but they are bringing the talent level at the U up, its not near 2000-2002 levels ofcourse, but it is getting there, our haul in the last class was very good, and some of the freshmen in offseason work have looked very good. maybe

I dont think we will be too good this year, maybe 7-5, 8-4 or so, plus/minus a game, too many holes, especially at quarterback and offensive line and probably wide reciever. Linebackers are unproven and although the starting talent at DL is among the best in the country, the depth is very thin if someone gets hurt. I like the secondary. Its the same deal though this year like the last four years.......no offense, or at best, mediocre offense. They will be doing some unconventional things though, Patrick Nix is going to use some of the gun spread option stuff, which is very different for Miami, we have always been a pro style/I combination offense.

I'll go with the rough 7-8 wins though, not too good, it is hard to make a run playing at Oklahoma, vs. Texas A and M, at FSU, at VT, at BC and the rest of the ACC.

[bpc]

I don't like USC... but I like Les M even less. I hope they do meet, and I hope that Carroll schools Miles' ass.

Should be a more entertaining year than we've had in a while with college football. Traditional favorites are reloading at all important areas like QB. I'm just wondering who that sleeper is.

Socal, just got done watching some Hawaii tape from last season. Colt reminds me so much of Jake Plummer its sickening. He just sports a tighter ball. Same arm, not as quick but can move.

I'm loving the fact that Hawaii and Boise are going to make a run at each other this year. I think other than my two years at Hawaii, UH has lost every time against the Broncos since then. I'd like to see Fresno State come back this year. We'll see, they replaced a lot of talent for a underachieving team last year.

I want to see a westcoast revival. It would help is CU could get off the mat and if T-Will can put some fight back in Washington.

Cal, Oregon, USC should all be strong teams. Dorrell needs to get UCLA back up there again.

MWC will be interesting with TCU standing a top the mountain.

The big 12 North sucks. Just think, we are counting on Bill Callahan to lead the Cornhuskers to the promise land and back to respectability... ugh. I'm stuck having to choose between Mizzou and the cornchuckers. @#$%. Shoot me now.

[SoCalBronco]

Originally Posted by bpc

I don't like USC... but I like Les M even less. I hope they do meet, and I hope that Carroll schools Miles' ass.

Should be a more entertaining year than we've had in a while with college football. Traditional favorites are reloading at all important areas like QB. I'm just wondering who that sleeper is.

Socal, just got done watching some Hawaii tape from last season. Colt reminds me so much of Jake Plummer its sickening. He just sports a tighter ball. Same arm, not as quick but can move.

I'm loving the fact that Hawaii and Boise are going to make a run at each other this year. I think other than my two years at Hawaii, UH has lost every time against the Broncos since then. I'd like to see Fresno State come back this year. We'll see, they replaced a lot of talent for a underachieving team last year.

I want to see a westcoast revival. It would help is CU could get off the mat and if T-Will can put some fight back in Washington.

Cal, Oregon, USC should all be strong teams. Dorrell needs to get UCLA back up there again.

MWC will be interesting with TCU standing a top the mountain.

The big 12 North sucks. Just think, we are counting on Bill Callahan to lead the Cornhuskers to the promise land and back to respectability... ugh. I'm stuck having to choose between Mizzou and the cornchuckers. @#$%. Shoot me now.

Yeah..I think Brennan is overhyped....JJ's system is making him out to be alot better than he is...although to be fair, he is much more talented than guys like Chang, Rolo, Dan Robinson, but in the abstract he isnt that good. I know you do not like JJ as a person, but I am a huge fan of his shotgun Run and Shoot. He has combined the old tried and true run and shoot packages like Go, Choice, Slide, Switch, Levels, Georgia with some more modern stuff and when Coach Cavanaugh was there they did a good job modernizing the protection scheme. Hawaii will beat Boise this year, I think Hawaii will go undefeated. The game I most look forward to in the WAC is actually Hawaii against New Mexico State. Chase Holbrook is a very good fit in Coach Hal Mumme's Air Raid Offense. He was looking damn good last year...like Couch at Kentucky back in the late 90s in that system and Mumme is fast turning that team around, the offense is already really good. That will be a really good game.

I think Willingham might get fired this year in Washington, they arent a bad team (not a very good one either), but the schedule is just brutal for them.

I could see U$C getting upset at Cal (well, I hope so at least), DeSean Jackson is a beast, and Forsett is not a bad RB, I think their D is filled with returning talent. They also have a tough test at Nebraska, who should win the North. Dont be discourage on CU, I think you guys are on the upswing, you just need to let Hawk keep bringing talent in, which he is doing well so far from what I have read. It dont know if it will happen this year, but I think they should get back into a very decent bowl game next season.

[bpc]

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

Yeah..I think Brennan is overhyped....JJ's system is making him out to be alot better than he is...although to be fair, he is much more talented than guys like Chang, Rolo, Dan Robinson, but in the abstract he isnt that good. I know you do not like JJ as a person, but I am a huge fan of his shotgun Run and Shoot. He has combined the old tried and true run and shoot packages like Go, Choice, Slide, Switch, Levels, Georgia with some more modern stuff and when Coach Cavanaugh was there they did a good job modernizing the protection scheme. Hawaii will beat Boise this year, I think Hawaii will go undefeated. The game I most look forward to in the WAC is actually Hawaii against New Mexico State. Chase Holbrook is a very good fit in Coach Hal Mumme's Air Raid Offense. He was looking damn good last year...like Couch at Kentucky back in the late 90s in that system and Mumme is fast turning that team around, the offense is already really good. That will be a really good game.

I think Willingham might get fired this year in Washington, they arent a bad team (not a very good one either), but the schedule is just brutal for them.

I could see U$C getting upset at Cal (well, I hope so at least), DeSean Jackson is a beast, and Forsett is not a bad RB, I think their D is filled with returning talent. They also have a tough test at Nebraska, who should win the North. Dont be discourage on CU, I think you guys are on the upswing, you just need to let Hawk keep bringing talent in, which he is doing well so far from what I have read. It dont know if it will happen this year, but I think they should get back into a very decent bowl game next season.

I think JJ is a jackass. However, he is one of the best X's and O's guys that I have ever been coached by. He knows his $hit. Plus, he oozes confidence which is good for that team. Still, I think that the defense is replacing a lot and the UH offense has always been one where, you punch it in the face, put it in its place. It will be interesting to see what happens with Boise who is replacing a lot of talent on offense but they still have Johnson who can grind on the clock, and a big offensive line to get him down the field. Hawaii lost a bunch from their DLine and they had been building that DLine up for awhile. Purcell, Wilson and Francis will be missed.

I was hoping that Tomey would keep building up SJSU. I have had a lot of my former coaches from my first year at UH roll through there. They had a great year last year beating FSU and almost beating Boise.

I'm not down on CU. I'm just not expecting much. I imagine they'll be in some ballgames, just like last year. They need to really get the recruiting rolling back through especially on the OL and DL. I like Hawkins system. It will be a good fit for them. He hasn't had to recruit against other powers like OU and Texas before though. That is his challenge. If he doesn't start winning those battles, he will be fighting a losing cause. I believe in giving any college coach at least four or five years. Thats as long as it takes for a class to go all the way through. Barnett didn't exactly leave the cabinets stocked if you know what i mean.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Originally Posted by bpc

.

Barnett didn't exactly leave the cabinets stocked if you know what i mean.

Understatement of the year.