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LSU chat

(08/15/2008)

12:17

Kevin Spain, T-P:

OK, welcome to the LSU chat with beat writer James Varney. Sorry we're late getting started, we've had some system issues today. But we're ready to go. Send in your questions and Jim will be with us shortly.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:17 Kevin Spain, T-P

12:21

Kevin Spain, T-P:

Hey, Jim, you had a great story in the Times-Picayune today about running back Richard Murphy, who has overcome a lot of personal tragedies. Talk about that story a little for us.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:21 Kevin Spain, T-P

12:22

Kevin Spain, T-P:

I noticed in the media guide that he was the son of "the late" Robinson and Anna, and I thought that was kind of odd, that maybe they'd died in a car accident or something. But then i found what happened from his high school coach and the story just ran from there. Murph was very open and up front about things. He's a very together young man.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:22 Kevin Spain, T-P

12:23

Kevin Spain, T-P:

Oops, that was Jim answering it, not me. Bear with us on our system today.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:23 Kevin Spain, T-P

12:23

Kevin Spain, T-P:

That was me, not sure why it says Kevin

Friday August 15, 2008 12:23 Kevin Spain, T-P

12:24

[Comment From DaleDale: ]

Who's the front runner to be the strarting QB for LSU

Friday August 15, 2008 12:24 Dale

12:25

James Varney, T-P:

I think Hatch for sure. The thing is, Miles and Crowton are using the word "starter" in a very elastic way this fall. Hatch will take the first snap - I'd put that at at least 75 percent - but Lee will definitely play in the first three home, non-conference games. Jefferson might, too. If one guy establishes himself, like Hester did last year, they'll go with him. Otherwise Hatch will be 1 and Lee will be 1A

Friday August 15, 2008 12:25 James Varney, T-P

12:26

[Comment From Purple people eaterPurple people eater: ]

Who's been your favorite player to watch so far? In other words, who's the guy that stands out and makes you say "wow!"?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:26 Purple people eater

12:27

James Varney, T-P:

Hard to say because Miles only opens about 15 minutes of practice and that is all unit drills - no contact or anything. I think Brandon LaFell looks very strong. He seems mentally more locked in than any other receiver. Murphy has obviously been strong, from what Miles has said and the fact we saw him run with the first team as we were walking out earlier this week.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:27 James Varney, T-P

12:28

James Varney, T-P:

On the other side, the player teammates say, "wow," about is Ricky Jean-Francois. This guy is some kind of football player.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:28 James Varney, T-P

12:29

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

who will be the starting tailback? subs?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:29 Matt

12:30

James Varney, T-P:

That will be similar to the quarterback situation unless someone establishes themselves like Hester did last year. As I mentioned, the No. 1 guy right now might be Richard Murphy, followed by Charles Scott, then Keiland Williams. Hester had more than 200 carries last year, so all three of those guys will be much bigger factors this year. They will all get the ball.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:30 James Varney, T-P

12:31

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

After losing both starting corners, do you think their replacements are up for the task?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:31 Greg

12:32

James Varney, T-P:

I'm not sure. Certainly they won't be as good, in September anyway, as Jackson and Zenon were last year. And Patrick Peterson (Johnson), the freshman, may start before the end of the year. It's too bad they can't move one of their safeties over, because they have a bunch of terrific safeties, but maybe they're not quite fast enough for corner and Miles loves the way they stuff the middle.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:32 James Varney, T-P

12:33

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Do you think we are capable of winning the SEC/ National Championship?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:33 Jason

12:34

[Comment From Lsugarage.comLsugarage.com: ]

Based on what you have see so far and assuming we don't lose key starters to injury, how do you think LSU will do based on the brutal schedule? Do you really think they are a national title contender?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:34 Lsugarage.com

12:35

James Varney, T-P:

The national championship, probably not. But I think this team is definitely one of the favorites, if not the best pick, to win the SEC west. And then if you get to Atlanta, well, anything can happen in a game. I don't see them taking 2 out of 3 in the Auburn/Florida/Georgia equation. But if they beat Auburn, they'll be odds on to win the west, and they could still win the west if they lose provided they beat either Florida or Georgia and Auburn loses to Georgia or at Alabama, maybe.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:35 James Varney, T-P

12:36

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

who do you think will have the biggest impact at the skill positions on defense?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:36 Matt

12:37

James Varney, T-P:

LSU's schedule isn't nearly as brutal as Georgia's. I think the SEC west will be largely mediocre this year. Arkansas won't be a threat this year and I don't believe Ole Miss will, either. Miss. St. is better, but not real good and LSU owns them and has them at home. LSU also has Alabama at home and Alabama is at least one year away. LSU has some amazing talent, but of course they don't have a genuine quarterback yet.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:37 James Varney, T-P

12:38

Kevin Spain, T-P:

Sorry everyone, I posted a question before Jim was ready.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:38 Kevin Spain, T-P

12:40

James Varney, T-P:

The impact player in the secondary has to be Curtis Taylor, the only returning starter. The biggest help the inexperienced secondary could get would be for Tyson Jackson to have a year like his sophomore one. As the Giants proved in the Super Bowl, if you can get to the other team's QB consistently you can beat anyone. Beckwith has a lot of responsibility, too, because both guys outside him are new and not yet proven playmakers a la Highsmith.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:40 James Varney, T-P

12:41

[Comment From JulioJulio: ]

Chad Jones needs to be on the field for 95% of the defensive snaps. My question is what is is role going to be, a nickle back, a true safety, or even some LB?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:41 Julio

12:43

James Varney, T-P:

Miles was asked about Jones last week and replied, "I think snaps in which he is not on the field are a mistake." But he's not a starter. So far, I haven't seen any indication they are thinking about putting him at linebacker. He's in the nickel, in the dime, still maybe returning punts. The coaches expect huge things from him but Miles sees him pretty strictly as a safety and LSU has, like, 5 really good safeties.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:43 James Varney, T-P

12:45

[Comment From JulioJulio: ]

Do anticipate any adjustment defensively with the new duel coordinators or is the playbook same as in years past?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:45 Julio

12:47

James Varney, T-P:

Both Mallory and Pevoto made it clear last week there will be no large changes. In fact, there won't be many changes at all, judging from their comments. Miles was quite satisfied with his d the last three years, and part of the reason he promoted from within - just part - is that he didn't want someone coming in and trying to build a whole new system. The one difference will be the safeties won't be able to freelance as much because they don't have rock solid CBs they can leave out on an island.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:47 James Varney, T-P

12:47

[Comment From JulioJulio: ]

Does Tyson Jackson looked like the 1st round pick of 06 or the 4th round pick of 07?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:47 Julio

12:49

James Varney, T-P:

That's an excellent question and I think a lot is riding on the answer. He seems exactly the same all the time. Last year, when we asked about his declining numbers, Pelini would always say it was bad luck or false impressions, that Jackson was grading out highly on every play. He did have some key passes batted down. But he has to be a force in the backfield this year. Not only will that help him in the draft, but it will take a lot of pressure off the new secondary.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:49 James Varney, T-P

12:49

[Comment From Lsugarage.comLsugarage.com: ]

Looking at the schedule, what team do you think has the best chance of upsetting LSU (Florida, Georgia or Auburn would not necessarily be considered upsets)?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:49 Lsugarage.com

12:49

James Varney, T-P:

One thing Jackson has going for him is Jean-Francois and Pittman, who are both superb players. Remember Dorsey was nicked up a lot in the middle last year and Jean-Francois was suspended. so that probably allowed teams to game plan on Jackson more than they can this year.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:49 James Varney, T-P

12:51

James Varney, T-P:

I suppose the easy answer on the schedule is South Carolina because it's on the road. But I don't think South Carolina is that good (and Spurrier said nothing at SEC media days to make anyone think differently). So I'll go with Ole Miss, a team that often plays LSU tough. Ole Miss should have won in Tiger Stadium two years ago - miracle the Tigers pulled that one out.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:51 James Varney, T-P

12:52

James Varney, T-P:

Also, while I think Alabama is a year away, they'll be well into this year when they come to TIger Stadium. Not sure where Saban will have them, and they don't have the talent on paper to hang with LSU (last year, LSU should have had that game won by halftime). So Alabama could also be a game to watch.

Friday August 15, 2008 12:52 James Varney, T-P

12:53

[Comment From JulioJulio: ]

How is Tolliver looking? Has he filled out his frame any from last year? He could be the most talented WR on the roster. What do you expect from him this year?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:53 Julio

12:55

James Varney, T-P:

Tolliver is a bit of a puzzle to me. He still looks rail thin. In theory, he should be the No. 3 receiver. He's got all the tools; he just didn't have the gamebook down pat last year. But for whatever reason, he doesn't seem to run drills as the No. 3 receiver. I asked Miles if I was reading too much into that and he said yes. But the next day I talked to LaFell and asked about the No. 3 receiver and he went on and on about the Mitchell brothers - never mentioned Tolliver. "What about Tolliver?" I asked. "Well, it's whoever makes plays and Coach Miles says every job is open during camp."

Friday August 15, 2008 12:55 James Varney, T-P

12:56

[Comment From RayRay: ]

How many true freshman do you see with legitimate chances to see the field this year? I understand Tyler Edwards may be used in a fullback type role as well as tight end, and I'm betting Patrick Peterson will be on the field more sooner than later, so who else?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:56 Ray

12:58

James Varney, T-P:

Peterson for sure will see time. Jefferson will be on the field, just not sure how much. They've been running Charles Scott some at FB so I don't see a freshman there. Ryan Baker looks like a hitter at LB, and they are thin at LB in practice lately so he's been getting some reps. Josh Dworaczyk on the o-line should get some time (he's a redshirt, though).

Friday August 15, 2008 12:58 James Varney, T-P

12:58

[Comment From GregGreg: ]

What is your opinion on the offensive line?

Friday August 15, 2008 12:58 Greg

1:01

James Varney, T-P:

Mentally, one of the best units on the team. Lot of experience; very level headed guys and pretty smart, too. It just seems like for every football team the o-line can be maddeningly inconsistent (think Flynn getting hammered last year by Tulane). But there's no question the coaches see this team as led by the o-line. If they clear paths for runners and offer decent/good protection, that will make a young QB comfortable.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:01 James Varney, T-P

1:01

[Comment From grantgrant: ]

what's your prediction on the LSU-App State game? is there a chance we see a stunner like last year in Ann Arbor?

Friday August 15, 2008 1:01 grant

1:03

James Varney, T-P:

There's always a chance. Remember teams like Ap. State are not *filled* with players the big boys didn't want. Some of them are top national recruits that got into trouble at the big place and wound up in "championship subdivision." That said, there's no question LSU has no business losing to them. Michigan wouldn't have either, if it wasn't the most overrated "powerhouse" in sports history and a place that lives off the first 50 years of the 20th century more than any team in the country.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:03 James Varney, T-P

1:04

[Comment From JulioJulio: ]

How has Alexander looked coming off his injury. He was definitely missed after Dorsey was cut in the Auburn game.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:04 Julio

1:05

James Varney, T-P:

Here's the thing about Alexander: he hasn't looked like anything because he's always missing practice. Now Miles insists Alexander has some "soft tissue" thing that isn't serious and I can buy that with a 3-year starter like Helms. But Alexander seems to be hurt all the time. Not saying that's his fault, of course, but as of today I wouldn't count on much from Alexander this year. And you're right - Mallory said this, too - they missed him last year when he went down.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:05 James Varney, T-P

1:06

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Do you think Tulane can pull of the upset in Baton Rouge?

Friday August 15, 2008 1:06 Guest

1:06

James Varney, T-P:

No.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:06 James Varney, T-P

1:09

[Comment From JulioJulio: ]

The offensive and D fronts win championships and LSU has talent everywhere. Who looks like the favorite to step in for Stewart?

Friday August 15, 2008 1:09 Julio

1:10

James Varney, T-P:

First I would disagree with your premise. Defense as a whole win championships, but you have to have playmakers. The best comment I ever heard on that was by John Madden who described a conversation he had with some Dallas Cowboys tackle. The tackle said, "I played in the NFL for four years and no one knew my name. then we drafted Emmitt Smith and I've been in the Pro Bowl six straight years." The back makes the line.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:10 James Varney, T-P

1:11

James Varney, T-P:

That said, Stewart's place will be occupied by Lyle Hitt, a very solid guard who played a fair amount last year. Really the only "rookie" they've got on the o-line is Joseph Barksdale.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:11 James Varney, T-P

1:13

Kevin Spain, T-P:

OK, that's it for this week. Thanks for joining in and sending your questions. Next week Jim's partner Jim Kleinpeter will be our panelist.
Also, remember, tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m., we'll have a Saints chat right before kickoff of the game against the Houston Texans.
Next week, our lineup is John DeShazier on Monday, Ted Lewis with Tulane chat on Tuesday, Lori Lyons will debut our high school chat next Wednesday, and the Saints guys will be back on Thursday.

Friday August 15, 2008 1:13 Kevin Spain, T-P

1:13