SouthernMustang wrote:
Question for BR Stang:
Are LSU fans worried about what's going to happen to the program under Les Miles? They had much more talent on both sides of the ball today and struggled to put away an anemic Bama team. Some of LSU's troubles didn't seem to be so much the players but Les Miles just looks absolutely clueless -- I think his players are saving him, rather than vice-versa (i.e. USC [deleted] and Spurrier).
How long do you think he lasts? He's about 4 or 5 missed kicks or broken-plays away from having 3-4 losses on his opening-season slate. If he can't keep the talent level up to the same par as what Saban had, I don't see him being too popular with the Tiger faithful for too long b/c his coaching abilities don't seem to be the thing that will win him games in the SEC.
I've heard some LSU fans are already a little restless with him, but I have no idea how valid or widespread that is..
I can say without hesitation that after the Tennessee game (which I attended), Rick Clausen was more popular in Baton Rouge than Les Miles. He lived up to his previously coined nickname by some, "Less Smiles." There was widespread panic and worry that he was going to take the talent level he was handed and squander everything LSU has worked for over the last few years. The general sentiment was that even a monkey could take the players we have and win 8 or 9 games on the talent level alone. 8 or 9 games is not good enough, though, and Tennessee seemed to be the proof many needed to doubt the Miles hire.
That said, LSU is now 8-1 and poised to win the SEC West (and then, hopefully the SEC). Whether, as you say, it is because the players have saved Miles instead of vice versa, is still a question circulating in the minds of most LSU fans. He and Pelini have not earned the respect of the fans that Saban had. Personally, I think Miles is a little goofy and is not on the same planet as Saban. But, barring something extraordinary, I think everyone is willing to give him 3 years to prove himself. If he proves to be only an 8 or 9 win coach rather than a 10 or 11 win coach, he'll be gone in 2008.
