BATON ROUGE -- By the time the teams take the court tonight, LSU will have had all of 48 hours to study and digest a gameplan for Oregon.
It isn't too much of a departure from the Tigers' Wednesday-Saturday schedule in the SEC, but the short notice coupled with long travel seems certain to play a role in this NIT opener, despite coach Trent Johnson's insistence it wouldn't.
LSU and Oregon have never played, and both teams lost to both of their common opponents (Vanderbilt and Virginia), which makes this matchup a bit more difficult to break down.
It isn't too much of a departure from the Tigers' Wednesday-Saturday schedule in the SEC, but the short notice coupled with long travel seems certain to play a role in this NIT opener, despite coach Trent Johnson's insistence it wouldn't.
LSU and Oregon have never played, and both teams lost to both of their common opponents (Vanderbilt and Virginia), which makes this matchup a bit more difficult to break down.
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Johnson hopes to build on season in NIT
March, 12, 2012
3/12/12
3:56
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE -- Trent Johnson said there was no team watch party for the NIT selection selection show, when his Tigers were given a No. 6 seed and shipped off to faced No. 3 seed Oregon.
He said there was no sigh of relief or group hug when LSU discovered its season would continue Tuesday night against the Ducks. Instead, the Tigers got to work.
"When we found out, we immediately went to the practice floor at 8:30 p.m. and went up and down for about an hour and a half," Johnson said. "With midterms and things of that nature, they've got a lot going on, but they were really excited to get the opportunity to play."
The NIT doesn't use neutral sites for its opening round games, so the Tigers' lower seed means they will play at Oregon -- about as long a trip as a team from Louisiana could expect to make. Still, Johnson said the short notice and cross-country travel shouldn't serve as excuses.
He said there was no sigh of relief or group hug when LSU discovered its season would continue Tuesday night against the Ducks. Instead, the Tigers got to work.
"When we found out, we immediately went to the practice floor at 8:30 p.m. and went up and down for about an hour and a half," Johnson said. "With midterms and things of that nature, they've got a lot going on, but they were really excited to get the opportunity to play."
The NIT doesn't use neutral sites for its opening round games, so the Tigers' lower seed means they will play at Oregon -- about as long a trip as a team from Louisiana could expect to make. Still, Johnson said the short notice and cross-country travel shouldn't serve as excuses.
NEW ORLEANS, La. -- There's good news and bad news for LSU.
The good news is the Tigers not only won, they looked impressive in a 70-54 dismantling of Arkansas on Thursday in the first round of the SEC tournament.
The bad news? The reward for that victory is a date against the nation's best team, No. 1 Kentucky, and its traveling horde of blue-clad fans.
The Wildcats ran over LSU during their regular season meeting, much like it did to most of its opposition in the SEC this year. Kentucky roared to a 74-50 win on Jan. 28 in the PMAC behind a 27-point, 9-rebound effort from Terrence Jones and a 16-point, 10-board double-double from Anthony Davis.
If the Tigers manage the upset, they will be the first SEC team to beat Kentucky this year.
Here are three keys if LSU is going to make the fantastical a reality.
The good news is the Tigers not only won, they looked impressive in a 70-54 dismantling of Arkansas on Thursday in the first round of the SEC tournament.
The bad news? The reward for that victory is a date against the nation's best team, No. 1 Kentucky, and its traveling horde of blue-clad fans.
The Wildcats ran over LSU during their regular season meeting, much like it did to most of its opposition in the SEC this year. Kentucky roared to a 74-50 win on Jan. 28 in the PMAC behind a 27-point, 9-rebound effort from Terrence Jones and a 16-point, 10-board double-double from Anthony Davis.
If the Tigers manage the upset, they will be the first SEC team to beat Kentucky this year.
Here are three keys if LSU is going to make the fantastical a reality.
NEW ORLEANS, La. -- While the NCAA tournament was probably out of the question for LSU and Arkansas, especially with No. 1 Kentucky awaiting the winner, both teams entered Thursday's SEC tournament opener with hopes of some sort of postseason invite. With both teams needing a win to improve their resumes, the Tigers were the ones that got it. LSU outworked and out-rebounded the Razorbacks to the tune of a 70-54 win.
Beginning with their Feb. 4 loss to LSU and ending with Thursday's loss to the Tigers, the Razorbacks went 2-8 down the stretch this season.
The first half was entertaining, if not entirely pleasant to watch. The Tigers shot a respectable 43 percent, including a 3 of 6 start from 3-point range. They allowed Arkansas to hang around, however, with 10 turnovers in the first half. The Razorbacks managed to secure the ball, but they connected on an abysmal 12 of 33 shots, which was actually an improvement from a 4 of 17 start. The offsetting incompetence led to an eventual 28-28 halftime tie.
LSU jumped out to an eight-point lead immediately out of the locker room, and while the Tigers never completely pulled away, the Razorbacks could never completely answer. Arkansas cut the lead to five points, but the Tigers always seemed to respond with clutch shots and offensive boards.
Beginning with their Feb. 4 loss to LSU and ending with Thursday's loss to the Tigers, the Razorbacks went 2-8 down the stretch this season.
The first half was entertaining, if not entirely pleasant to watch. The Tigers shot a respectable 43 percent, including a 3 of 6 start from 3-point range. They allowed Arkansas to hang around, however, with 10 turnovers in the first half. The Razorbacks managed to secure the ball, but they connected on an abysmal 12 of 33 shots, which was actually an improvement from a 4 of 17 start. The offsetting incompetence led to an eventual 28-28 halftime tie.
LSU jumped out to an eight-point lead immediately out of the locker room, and while the Tigers never completely pulled away, the Razorbacks could never completely answer. Arkansas cut the lead to five points, but the Tigers always seemed to respond with clutch shots and offensive boards.
NEW ORLEANS, La. -- From here on out, LSU is playing for its postseason potential.
Just two short weeks ago, the Tigers (17-13, 7-9) were on a four-game winning streak and had reasonable hopes of an NIT berth, and perhaps an outside shot at the NCAA tournament. If LSU can't get past Arkansas (18-13, 6-10) on Thursday afternoon in the opening game of the SEC tournament, all those hopes are likely for nothing.
The fact that the winner's matchup Friday will be against No. 1 Kentucky isn't exactly encouraging, but the Tigers must first focus on getting to that point.
Control the paint: Arkansas has relied on a guard-heavy, undersized lineup for most of the season. The Razorbacks typically employ three guards on the floor, and did so in both meetings against LSU. The Hogs' two starting forwards, Michael Sanchez and Marvell Waithe, only average 18 and 16 minutes, respectively, and neither averages more than five points per game.
Just two short weeks ago, the Tigers (17-13, 7-9) were on a four-game winning streak and had reasonable hopes of an NIT berth, and perhaps an outside shot at the NCAA tournament. If LSU can't get past Arkansas (18-13, 6-10) on Thursday afternoon in the opening game of the SEC tournament, all those hopes are likely for nothing.
The fact that the winner's matchup Friday will be against No. 1 Kentucky isn't exactly encouraging, but the Tigers must first focus on getting to that point.
Control the paint: Arkansas has relied on a guard-heavy, undersized lineup for most of the season. The Razorbacks typically employ three guards on the floor, and did so in both meetings against LSU. The Hogs' two starting forwards, Michael Sanchez and Marvell Waithe, only average 18 and 16 minutes, respectively, and neither averages more than five points per game.
Minter optimistic about depth at linebacker 
March, 7, 2012
3/07/12
2:22
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE, La. -- When watching the linebackers at LSU's spring practices, it can be pretty easy to get confused.
It's familiar in the sense that the unit runs the same drills as usual, and defensive coordinator John Chavis is there to get angry when somebody messes up. But after a mass exodus of starters in the linebacker corps last year, the names of the players running the drills take some getting used to.
Gone are the veterans like Ryan Baker, Karnell Hatcher and Stefoin Francois, a trio that combined for 26 starts on the 2011 defense. LSU fans should be familiar with juniors Tahj Jones and Lamin Barrow by now, but that pair managed just one start each last fall.
It's familiar in the sense that the unit runs the same drills as usual, and defensive coordinator John Chavis is there to get angry when somebody messes up. But after a mass exodus of starters in the linebacker corps last year, the names of the players running the drills take some getting used to.
Gone are the veterans like Ryan Baker, Karnell Hatcher and Stefoin Francois, a trio that combined for 26 starts on the 2011 defense. LSU fans should be familiar with juniors Tahj Jones and Lamin Barrow by now, but that pair managed just one start each last fall.
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Former LSU women's goalie tries out at PK
March, 6, 2012
3/06/12
10:54
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU coach Les Miles had a roster full of scholarship players to talk about Tuesday after the first practice in pads, but all anyone wanted to talk about was a walk-on kicker.
That's probably because the kicker in question is former LSU soccer player Mo Isom, and she could potentially be the first female football player in school history.
Isom is in the middle of an open tryout for kickers during spring practice. She has not been available for comment since the Tigers opened practice March 2, but on Tuesday Miles fielded half a dozen questions from reporters about her prospects of making the team, and the questions it would raise.
"If she gave us an opportunity and an advantage, and I mean an added advantage, we would certainly consider (adding her to the team)," Miles said. "The real interesting thing is there has to be an advantage obtained."
That's probably because the kicker in question is former LSU soccer player Mo Isom, and she could potentially be the first female football player in school history.
Isom is in the middle of an open tryout for kickers during spring practice. She has not been available for comment since the Tigers opened practice March 2, but on Tuesday Miles fielded half a dozen questions from reporters about her prospects of making the team, and the questions it would raise.
"If she gave us an opportunity and an advantage, and I mean an added advantage, we would certainly consider (adding her to the team)," Miles said. "The real interesting thing is there has to be an advantage obtained."
BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU donned full pads on a gorgeous Tuesday afternoon for the Tigers' fourth day of spring football practice.
With the full pads came another exciting segment of the team's Big Cat Drill. LSU coach Les Miles called up a lot of the same pairs from Monday's practice, and he let them go at it in rematches. Among the rematches were Jarrett Fobbs and Craig Loston, who got in a scuffle during Monday's drill.
But of all the things that happened during Big Cat -- probably the best thing that happened during the media's 25 minutes at practice, actually -- was when Ronnie Feist faced off with Kenny Hilliard. When the freshman linebacker, who weighs in at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, had his name called against Hilliard, at 5-foot-11, 240 pounds, the older players began to laugh.
With the full pads came another exciting segment of the team's Big Cat Drill. LSU coach Les Miles called up a lot of the same pairs from Monday's practice, and he let them go at it in rematches. Among the rematches were Jarrett Fobbs and Craig Loston, who got in a scuffle during Monday's drill.
But of all the things that happened during Big Cat -- probably the best thing that happened during the media's 25 minutes at practice, actually -- was when Ronnie Feist faced off with Kenny Hilliard. When the freshman linebacker, who weighs in at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, had his name called against Hilliard, at 5-foot-11, 240 pounds, the older players began to laugh.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- It didn't take long for Tyrann Mathieu to re-acclimate to the routine.
The junior cornerback, who recently returned from an award ceremony in Atlantic City, N.J., went through his first practice of the spring on Monday. After getting back into that routine, Mathieu fell into another norm for a Heisman finalist -- getting swarmed by reporters after his workout.
After missing the first two workouts of the spring, Mathieu had the distinction of returning on the Tigers' first day in shoulder pads.
"Unfortunately, I had to start my first day in pads, but it went well," he said. "It was good just to get out there with my team."
The junior cornerback, who recently returned from an award ceremony in Atlantic City, N.J., went through his first practice of the spring on Monday. After getting back into that routine, Mathieu fell into another norm for a Heisman finalist -- getting swarmed by reporters after his workout.
After missing the first two workouts of the spring, Mathieu had the distinction of returning on the Tigers' first day in shoulder pads.
"Unfortunately, I had to start my first day in pads, but it went well," he said. "It was good just to get out there with my team."
BATON ROUGE, La. -- Day three of LSU's spring season was the first with shoulder pads.
And with the pads came a tried but true hallmark of Tigers practices that players and reporters alike were excited to see again -- the Big Cat drill.
For 10 or so minutes at the start of practice, the full roster gathered in a wide circle around coach Les Miles as he called out names in pairs. Whoever got the call matched up in the middle of the circle and squared off in a collision in front of their teammates.
And with the pads came a tried but true hallmark of Tigers practices that players and reporters alike were excited to see again -- the Big Cat drill.
For 10 or so minutes at the start of practice, the full roster gathered in a wide circle around coach Les Miles as he called out names in pairs. Whoever got the call matched up in the middle of the circle and squared off in a collision in front of their teammates.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- After a weekend visit to LSU, it seems it's decision time for 2012 junior college prospect Fehoko Fanaika.
Fanaika's trip to Baton Rouge wraps up what has been a busy spring for the offensive line prospect from the College of San Mateo in Californa. Fanaika also visited Florida, Kansas, Utah State and Hawaii earlier this spring. Tim Tulloch, the recruiting coordinator at San Mateo, came to LSU with Fanaika and said the next step in the process is choosing a destination.
"That was his fifth trip, so he's done with trips," Tulloch said. "Now it's just getting to the point where he can sit down with his family and figure out where is the right place for him."
Fanaika's trip to Baton Rouge wraps up what has been a busy spring for the offensive line prospect from the College of San Mateo in Californa. Fanaika also visited Florida, Kansas, Utah State and Hawaii earlier this spring. Tim Tulloch, the recruiting coordinator at San Mateo, came to LSU with Fanaika and said the next step in the process is choosing a destination.
"That was his fifth trip, so he's done with trips," Tulloch said. "Now it's just getting to the point where he can sit down with his family and figure out where is the right place for him."
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It's hard to imagine the regular season coming to a more forgettable finish for LSU.
Just two weeks ago, the Tigers (17-13, 7-9) were riding high during a four-game winning streak with dreams of postseason scenarios very much intact.
That seems like a distant memory now after Auburn (15-15, 5-11) crushed the Tigers 67-52 to give LSU a three-game losing skid to finish the regular season.
Just two weeks ago, the Tigers (17-13, 7-9) were riding high during a four-game winning streak with dreams of postseason scenarios very much intact.
That seems like a distant memory now after Auburn (15-15, 5-11) crushed the Tigers 67-52 to give LSU a three-game losing skid to finish the regular season.
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Players weigh in on start of spring practice
March, 3, 2012
3/03/12
4:47
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
The LSU football team spoke to the media for the first time this spring on Saturday afternoon, following the second of 15 practices during March.
Several Tiger veterans, including senior guard Josh Dworaczyk and defensive end Sam Montgomery, were on hand. Junior quarterback Zach Mettenberger also faced reporters for the first time since taking over as the Tigers' starter under center.
Mettenberger faced a bevy of cameras, recorders and questions, which he said is all part of taking hold of the leadership role as the team's starting quarterback.
Several Tiger veterans, including senior guard Josh Dworaczyk and defensive end Sam Montgomery, were on hand. Junior quarterback Zach Mettenberger also faced reporters for the first time since taking over as the Tigers' starter under center.
Mettenberger faced a bevy of cameras, recorders and questions, which he said is all part of taking hold of the leadership role as the team's starting quarterback.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- LSU dodged raindrops on its first day of spring practice Friday. On Saturday, rainy conditions forced the Tigers to abandon the outdoors and continue their spring season inside their indoor facility.
Confined to the use of just one field instead of the usual four, the team ran a smaller, more drill-oriented practice in front of the assembled reporters on the sideline.
Here are some musings from practice No. 2:
Confined to the use of just one field instead of the usual four, the team ran a smaller, more drill-oriented practice in front of the assembled reporters on the sideline.
Here are some musings from practice No. 2:
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Miles comments on first spring practice
March, 2, 2012
3/02/12
9:53
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE, La. -- The start of spring football means something big for LSU coach Les Miles: his team can finally begin to move past January's crushing BCS Championship defeat to rival Alabama.
It's been nearly two months since the Tigers were shut out by the Crimson Tide to end what had been a sterling 2011 season. Despite how much time has passed, the loss still hangs in the air around LSU like the humidity that has crept back with the arrival of spring.
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the first spring practice, Miles said the new season gives himself and his players a chance to move on.
It's been nearly two months since the Tigers were shut out by the Crimson Tide to end what had been a sterling 2011 season. Despite how much time has passed, the loss still hangs in the air around LSU like the humidity that has crept back with the arrival of spring.
Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the first spring practice, Miles said the new season gives himself and his players a chance to move on.
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ABOUT GEAUX TIGER NATION
Gary Laney
Gary Laney joined ESPN.com in 2012 after spending a year and a half as online sports editor of the Baton Rouge (La.) Advocate. Before that, he covered LSU sports for the Advocate. He has also been the sports editor at the Beaumont (Texas) Enterprise and covered McNeese State athletics for the Lake Charles (La.) American Press. Laney currently lives in Baton Rouge. Email him at glaneyespn@gmail.com