GeauxTigerNation recruiting writer David Helman is back with another GeauxTigerNation mailbag, taking questions about LSU football and the Tigers' recruiting efforts this year.
From @BrandonLoveDay: Even with all the issues that were stated in Gary's piece about LSU at AU, does this not spell blowout to you?
Call me a pessimist, but I'm always leery about writing off an SEC opponent before the ball has been kicked. I have watched all of Auburn's games beginning to end, so I'm well aware of how horribly the Tigers have struggled on offense. I also know the new-look defense on the Plains surrendered more than 500 yards of offense to Clemson and gave up 410 yards to Louisiana-Monroe last weekend.
From @BrandonLoveDay: Even with all the issues that were stated in Gary's piece about LSU at AU, does this not spell blowout to you?
Call me a pessimist, but I'm always leery about writing off an SEC opponent before the ball has been kicked. I have watched all of Auburn's games beginning to end, so I'm well aware of how horribly the Tigers have struggled on offense. I also know the new-look defense on the Plains surrendered more than 500 yards of offense to Clemson and gave up 410 yards to Louisiana-Monroe last weekend.
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Well, well, well. It looks like The Kid knows a little bit about what he’s yapping about these days.
After two weeks of having identical picks, we have some separation after I correctly picked that Florida would walk into Neyland Stadium and snatch a win away from the Vols. I thought the Gators would win because of their defense -- and that unit did just what I thought it would in the second half -- but I didn’t think Florida’s offense would step up like that. My goodness.
Talk about Rocky Bottom.
That’s exactly where Chris sits heading into Week 4 with a record of 31-4 (.886), which is one game behind my 32-3 (.914) record. We both missed on Kentucky losing to Western Kentucky last week, but the most important thing in my eyes is that I have a one-game lead, and I can tell that Chris is scrambling.
You should have heard our conversation after his alma mater let the Gators off the hook Saturday. The mental games for him started when Cordarrelle Patterson and Justin Hunter both dropped those key second-half passes for the Vols. They just fueled his realization that he'd leave the weekend a game behind The Kid.
It’s funny how he has time to take jabs at my love for soccer (the world’s most popular sport, I might add), but doesn’t have the time to remember that defense wins championships. Going with offense last week was a true gaffe by the vet.
For the sake of competition, I hope he has learned his lesson.
On to the picks:
OLE MISS AT TULANE
Edward Aschoff: The Rebels are coming off quite the blowout loss to Texas, in which the defense was totally overmatched. The Rebels face one of the nation's worst offenses, so the outcome will be much different. ... Ole Miss 31, Tulane 14
Chris Low: Ole Miss’ defense is reeling following the Texas stampede last weekend. The good news for the Rebels is that Tulane has been anemic offensively in its first two outings. … Ole Miss 31, Tulane 13
FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT ALABAMA
Edward Aschoff: The only real question for Alabama is whether the defense can pitch its third straight shutout. One will get past this defense. ... Alabama 45, Florida Atlantic 3
Chris Low: One of these days, the Crimson Tide are going to have a game where somebody comes within 40 points of them again. But it won’t be this one. … Alabama 56, Florida Atlantic 3
SOUTH ALABAMA AT MISSISSIPPI STATE
Edward Aschoff: The Bulldogs got caught sleeping a little bit in last week's win against Troy, but expect to see a little more life out of Mississippi State this weekend. ... Mississippi State 45, South Alabama 14
Chris Low: The Sun Belt Conference tour continues for Mississippi State, although this one is at home. The Bulldogs need to play better after playing just well enough to survive last week at Troy. … Mississippi State 38, South Alabama 10
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE AT TEXAS A&M
Edward Aschoff: We saw a good bit of offense and points from the Aggies last week, and they shouldn't have a problem keeping that up Saturday. ... Texas A&M 51, South Carolina State 7
Chris Low: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel already has established himself as one of the most exciting players in the SEC. Look for him to roll up Xbox numbers for the second straight week. … Texas A&M 45, South Carolina State 14
AKRON AT TENNESSEE
Edward Aschoff: The Vols have to move on from last week's loss to Florida. Getting the offense back on track against the Zips is the best way to do that. ... Tennessee 45, Akron 14
Chris Low: A lot of air came out of the Vols’ Big Orange balloon last weekend following their collapse in the second half against Florida. They ought to have this one in hand well before the second half. … Tennessee 42, Akron 17
KENTUCKY AT FLORIDA
Edward Aschoff: The Gators are brimming with confidence after back-to-back road wins, and offensive coordinator Brent Pease said he wanted to hang 50 on the Cats. He'll come close. ... Florida 45, Kentucky 10
Chris Low: Kentucky has snapped a couple of long losing streaks over the past two years against Tennessee and South Carolina, but the drought against Florida will grow to 26 in a row Saturday. … Florida 38, Kentucky 14
LSU AT AUBURN
Edward Aschoff: LSU has quietly been one of the most impressive teams in the country, while Auburn barely got by Louisiana-Monroe. Auburn has too many questions remaining to hang with the other Tigers. ... LSU 38, Auburn 10
Chris Low: The battle of the Tigers has been one of the most entertaining rivalries in the SEC over the past decade, but a more physical and more talented LSU team is poised to make it two blowouts in a row. … LSU 31, Auburn 13
RUTGERS AT ARKANSAS
Edward Aschoff: The Razorbacks are at a real low point right now, while Rutgers is riding a three-game winning streak. Tyler Wilson is still questionable and Rutgers' running game is much improved. That's bad news for the Hogs. ... Rutgers 24, Arkansas 20
Chris Low: With or without Tyler Wilson, the Hogs have to figure out a way to stop somebody. They’ve given up 110 points in three games, but the bleeding stops Saturday. … Arkansas 34, Rutgers 21
VANDERBILT AT GEORGIA
Edward Aschoff: Last year's game had a very dramatic ending, both in the game and after it. The Commodores are fired up for this one, but Georgia just has more going for it all around. ... Georgia 31, Vanderbilt 14
Chris Low: The game last year ended with James Franklin and Todd Grantham going nose-to-nose. That little dust-up will ensure that the Bulldogs don’t sleepwalk into this game. … Georgia 35, Vanderbilt 14
MISSOURI AT SOUTH CAROLINA
Edward Aschoff: Both teams have banged-up quarterbacks, and while both could play, we aren't sure how long either will be in. This one will come down to line play, and South Carolina has the advantage both ways. ... South Carolina 27, Missouri 20
Chris Low: It’s Columbia versus Columbia. It’s also one banged-up quarterback versus another banged-up quarterback. The difference will be a South Carolina defensive line that takes over in the second half. … South Carolina 27, Missouri 21
After two weeks of having identical picks, we have some separation after I correctly picked that Florida would walk into Neyland Stadium and snatch a win away from the Vols. I thought the Gators would win because of their defense -- and that unit did just what I thought it would in the second half -- but I didn’t think Florida’s offense would step up like that. My goodness.
Talk about Rocky Bottom.
That’s exactly where Chris sits heading into Week 4 with a record of 31-4 (.886), which is one game behind my 32-3 (.914) record. We both missed on Kentucky losing to Western Kentucky last week, but the most important thing in my eyes is that I have a one-game lead, and I can tell that Chris is scrambling.
You should have heard our conversation after his alma mater let the Gators off the hook Saturday. The mental games for him started when Cordarrelle Patterson and Justin Hunter both dropped those key second-half passes for the Vols. They just fueled his realization that he'd leave the weekend a game behind The Kid.
It’s funny how he has time to take jabs at my love for soccer (the world’s most popular sport, I might add), but doesn’t have the time to remember that defense wins championships. Going with offense last week was a true gaffe by the vet.
For the sake of competition, I hope he has learned his lesson.
On to the picks:
OLE MISS AT TULANE
Edward Aschoff: The Rebels are coming off quite the blowout loss to Texas, in which the defense was totally overmatched. The Rebels face one of the nation's worst offenses, so the outcome will be much different. ... Ole Miss 31, Tulane 14
Chris Low: Ole Miss’ defense is reeling following the Texas stampede last weekend. The good news for the Rebels is that Tulane has been anemic offensively in its first two outings. … Ole Miss 31, Tulane 13
FLORIDA ATLANTIC AT ALABAMA
Edward Aschoff: The only real question for Alabama is whether the defense can pitch its third straight shutout. One will get past this defense. ... Alabama 45, Florida Atlantic 3
Chris Low: One of these days, the Crimson Tide are going to have a game where somebody comes within 40 points of them again. But it won’t be this one. … Alabama 56, Florida Atlantic 3
SOUTH ALABAMA AT MISSISSIPPI STATE
Edward Aschoff: The Bulldogs got caught sleeping a little bit in last week's win against Troy, but expect to see a little more life out of Mississippi State this weekend. ... Mississippi State 45, South Alabama 14
Chris Low: The Sun Belt Conference tour continues for Mississippi State, although this one is at home. The Bulldogs need to play better after playing just well enough to survive last week at Troy. … Mississippi State 38, South Alabama 10
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE AT TEXAS A&M
Edward Aschoff: We saw a good bit of offense and points from the Aggies last week, and they shouldn't have a problem keeping that up Saturday. ... Texas A&M 51, South Carolina State 7
Chris Low: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel already has established himself as one of the most exciting players in the SEC. Look for him to roll up Xbox numbers for the second straight week. … Texas A&M 45, South Carolina State 14
AKRON AT TENNESSEE
Edward Aschoff: The Vols have to move on from last week's loss to Florida. Getting the offense back on track against the Zips is the best way to do that. ... Tennessee 45, Akron 14
Chris Low: A lot of air came out of the Vols’ Big Orange balloon last weekend following their collapse in the second half against Florida. They ought to have this one in hand well before the second half. … Tennessee 42, Akron 17
KENTUCKY AT FLORIDA
Edward Aschoff: The Gators are brimming with confidence after back-to-back road wins, and offensive coordinator Brent Pease said he wanted to hang 50 on the Cats. He'll come close. ... Florida 45, Kentucky 10
Chris Low: Kentucky has snapped a couple of long losing streaks over the past two years against Tennessee and South Carolina, but the drought against Florida will grow to 26 in a row Saturday. … Florida 38, Kentucky 14
LSU AT AUBURN
Edward Aschoff: LSU has quietly been one of the most impressive teams in the country, while Auburn barely got by Louisiana-Monroe. Auburn has too many questions remaining to hang with the other Tigers. ... LSU 38, Auburn 10
Chris Low: The battle of the Tigers has been one of the most entertaining rivalries in the SEC over the past decade, but a more physical and more talented LSU team is poised to make it two blowouts in a row. … LSU 31, Auburn 13
RUTGERS AT ARKANSAS
Edward Aschoff: The Razorbacks are at a real low point right now, while Rutgers is riding a three-game winning streak. Tyler Wilson is still questionable and Rutgers' running game is much improved. That's bad news for the Hogs. ... Rutgers 24, Arkansas 20
Chris Low: With or without Tyler Wilson, the Hogs have to figure out a way to stop somebody. They’ve given up 110 points in three games, but the bleeding stops Saturday. … Arkansas 34, Rutgers 21
VANDERBILT AT GEORGIA
Edward Aschoff: Last year's game had a very dramatic ending, both in the game and after it. The Commodores are fired up for this one, but Georgia just has more going for it all around. ... Georgia 31, Vanderbilt 14
Chris Low: The game last year ended with James Franklin and Todd Grantham going nose-to-nose. That little dust-up will ensure that the Bulldogs don’t sleepwalk into this game. … Georgia 35, Vanderbilt 14
MISSOURI AT SOUTH CAROLINA
Edward Aschoff: Both teams have banged-up quarterbacks, and while both could play, we aren't sure how long either will be in. This one will come down to line play, and South Carolina has the advantage both ways. ... South Carolina 27, Missouri 20
Chris Low: It’s Columbia versus Columbia. It’s also one banged-up quarterback versus another banged-up quarterback. The difference will be a South Carolina defensive line that takes over in the second half. … South Carolina 27, Missouri 21
The games roll on in Louisiana high school football. Although LSU is out of town on its first road trip of the season, there will still be plenty of games between many of the Tigers' best commits and prospects to watch out for.
Hahnville vs. St. Augustine: Hahnville is not at the powerhouse level it has been in recent seasons, but that's not the main motivation at work. St. Augustine running back Leonard Fournette, a 2014 prospect, might be the best tailback in the state. The Purple Knights will be a stiff challenge for the Class 5A talent at Hahnville, and it should be a chance for Fournette to showcase himself and shed some light on why LSU and Alabama are gunning for his talents.
Edna Karr vs. Salmen: A juicy battle between two of the top teams in Class 4A. Karr was the runner-up at this level last year, and Salmen beat the Cougars in overtime last September. This should be a fun matchup, as the Cougars boast a plethora of BCS-caliber talent like Miami commit Standish Dobard and Texas A&M commit Noel Ellis -- and that doesn't include 2014 talents Speedy Noil and Gerald Willis. The Spartans boast one of LSU's top commits in wide receiver Chuck Baker.
Westlake vs. Winnfield: Undefeated Class 2A Winnfield goes up against undefeated Class 3A Westlake on Friday night in Winnfield. This should be a good test for Winnfield defensive end standout and 2013 LSU commit Michael Patterson, who is one of the commits that Tigers fans have seen and heard the least about. It's also an early chance to take a look at 2014 tight end Jacory Washington -- an early target for LSU.
Hahnville vs. St. Augustine: Hahnville is not at the powerhouse level it has been in recent seasons, but that's not the main motivation at work. St. Augustine running back Leonard Fournette, a 2014 prospect, might be the best tailback in the state. The Purple Knights will be a stiff challenge for the Class 5A talent at Hahnville, and it should be a chance for Fournette to showcase himself and shed some light on why LSU and Alabama are gunning for his talents.
Edna Karr vs. Salmen: A juicy battle between two of the top teams in Class 4A. Karr was the runner-up at this level last year, and Salmen beat the Cougars in overtime last September. This should be a fun matchup, as the Cougars boast a plethora of BCS-caliber talent like Miami commit Standish Dobard and Texas A&M commit Noel Ellis -- and that doesn't include 2014 talents Speedy Noil and Gerald Willis. The Spartans boast one of LSU's top commits in wide receiver Chuck Baker.
Westlake vs. Winnfield: Undefeated Class 2A Winnfield goes up against undefeated Class 3A Westlake on Friday night in Winnfield. This should be a good test for Winnfield defensive end standout and 2013 LSU commit Michael Patterson, who is one of the commits that Tigers fans have seen and heard the least about. It's also an early chance to take a look at 2014 tight end Jacory Washington -- an early target for LSU.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- To Auburn coach Gene Chizik, No. 2 LSU is playing "at the top of its game." But that game, to this point, has not been against opponents like Auburn that are built to combat physical SEC opponents like LSU and have the resources to get it done. With LSU heading to the Plains, what will that mean Saturday when the two SEC West Tigers meet?
1. An opportunity, a stumbling block?
For 1-2 Auburn, a win Saturday would erase the memories of early struggles, including losses to Clemson and Mississippi State and a near-loss, in overtime, against Louisiana-Monroe while cooling down the seat of coach Gene Chizik. For 3-0 LSU, Auburn represents the first team with the physicality and SEC speed to challenge LSU at its strengths.
1. An opportunity, a stumbling block?
For 1-2 Auburn, a win Saturday would erase the memories of early struggles, including losses to Clemson and Mississippi State and a near-loss, in overtime, against Louisiana-Monroe while cooling down the seat of coach Gene Chizik. For 3-0 LSU, Auburn represents the first team with the physicality and SEC speed to challenge LSU at its strengths.
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ESPN 100 SG Keith Frazier likes eight 
September, 19, 2012
9/19/12
1:46
PM ET
By
Reggie Rankin | ESPN.com
Senior shooting guard Keith Frazier (Dallas/Kimball), the No. 19 overall player in the ESPN 100, is one of the best shooters/scorers in the country regardless of class.
Right now Frazier likes Providence, Florida, Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, Arizona, SMU and Memphis. Frazier will likely commit in April, which will allow him to get a better feel for programs, coaches and players. Without a doubt he will be a prime target for many elite programs.
"I am looking for a school where I can instantly play big-time minutes, the coach is loyal and with me when I do something good or bad, and someone that can help me get to the next level. Make me a pro," Frazier said.
Right now Frazier likes Providence, Florida, Texas, Texas A&M, LSU, Arizona, SMU and Memphis. Frazier will likely commit in April, which will allow him to get a better feel for programs, coaches and players. Without a doubt he will be a prime target for many elite programs.
"I am looking for a school where I can instantly play big-time minutes, the coach is loyal and with me when I do something good or bad, and someone that can help me get to the next level. Make me a pro," Frazier said.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Jordan-Hare Stadium at Auburn should look familiar to LSU fans.
Like many stadiums around the SEC and around the country, it's a puzzle that's added pieces over time. It began as a modest 7,500-seat venue in 1939 and has skyrocketed over time to the 87,451-seat monstrosity it is now, the result of nine expansions since the original concrete and steel was put down around the same time World War II was beginning.
It's the same story that can be told about numerous SEC venues, including LSU's own Tiger Stadium. Unlike NFL stadiums, which tend to get built from scratch after teams win staredowns with municipalities who have to build them, college stadiums tend to be like old trees -- each layer of the stadium going out (and up) tells a more recent chapter of the arena's history.
Like many stadiums around the SEC and around the country, it's a puzzle that's added pieces over time. It began as a modest 7,500-seat venue in 1939 and has skyrocketed over time to the 87,451-seat monstrosity it is now, the result of nine expansions since the original concrete and steel was put down around the same time World War II was beginning.
It's the same story that can be told about numerous SEC venues, including LSU's own Tiger Stadium. Unlike NFL stadiums, which tend to get built from scratch after teams win staredowns with municipalities who have to build them, college stadiums tend to be like old trees -- each layer of the stadium going out (and up) tells a more recent chapter of the arena's history.
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Miles on Alexander-Hurst combo at tackle
September, 19, 2012
9/19/12
8:59
AM ET
By
Gary Laney | ESPN.com
BATON ROUGE, La. -- Ever since left offensive tackle Chris Faulk was lost for the season to an ACL injury two weeks ago, LSU coach Les Miles has said he was interested in seeing a lineup that includes true freshman Vadal Alexander at right tackle and Alex Hurst, normally the starting right tackle, sliding over to the left side.
That plan was put on the backburner as Josh Dworaczyk emerged as a solid option at left tackle -- that is, until Dworaczyk suffered a knee bruise that knocked him out of last Saturday's 63-14 rout of Idaho. It allowed LSU to try the Hurst-Alexander experiment for extended snaps.
And how did it go?
"Vadal gave us a pressure [on the quarterback], but he also played pretty well after he got comfortable," Miles said. "I kind of liked what happened. I don't want injury to dictate, but I kind of like the fact that we moved guys around that will play significant snaps for us and that they performed pretty well.
Alexander has been working as the backup and likely heir apparent at right tackle behind Hurst, a senior. But Miles said he wasn't surprised that Hurst seemed to have little issue moving to the left side.
"I liked Hurst on the left side, but I like Hurst on the ride side, too," Miles said. "It didn't seem to bother him, his change of footwork and stance, in any way."
Dworaczyk said Tuesday night that he felt like he was 100 percent for Saturday's game at Auburn, where he'll be called upon to block Auburn pass-rushing end Corey Lemonier, who already has three sacks.
In the Idaho game, LSU also started sophomore Elliott Porter at center instead of usual starter P.J. Lonergan, who was slowed by a nagging injury. Miles said he expects Lonergan to be fine for Saturday's game with Auburn, although he was pleased with Porter's play.
No experiment for Ford: When a reporter asked Miles about the "experiment" of using running back Michael Ford to return kickoffs against Idaho Saturday, Miles responded by saying "It was no experiment. We like him back there."
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Patrick SemanskyDespite injuries on the offensive line, Les Miles likes the way it is performing.
AP Photo/Patrick SemanskyDespite injuries on the offensive line, Les Miles likes the way it is performing.And how did it go?
"Vadal gave us a pressure [on the quarterback], but he also played pretty well after he got comfortable," Miles said. "I kind of liked what happened. I don't want injury to dictate, but I kind of like the fact that we moved guys around that will play significant snaps for us and that they performed pretty well.
Alexander has been working as the backup and likely heir apparent at right tackle behind Hurst, a senior. But Miles said he wasn't surprised that Hurst seemed to have little issue moving to the left side.
"I liked Hurst on the left side, but I like Hurst on the ride side, too," Miles said. "It didn't seem to bother him, his change of footwork and stance, in any way."
Dworaczyk said Tuesday night that he felt like he was 100 percent for Saturday's game at Auburn, where he'll be called upon to block Auburn pass-rushing end Corey Lemonier, who already has three sacks.
In the Idaho game, LSU also started sophomore Elliott Porter at center instead of usual starter P.J. Lonergan, who was slowed by a nagging injury. Miles said he expects Lonergan to be fine for Saturday's game with Auburn, although he was pleased with Porter's play.
No experiment for Ford: When a reporter asked Miles about the "experiment" of using running back Michael Ford to return kickoffs against Idaho Saturday, Miles responded by saying "It was no experiment. We like him back there."
Chat wrap: David Helman
September, 18, 2012
9/18/12
12:37
PM ET
By Recruiting Nation staff | ESPN.com
GeauxTigerNation's David Helman chatted with readers today to talk all things LSU Tigers:
Check back next week in GeauxTigerNation's forum, The Chute, for more of Helman's answers to readers' questions and comments.
This week's chat was free -- click in the window below to see what was discussed:
- Recruiting
- The Tigers' season so far at 3-0
- SEC football in general
Check back next week in GeauxTigerNation's forum, The Chute, for more of Helman's answers to readers' questions and comments.
This week's chat was free -- click in the window below to see what was discussed:
Big 12, SEC could meet in two 2013 openers
September, 18, 2012
9/18/12
11:15
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
You may have missed the late Friday afternoon news, but here's an update if you did:
TCU and LSU scrapped a home-and-home series in favor of a meeting to open the 2013 season at Cowboys Stadium.
Sad to see a Big 12-SEC series bite the dust, but next year could prove quite the stage for the game's top two leagues.
According to multiple reports, Oklahoma State and Mississippi State are in negotiations to open the 2013 season in Houston, which could be quite the opening weekend for both leagues.
LSU opened last year's season at Cowboys Stadium with a win over Oregon, and TCU opened its 2010 campaign at the stadium with a win over Oregon State.
TCU and LSU scrapped a home-and-home series in favor of a meeting to open the 2013 season at Cowboys Stadium.
Sad to see a Big 12-SEC series bite the dust, but next year could prove quite the stage for the game's top two leagues.
According to multiple reports, Oklahoma State and Mississippi State are in negotiations to open the 2013 season in Houston, which could be quite the opening weekend for both leagues.
LSU opened last year's season at Cowboys Stadium with a win over Oregon, and TCU opened its 2010 campaign at the stadium with a win over Oregon State.
In what is now widely considered to be the fourth-best state as far as FBS football talent is concerned, the 2013 class in Georgia could be the deepest group of talent to come out of the Peach State. More than 200 prospects are claiming offers at the moment, which would easily surpass the 170-180 FBS signees the state has averaged over the last three years. In this feature, RecruitingNation takes a look at the top five remaining uncommitted prospects in Georgia.
Montravius Adams, DL, Vienna (Ga.) Dooly County, 6-foot-3, 300 pounds
No. 3 prospect in Georgia
Front-runner: Auburn
Montravius Adams, DL, Vienna (Ga.) Dooly County, 6-foot-3, 300 pounds
No. 3 prospect in Georgia
Front-runner: Auburn
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Visit hits home for WR commit Baker
September, 18, 2012
9/18/12
8:31
AM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
Things are finally starting to get real for wide receiver Chuck Baker (Slidell, La./Salmen).
It's been the better part of a year since the 6-foot-2, 190-pound wideout began to turn heads in Louisiana with his physical style. It's been more than seven months since he committed to LSU's 2013 class on Feb. 4, making him the second commit for this year. It's easy to forget about the end game after that much time in limbo.
But that wait is finally over. Baker is two games into his senior season, with just a handful of months before he can officially sign with LSU. He said that fact hit home for him when he watched LSU pound Idaho from the sidelines last Saturday night.
It's been the better part of a year since the 6-foot-2, 190-pound wideout began to turn heads in Louisiana with his physical style. It's been more than seven months since he committed to LSU's 2013 class on Feb. 4, making him the second commit for this year. It's easy to forget about the end game after that much time in limbo.
But that wait is finally over. Baker is two games into his senior season, with just a handful of months before he can officially sign with LSU. He said that fact hit home for him when he watched LSU pound Idaho from the sidelines last Saturday night.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Here's how LSU players on post-season awards watch lists are doing through three games:
DE Barkevious Mingo (Bednarik, Nagurski, Rotary Lombardi): Did not start vs. Idaho because of an ankle injury, but did play limited snaps. He has yet to record a sack this season.
DE Sam Montgomery (Bednarik, Nagurski, Rotary Lombardi): Has just one sack, but has been disruptive behind the line with 2.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries to go with seven tackles.
S Eric Reid (Bednarik, Nagurski): Quietly solid start with 13 tackles, an interception and three passes broken up.
C P.J. Lonergan (Rimington): Did not start against Idaho as LSU looked to limit his snaps to rest a nagging injury (he did play in a reserve role). He should return to his starting role Saturday against Auburn.
TE Chase Clement (Mackey): Hasn't had a catch since the first game, but he's helped the Tigers maintain a physical identity in the running game.
K Drew Alleman (Lou Groza): He remained 4-for-5 on field goals for the season after a penalty killed his only attempt against Idaho because it knocked him out of range. He made all nine of his extra points and is 19-for-19 on the season.
P Brad Wing (Ray Guy): A front-runner for the award, Wing is averaging 48.6 yards per punt, with three 50-plus yarders and four inside the 20 in eight attempts.
OT Alex Hurst (Outland, Rotary Lombardi): LSU leads the SEC in rushing and yards per carry, and that helps the Tigers' right tackle.
DT Bennie Logan (Outland): Has 11 tackles, 1.5 for loss, with a pass broken up and a quarterback hurry in what's been a typically solid performance so far.
LB Kevin Minter (Butkus Award): An emerging star, Minter leads LSU in tackles (21), tackles for loss (3) and is tied with Reid for the lead in passes broken up (3).
Others who impressed: RBs Kenny Hilliard and Alfred Blue both have a pair of 100-yard rushing games and could make themselves Doak Walker Award candidates with sustained success.
DE Barkevious Mingo (Bednarik, Nagurski, Rotary Lombardi): Did not start vs. Idaho because of an ankle injury, but did play limited snaps. He has yet to record a sack this season.
DE Sam Montgomery (Bednarik, Nagurski, Rotary Lombardi): Has just one sack, but has been disruptive behind the line with 2.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries to go with seven tackles.
S Eric Reid (Bednarik, Nagurski): Quietly solid start with 13 tackles, an interception and three passes broken up.
C P.J. Lonergan (Rimington): Did not start against Idaho as LSU looked to limit his snaps to rest a nagging injury (he did play in a reserve role). He should return to his starting role Saturday against Auburn.
TE Chase Clement (Mackey): Hasn't had a catch since the first game, but he's helped the Tigers maintain a physical identity in the running game.
K Drew Alleman (Lou Groza): He remained 4-for-5 on field goals for the season after a penalty killed his only attempt against Idaho because it knocked him out of range. He made all nine of his extra points and is 19-for-19 on the season.
P Brad Wing (Ray Guy): A front-runner for the award, Wing is averaging 48.6 yards per punt, with three 50-plus yarders and four inside the 20 in eight attempts.
OT Alex Hurst (Outland, Rotary Lombardi): LSU leads the SEC in rushing and yards per carry, and that helps the Tigers' right tackle.
DT Bennie Logan (Outland): Has 11 tackles, 1.5 for loss, with a pass broken up and a quarterback hurry in what's been a typically solid performance so far.
LB Kevin Minter (Butkus Award): An emerging star, Minter leads LSU in tackles (21), tackles for loss (3) and is tied with Reid for the lead in passes broken up (3).
Others who impressed: RBs Kenny Hilliard and Alfred Blue both have a pair of 100-yard rushing games and could make themselves Doak Walker Award candidates with sustained success.
Looking back at Week 3 in the SEC through our trusty Hot and Not lens:
GLOWING EMBERS
SEC power: It hasn’t all been good. See Arkansas’ tumble from elite status. See Tennessee’s collapse in the second half last Saturday, and see Auburn’s defense. But a quick scan of the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll shows four SEC teams ranked in the top 7 nationally, including No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 LSU. Georgia is No. 5 this week and South Carolina No. 7. Florida has also moved into the top 15 and checks in at No. 14. For the rest of the country, seeing Alabama and LSU at the top of the polls is probably nauseating. After all, this was supposed to be the year that the SEC’s reign ended, and maybe that will be the case. There’s that vaunted USC team out West that was gunning for the SEC’s big boys this season. The Trojans, though, might want to figure out how to beat Stanford first before moving up to the varsity.
HOT
Joker Phillips’ seat: Losing to both Louisville and Western Kentucky was bad enough for the low morale that surrounds the Kentucky program. But, now, the Wildcats need to somehow find four SEC wins to avoid their third straight losing season. It doesn’t look good for Phillips despite the fact that he’s playing a ton of younger players.
NOT
South Carolina’s run blocking: The Gamecocks struggled to run the ball much of the night in their 49-6 win over UAB. Star running back Marcus Lattimore has been held under 100 rushing yards in each of his past two games. But, then, he hasn’t had a lot of holes to run through. Offensive line coach Shawn Elliott is thinking about shaking up the offensive line for this week’s game against Missouri.
HOT
Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron: He’s thrown 152 passes without an interception this season and is third nationally in passing efficiency with a 196.6 rating. McCarron has thrown seven touchdown passes in his first three games and is in total command of that Alabama offense right now.
NOT
Missouri’s quarterback situation: Who’s the quarterback for the Tigers this coming Saturday against South Carolina? Moreover, who do the Tigers want to be their quarterback? The whole deal with Missouri coach Gary Pinkel coming out and saying that James Franklin refused a painkiller injection was bizarre. Franklin’s shoulder was hurting and he didn’t play in the win over Arizona State. Backup Corbin Berkstresser stepped in and led Missouri to the victory. It will be interesting to see how it plays out from here and whether or not there’s any division on the team.
HOT
Florida in the fourth quarter: What a difference a year makes for the Gators, who have outscored their first three opponents this season 27-0 in the fourth quarter. A year ago, they were outscored 72-22 in the fourth quarter of SEC games. Finishing games was a huge emphasis over the offseason in Gainesville, and Will Muschamp’s club has shown some serious mettle in the second half of games this season.
NOT
Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray: Not only was he 1-of-10 in the fourth quarter against Florida, but Bray’s body language and his lack of leadership were just as disturbing. He’s a super talent and can really throw the football, but he still has a ways to go before he can ever be considered an elite quarterback. He may get there, but he’s not going to do it by piling up numbers against lesser opponents and then disappearing in the big games when his team gets down in the second half.
HOT
Texas A&M defensive end Damontre Moore: Georgia’s Jarvis Jones currently holds the unofficial title as the SEC’s best pass-rusher, but don’t sleep on Moore. The Aggies’ junior had two more sacks last Saturday in the rout of SMU and already has five in two games. He’s been pretty much unblockable to this point.
NOT
Ole Miss’ defense: Even in an Xbox game, you don’t give up 66 points and 676 yards of total offense. The Rebels were obliterated by a Texas team that scored on seven straight possessions, including six touchdowns.
FREEZER BURN
Arkansas’ start to the season: Could it get any worse? The 52-0 drubbing by Alabama was Arkansas’ first shutout in Fayetteville since a 7-0 loss to Baylor in 1966. This is a team that had talked openly about winning a national championship in the preseason, but it’s also a team that quit in the second half of the game last Saturday. Senior quarterback Tyler Wilson obviously means a lot to that team, and not having him in the game was a huge blow. There’s no guarantee that he’s going to be out there against Rutgers this coming weekend. So the Hogs might want to find some resolve and also rediscover their pride and do something about salvaging this season before it’s too late. A 1-2 start is terribly disappointing. But it would pale in comparison if the Hogs totally tank and end up with a losing season.
GLOWING EMBERS
SEC power: It hasn’t all been good. See Arkansas’ tumble from elite status. See Tennessee’s collapse in the second half last Saturday, and see Auburn’s defense. But a quick scan of the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll shows four SEC teams ranked in the top 7 nationally, including No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 LSU. Georgia is No. 5 this week and South Carolina No. 7. Florida has also moved into the top 15 and checks in at No. 14. For the rest of the country, seeing Alabama and LSU at the top of the polls is probably nauseating. After all, this was supposed to be the year that the SEC’s reign ended, and maybe that will be the case. There’s that vaunted USC team out West that was gunning for the SEC’s big boys this season. The Trojans, though, might want to figure out how to beat Stanford first before moving up to the varsity.
HOT
Joker Phillips’ seat: Losing to both Louisville and Western Kentucky was bad enough for the low morale that surrounds the Kentucky program. But, now, the Wildcats need to somehow find four SEC wins to avoid their third straight losing season. It doesn’t look good for Phillips despite the fact that he’s playing a ton of younger players.
NOT
[+] Enlarge
Zuma Press/Icon SMIStar South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore has been slowed in his past two games.
Zuma Press/Icon SMIStar South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore has been slowed in his past two games.HOT
Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron: He’s thrown 152 passes without an interception this season and is third nationally in passing efficiency with a 196.6 rating. McCarron has thrown seven touchdown passes in his first three games and is in total command of that Alabama offense right now.
NOT
Missouri’s quarterback situation: Who’s the quarterback for the Tigers this coming Saturday against South Carolina? Moreover, who do the Tigers want to be their quarterback? The whole deal with Missouri coach Gary Pinkel coming out and saying that James Franklin refused a painkiller injection was bizarre. Franklin’s shoulder was hurting and he didn’t play in the win over Arizona State. Backup Corbin Berkstresser stepped in and led Missouri to the victory. It will be interesting to see how it plays out from here and whether or not there’s any division on the team.
HOT
Florida in the fourth quarter: What a difference a year makes for the Gators, who have outscored their first three opponents this season 27-0 in the fourth quarter. A year ago, they were outscored 72-22 in the fourth quarter of SEC games. Finishing games was a huge emphasis over the offseason in Gainesville, and Will Muschamp’s club has shown some serious mettle in the second half of games this season.
NOT
Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray: Not only was he 1-of-10 in the fourth quarter against Florida, but Bray’s body language and his lack of leadership were just as disturbing. He’s a super talent and can really throw the football, but he still has a ways to go before he can ever be considered an elite quarterback. He may get there, but he’s not going to do it by piling up numbers against lesser opponents and then disappearing in the big games when his team gets down in the second half.
HOT
Texas A&M defensive end Damontre Moore: Georgia’s Jarvis Jones currently holds the unofficial title as the SEC’s best pass-rusher, but don’t sleep on Moore. The Aggies’ junior had two more sacks last Saturday in the rout of SMU and already has five in two games. He’s been pretty much unblockable to this point.
NOT
Ole Miss’ defense: Even in an Xbox game, you don’t give up 66 points and 676 yards of total offense. The Rebels were obliterated by a Texas team that scored on seven straight possessions, including six touchdowns.
FREEZER BURN
Arkansas’ start to the season: Could it get any worse? The 52-0 drubbing by Alabama was Arkansas’ first shutout in Fayetteville since a 7-0 loss to Baylor in 1966. This is a team that had talked openly about winning a national championship in the preseason, but it’s also a team that quit in the second half of the game last Saturday. Senior quarterback Tyler Wilson obviously means a lot to that team, and not having him in the game was a huge blow. There’s no guarantee that he’s going to be out there against Rutgers this coming weekend. So the Hogs might want to find some resolve and also rediscover their pride and do something about salvaging this season before it’s too late. A 1-2 start is terribly disappointing. But it would pale in comparison if the Hogs totally tank and end up with a losing season.
Through adversity, Seals-Jones trudges on
September, 17, 2012
9/17/12
1:20
PM ET
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
SEALY, Texas -- Though he didn't log a single minute on the field and watched from the sidelines on crutches as his Sealy (Texas) teammates battled to a 26-20 come-from-behind win over Cleveland (Texas), Ricky Seals-Jones was still the king at Tiger Stadium on Friday night.
Homecoming king, that is.
Complete with a black-and-white crown and a black-and-gold sash commemorating his achievement, which was announced at halftime, the no. 10 player in the ESPN 150 and the No. 1 receiver in the nation was still a popular man, even though he physically couldn't contribute to the Tigers' victory. He signed autographs for kids. A little girl even brought him fresh-baked brownies.
Homecoming king, that is.
Complete with a black-and-white crown and a black-and-gold sash commemorating his achievement, which was announced at halftime, the no. 10 player in the ESPN 150 and the No. 1 receiver in the nation was still a popular man, even though he physically couldn't contribute to the Tigers' victory. He signed autographs for kids. A little girl even brought him fresh-baked brownies.
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- It was Oct. 22 of last season, the last time LSU and Auburn met, that we found out just how deep LSU really was.
The Bayou Bengals were without three key players that day in running back Spencer Ware and defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon, all suspended for one game for violation of the school's drug policy.
Instead of it being a devastating blow, LSU simply shrugged it off. Ron Brooks, starting for Mathieu, had an interception he returned for a touchdown. Derrick Bryant, a rarely-used senior, took the fifth defensive back role and had a sack. Little-used true freshman running back Kenny Hilliard took Ware's role as LSU's physical runner and rambled for 65 yards on 10 carries.
The Bayou Bengals were without three key players that day in running back Spencer Ware and defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon, all suspended for one game for violation of the school's drug policy.
Instead of it being a devastating blow, LSU simply shrugged it off. Ron Brooks, starting for Mathieu, had an interception he returned for a touchdown. Derrick Bryant, a rarely-used senior, took the fifth defensive back role and had a sack. Little-used true freshman running back Kenny Hilliard took Ware's role as LSU's physical runner and rambled for 65 yards on 10 carries.
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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