Commentary

LSU's success fueled by creativity

The Tigers don't have a dominant running game, just an inventive one

Updated: November 24, 2011, 8:35 AM ET

By KC Joyner | ESPN Insider

If the old adage "There is a fine line between genius and insanity" is true, what side of the ledger does LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles fall under? Many past detractors have attempted to build the insanity case, citing Miles' wild use of trick plays, appetite for blades of grass and occasionally unbelievable clock management gaffes as evidence. It's no wonder that Miles' reputation for unpredictability has earned him The Mad Hatter nickname.

The truth is, however, that Miles should be celebrated as much for his genius as he is knocked for his eccentricity.

One big example of why is how he and his coaching staff have handled the Tigers' rushing offense this season.

It is thought that LSU has a dominant ground attack (the Tigers ranked 21st in the FBS and second in the SEC in rush yards per game through Week 12's games), but a tape review/metric study shows that this really isn't the case.

To read KC Joyner's full take on LSU's running game, become an ESPN Insider today.