LSU’s Puzzling BCS Title Performance
Friday - January 18, 2012
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Del.icio.usThere really couldn’t be much doubt following the BCS title game about who should be No.1. Alabama’s brutal whitewash of Louisiana State University left little room for argument except in the minds of five AP voters, four of whom voted for Oklahoma State and one misguided soul who cast his vote for LSU. There’s always one.
I suppose they were making a statement of sorts, but that was as dominating a performance as you’re likely to see in a national title game. Previously undefeated LSU was held to 92 yards on offense. The Tigers crossed the 50 only once. They couldn’t run and they couldn’t throw. LSU’s leading rusher had 16 yards.
I got an interesting call on our radio show the day after the game. Theresa identified herself as an 88year-old retired anesthesiologist who had watched the contest and concluded that the LSU team had been drugged. She observed not only play on the field, but paid attention to the sideline shots that showed a striking dullness and lack of energy. Theresa wasn’t sure how it was accomplished, but had little doubt that the drugging had taken place. She got a second opinion from her son, also a doctor, who was just as convinced that something was wrong, although he wasn’t as sure exactly what it was. I’m not buying into the mass drugging, but LSU sure didn’t look like a team ready to complete for a title.
And I hate to jump into the mosh pit of superlatives that are springing up about the Crimson Tide, but that might be as good a college defense as there has ever been. And none of this has hurt the reputation of head coach Nick Saban, who now takes on legendary status as a big-game coach.
UH head coach Norm Chow has got a staff in place in time for the final thrust in recruiting. He got off to a good start last week when one of Hawaii’s top prospects decommitted from Utah and declared his intention to play for UH. Kamehameha offensive lineman Kiha Sai will bring his 6-foot-4-inch, 315pound frame to Manoa to play for the Warriors. If that trend of more top prospects deciding to stay home continues, UH might be able to replace the talent pool sooner rather than later.
Last Wednesday saw the inaugural meeting of the Downtown Athletic Club with Chow as the featured speaker. The organization intends to promote Hawaii sports and athletes, and provide a bridge between government, business and the community. They expect to meet at a monthly luncheon, where the discussion will be all aspects of sports in Hawaii.
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