Prior to the beginning of last season, LSU football Coach Les Miles was in a feisty mood during a press conference. Seems that he was growing weary of the barrage of questions about BCS rankings.
He went personal.
In his “humble” opinion, USC was playing in a weak football conference, the Pac-10.
“They’re going to play real knockdown, drag-outs with UCLA and Washington, Cal-Berkeley, Stanford - some real juggernauts,” Miles sarcastically sniped about the Trojans.
Others have attempted to substantiate Coach Miles boast with inter-conference and bowl records.
Here’s the measurement that will put the suggestion that the Pac-10 teams, including, UCLA, Washington, Cal and Stanford, are athletically challenged.
The NFL draft.
Let’s compare conferences, shall we?
SEC - 35 players drafted
Pac-10 - 34 players drafted
ACC - 33 players drafted
Big 12 - 29 players drafted
Big Ten - 28 players drafted
We’re looking at factual stats here. No opinions or spins necessary. It’s clear that the SEC was the “dominant” conference this past season.
What? You’re not so clear?
Well, take a look at the two schools to see if Coach Miles might have more stats to back up his snubbing of the Pac-10.
LSU - 7 players drafted
USC - 10 players drafted
Oh.
Coach Miles is an excellent football coach.
When it comes to passing judgement on other conferences or individual universities…not so much.
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5 months ago
I remember his comments, what a boob. I just want USC to play LSU and watch the Trojans roll
from 5 months ago
Coach Miles certainly thinks highly of himself. And his conference.
5 months ago
You're right he was wrong. He was being sarcastic about knockdown dragouts with Stanford but the Cardinal beat USC.
Congrats to USC for winning the Draft National Championship!!!!
5 months ago
It's not so much an issue of who is right. Respect. Intended or not, Coach Miles dissed a group of fine universities.
Hardly the right thing to do.
5 months ago
yes i agree. in fairness to Les, he made the comment at a booster rally and was not aware any of his comments were on the record. they came out after the fact.
i wouldn't think he'd knowingly make a comment like that with the press around.
but i get where you're coming from.
from 5 months ago
Thanks for your take on Coach Miles. Given how he handled the Michigan job situation, makes sense that his comments on USC and the Pac-10.
5 months ago
The Pac-10 vs SEC debate lives on! This is a good time of year to rehash Miles' comments and start building up the competitive fires amongst college football fans. Spring practice may be just behind us, but the season is just around the corner. Can't wait until August!
from 5 months ago
You are spot on Dave. Dreams are expounded as the real deal between now and the opening kickoff to THE season. College football!
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