How will LSU Move the Chains in 2010?

It is no secret that LSU did not have a productive year on the offensive side of the ball.

With a young quarterback and very questionable play calling, the Tigers offense never really moved the ball consistently, even against inferior non-conference teams. 

This is a hard pill to swallow for Tiger fans that look on the sidelines and see loads of four- and five-star recruits not contributing.

It would be an understatement to say that last season’s top recruit, Russell Shepard, was underutilized. 

The few times that Shepard did step onto the field, the play calling was predictable and bland. 

Not once did offensive coordinator Gary Crowton call a pass play out of the Wild Tiger formation. Instead, simple off-tackle runs for meager gains, and sometimes losses, were the consistent call.

Tiger fans waited all season to see their top freshman have his breakout performance, but it never happened.

LSU moves into an offseason that is sure to be filled with criticism and speculation, and the only thing that stops this behavior in Baton Rouge is winning. 

Les Miles looks like he will remain the head coach for another season, but to say he is on the proverbial hot seat is an understatement.

With only one significant quarterback in this year’s recruiting class, Zach Lee, Miles and Crowton need to come up with a plan to either utilize Shepard or make the changes necessary to make Jordan Jefferson successful.

Most would agree that play calling is the biggest culprit and that Crowton needs to open up the playbook more to utilize LSU’s superior speed and talent.

Jefferson has shown glimpses of potential and has really done nothing wrong on or off the field, but he has never found a way to, or been allowed to, move the chains consistently.

If there was one silver lining in the dark cloud of the Capital One Bowl, it was the touchdown pass from Jefferson to Brandon LaFell that was called at the line by the young quarterback. 

The hope that he has matured enough to read defenses and call plays at the line gives Tiger fans something to smile about. 

If the Tigers would use this to their advantage by occasionally going to a no-huddle when matchups are exposed, the possibilities would be endless.

But again, it all falls back on Crowton to be more open-minded and adventurous with his play calling.

So what does this mean for the Tiger faithful? 

Simple. 

It means that as Tiger fans, you have to try to stay positive throughout this offseason despite the disappointment and hope that your talented players are not held back by coaching again in 2010. 

But rest assured, if the coaching staff does not turn it around in 2010, you will not have to worry about them in 2011.