LSU Wins Another SEC Title in 2008

Growing up practically in the shadows of Tiger Stadium, it would be safe to say that purple and gold course through my veins. Yes, I’m a die hard LSU fan. Even when LSU was always so close to magical seasons, yet so far away. I agonized over each loss. I know the pain of hope and coming up short.  I know your pain Ohio State fan.

With that said…life now is good in Cajun land. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! The LSU Fighting Tigers are a national power who are two time BCS National Champions. Baton Rouge is buzzin’ with pride and swagger. The question is, will it stay that way after the 2008 season?

Yes.  LSU will contend for another SEC Championship and possibly another crystal ball to add in the trophy case in 08’.

Yeah…Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. Another myopic fan who lives in wonderland and vacations on fantasy island. No…I’m not a Notre Dame or Appalachian State Fan.

I know that LSU is getting some respect nationally being ranked in the pre-season AP and USA Today polls at 6^th and 7^th respectively, but LSU within its own SEC family, is not getting the love to contend.

Georgia, I know you felt punk'd last year when you didn’t get to the big dance. You had a magical season and played well and above expectations. However, I can’t believe you feel that way…next time, take care of business and win the conference championship!

Yes you’re good and will certainly make a lot of noise this year, but back-to-back away games in Baton Rouge and Jacksonville should dispel any hopes of your championship run. Plus the fact that you’re losing a lot of boys getting in to all kinds of trouble there in Athens. Not a good sign.

Although a legit national contender, I think the Dawgs are going to choke on the proverbial bone as the season churns…too much pressure. It’s one thing to have a strong year when you're not expected to win, and another to have the bull’s-eye on your back right out of the gate…that’s a whole different story.

LSU 31 - Georgia 28

Auburn??? Seriously?? Tommy’s boys always have game, but breaking in new coaches and schemes may be too much to ask this season regardless of the talent. This year Miles will not bring a weak scheme to Jordan Hare like last time and we know Saban will take care of the refs so all those phantom calls you got in 06‘, you’re not going to get this time. Still a close game.

LSU 17 - Auburn 13

To everyone else who bleed their SEC teams colors…You better listen and listen good.  It would behoove you to smell what the “Hat’s” got cookin’.

You take a little Ivy League smarts and a whole lotta’ of NFL caliber supporting cast members…and you gotta’ special pot of gumbeaux!

Andrew Hatch…??? Who the heck is that?

Mark my words…”Andrew Hatch will lead LSU to another SEC Championship”…possibly more if no significant injuries occur. I know…this is where everybody else rolls their eyes…and mutters that I’m on crack.

Consider the facts.

This kid is smart. Hello??? A Harvard man. Need I say more?

Secondly is that LSU Offensive Coach Gary Crowton wanted this kid along time ago when he was at Brigham Young…you know Brigham Young…the “Quarterback Factory” back in the day?

Coach Crowton is most likely one of the best offensive minds in the land today…maybe better than Norm Chow at USC. 

But why will this Harvard transfer take over at LSU and lead them back to the Georgia Dome in December??? He‘s a winner.

"He won,...and he won in a manner that made me believe there was a lot of upside," Crowton said. "He took over that game I watched. I think the thing that stands out about him is his competitiveness. He'll race you to the drinking fountain. He's so competitive to the details of things."

So although Hatch is inexperienced, he has enough physical tools to get the job done. The intangibles will be the factor and will be a Godsend in Perilloux’s absence.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from the past about LSU quarterbacks, the most talented guys never won a national championship. If I remember correctly, Matt Mauck and Matt Flynn were not the most gifted players. They didn‘t have all the physical skills…but they still managed to lead LSU to the promise land. They were winners.

The only thing going against Hatch is his first name…if it were Matt, a championship would be a shoe in…other than that, I believe Andrew has the supporting cast and coaching that will enable LSU to have another special year this year.

I wonder which old trophy they're going to take out the case to make room for the next glass ball?