September 5, 2021
PRAYERS AND THANKS
Our thoughts and well wishes go out to all of those enduring the damage, destruction and devastation of Hurricane Ida
A special shout out to all of the first responders who are working so selflessly to restoring some sense of sanity to South Louisiana.
OUR STATUS
Normally, we are in the dark figuratively. For much of last week, we were both literally and figuratively in the dark. Thus, the delay in this publication. As of early Saturday morning, Jon reverted back to being figuratively in the dark.
DENHAM SPRINGS VS MANDEVILLE STATUS
As you know, the Denham Springs vs Mandeville Football game of September 3 was cancelled.
DENHAM SPRINGS VS EAST IBERVILLE STATUS
Here is some good news for you… we only hope it is sustainable good news!
It was expressed to me by someone in the know that the Denham Springs vs East Iberville game will take place, as scheduled, this Friday, September 10, at Yellow Jackets Stadium
You can catch all the action, with Sport-N-Center Warmup at 6pm, on Family Radio, 91.9 FM, Baton Rouge and on the Internet at JonFineProductions.com
Knock very hard on wood.
DSHS ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
Due to Ida and Covid, the DSHS Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet and game presentation are being postponed until Thursday, October 14 (Banquet, 6:30 pm, Forrest Grove Plantation), and Friday, October 15, 2021. Tickets to the banquet remain on sale at the Denham Springs HS office.
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TODAY’S COLUMNS:
Scott discusses LSU Football (written last Tuesday, 8/31)
Dennis takes the week off
Please scroll down below.
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THE WIZARDRY OF OS
Ten years ago LSU opened the year against Chip Kelly´s Oregon team and it began the greatest regular season in LSU history. I have no idea what LSU will do during the regular season in 2021, but I do like the matchup for LSU on Saturday.
Chip Kelly's offensive philosophy has always been about getting his athletes in space. He stretches the width of the field with the pass and then runs it right at the defense. When he was at Oregon he had better athletes than everyone, except when he ran into SEC teams.
Kelly´s offenses have not been as successful in the NFL or at UCLA because he has not had better athletes than the opponent. The answer for Kelly should be to stretch the field vertically, but he does not have the quarterback or receivers to do that at UCLA. Saturday should not be any different.
LSU should be able to cancel out the outside passing game with Stingley and Ricks. LSU's defensive backs were not ready for the beginning of the season last year. I have no concern about that this year.
I am also not concerned about the defensive line. I know there is depth and talent there. The only question I have on defense is whether the linebackers can fill the right gaps, be physical, and be sure tacklers. If this group overruns gaps, sit back on blockers, and miss tackles in space like last year, UCLA will expose LSU. If the linebackers do their job, LSU will force UCLA's quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson to throw from the pocket and that is not going to work for the Bruins.
Offensively, some people are worried about LSU's offensive line. I will be disappointed if Max Johnson holds onto the all long enough for that to be an issue. I fully expect LSU to come out, spread the field, find the best matchup, and get that player the ball. LSU´s strength on offense should be depth at receiver. Boutte, Jenkins, Kirklin, Moore, Hilton, Thomas, Smith, Nabors, Lee, Palmer, and Bech are all extremely talented.
The passing game may need to carry the load early on in the season for a couple of reasons. First, the offensive line was banged up during fall camp. Just as the receivers and quarterback need time to develop timing and chemistry, the offensive line and running back need the same. Second, the running backs were injured during camp as well. Running back is also one of those positions that you never know what you have until the game. Who will pick up the blitz? Who will take care of the ball? Who can finish runs? Only the games will answer these questions.
The biggest concern in a season opener is always turnovers. The great equalizer. Young skill players often have that problem early in the season. I know the freshmen running backs and receivers are going to be great. But, early in the game, I would be more comfortable leaning on Boutte, Jenkins, Kirklin, Moore, Lee, and Palmer along with the veteran running backs.
Ten years ago, LSU blew the doors off a very talented Oregon team and put the nation on notice. UCLA is nowhere near the caliber of that Oregon team. But, if LSU can establish themselves early without any big mistakes, then the Tigers should handle the Bruins by at least 2 touchdowns.
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