Sunday Morning QB With SVS-Sweet Sweet Victory Edition

[StarkVegasSteve]

Another great day of football that was made even greater by actually being able to enjoy the evening slate since we won. I will hop right into things on our front because there is a good bit to cover:

1. A win is a win. Does not matter how you get it and we have not had an SEC one in 2 years. It felt good to get that monkey off our back.

2. Say what you want about Blake Shapen, and plenty have and will continue to do so, but he made throws when it mattered yesterday. He was missing some early and was a little high on the INT, even though Evans should have caught it. I thought he missed a chance to run it in on the GW drive if he just follows Fluff outside but he kept it inside. However I thought he made two winning plays in the last 4 plays scrambling to avoid the sack and keeping the play alive on 2nd down and then making sure to keep the ball catchable but out in front of Evans on 4th down.

3. You can question a lot about Blake Shapen from a physical abilities standpoint and some of the decision making but you cannot question his guts and heart. That kid stood in and took some absolute free runner shots from the Arky defense yesterday and kept getting back up. In the words of Norman Dale, ?That deserves and demands your repect.? So to the people openly saying they want him to get injured, 17 you. Actually M17 you. That is a POS move. And I have not seen anyone on this board say that, but I have seen plenty in our fan base say it.

4. On to Kamario, kid gave us a spark yesterday. There is no denying that. We were really scuffling offensively and he gave us a spark. He is nowhere near ready, his accuracy needs a lot of work and you could tell we were struggling to figure out which plays he could execute, but the physical tools are there and I am glad we all got to see it and he played well for us.

5. There is still not going to be a QB controversy. We are rolling with Shapen barring injury because he gives us the best chance. Saying that, we need to get Kamario a tad more involved. I loved the shot play yesterday that Lebby dialed up. Arky had 8 in the box and that backed them off considerably.

6. Booth is still RB1 and needs to be for the remainder of the year. Fluff is not fully healthy and Booth still gives you the best chance. I did not think we ran the ball well AT ALL yesterday. Part of that may have been not having Reese but it seemed like we were calling runs straight into the teeth instead of letting Booth get to the corner. Kamario was the best part of the run game. I actually thought our backs were better in the pass game than run game.

7. Ant and BT were worth EVERY. DAMN. PENNY. They were massive yesterday. I thought Ayden was ok. Kamario missed him on 4th down or I think he turns it up the sideline for a big gain. Blake also placed the ball a little low on 3rd down before the game winner. It is good to see he has supplanted Moseley

8. The OL was actually ok yesterday. They were not great in run blocking but they held up pretty well in pass pro.

9. The DL was not incredible, and probably was not even good, but they were incredible on the last drive. I thought Bledsoe had a nice game and Sylla had a great game once again.

10. The LBs were kind of a mixed bag. Nic Mitchell has continued to be impressive with his play and that has been a welcome sight. Jalen Smith still needs some improvement. Lockhart still makes young mistakes but they are both going to be great for us.

11. Our secondary was not great. Hunter Washington needs to be replaced. He is costing us out there. He had a costly penalty that prevented us from getting the ball back and then dropped a pick 6. I thought Kelley was really good as usual and I thought Issac Smith played his best game.

12. Kyle Ferrie came through. His kick was massive. Yes they gave us a second chance at it, but you still have to make it and he did his job. I also think that was roughing the kicker and not running into the kicker but I digress on that.

13. Arkansas was really undisciplined yesterday. 18 penalties for 193 yds. They made a ton of costly mistakes that kept us in the game. But you still have to take it. And we did.

14. Lebby probably bet his career on Shapen yesterday and it paid off. Such is coaching in the SEC. He gambled that Shapen would win it for him and it paid off. We are having a different conversation if it backfired.

15. 8-4 is not out of the question after yesterday. That is how big yesterday was. A loss a 4-8 was the most likely outcome. You had to win to get belief. UGA is a completely different team on the road vs at home. Mizzou is down to their 3rd string QB, and OM just does not impress me. USCe should have beaten them last night. They had receivers running WIDE ASS OPEN.

A little better saying it today: Keep the Fight, Keep the Faith and HailState.

[99jc]

If KT needs to work on his accuracy the same can be said for Shapen he is constantly over throwing or under throwing the ball!

[StarkVegasSteve]

If KT needs to work on his accuracy the same can be said for Shapen he is constantly over throwing or under throwing the ball!

But Shapen at least knows where to go with the ball. Kamario stares down his receivers and is inaccurate. You know who else did that as a true, and even RS freshman? Rayne Dakota Prescott. It is not an indictment, he is just young. He has an insane amount of god given arm strength, he just needs to learn how to put touch on the ball.

[Mjoelner34]

Strong amen on #11.

[EdwardDrayton]

Solid recap. Not sure about going forward though. We likely do not win without Arkansas' penalty yards. The remaining teams are not likely to gift those. So a Georgia win is of course possible, as anything is possible in this league on any given Saturday. Mizzou is depleted at QB so that's likely our best chance. And of course we all hope we get the Egg Bowl. I agree that Pissy is not impressive but they continue to find ways to win. Probabilities likely dictate we get the Mizzou win and become bowl eligible which is fabulous. Any additional wins will be wildly successful beyond what we expect.

[Todd4State]

Awesome post! And I know it's an 11 AM game and our fans get pissy because they can't tailgate the way they would like but we need to show up against Georgia and create a hell hole like we did for Arizona State, Tennessee, and Georgia. This team deserves our support.

[Coursesuper]

Awesome post! And I know it's an 11 AM game and our fans get pissy because they can't tailgate the way they would like but we need to show up against Georgia and create a hell hole like we did for Arizona State, Tennessee, and Georgia. This team deserves our support.

Our people better get used to the 11AM start time. It is no longer the oh by the way time slot. It is a national audience time for ABC. So fire up the Bloody Marys and Mimosas and put your ass in the seats.

[Jacknut]

#6 We tried to test the edges with the run game and got smoked.

[EdwardDrayton]

#6 We tried to test the edges with the run game and got smoked.

I will pay good money to the person who clandestinely makes it to the playbook storage cabinet, yanks that page and burns it in the office trash can.

[EdwardDrayton]

And an oh by the way. Kamario Taylor is going to be a super star. So get the bank roll ready.

[TrapGame]

We took control of the game in the fourth quarter. Those stats for us in the 4th are crazy. That is how you win a game.

And anyone complaining about the penalties on Arkansas needs to stfu. We shot ourselves in the foot in three close games bc of penalties whether wrongly called or not. It happens.

[StarkVegasSteve]

And an oh by the way. Kamario Taylor is going to be a super star. So get the bank roll ready.

He showed flashes yesterday. Accuracy still has a ways to go, he needs to get a bit better at his reads, and he needs to master the playbook but he has the physical tools. They flashed a couple of times yesterday.

And keep in mind, HE’S JUST A TRUE FRESHMAN. He is going to progress and get better.

[msstate7]

Keep getting KT ready by setting him up with a series of predetermined plays. Obviously the sample is really small, but....

95.5 qbr (if qualified, #1 nationally)
246.6 passer rating (if qualified, #1 nationally)

I'm not saying bench Shapen, but KT is an explosive playmaker, and we need to take advantage of it.

ETA... he's touched the ball 31 times, and he has 6 TDs.

[Maroon Glasses]

Great post, great team win. Finally got it! Did anyone else notice on KT touchdown pass how it looked like he just "flicked" it 40 yards? Physical tools are off the charts!

[EdwardDrayton]

He showed flashes yesterday. Accuracy still has a ways to go, he needs to get a bit better at his reads, and he needs to master the playbook but he has the physical tools. They flashed a couple of times yesterday.

And keep in mind, HE’S JUST A TRUE FRESHMAN. He is going to progress and get better.

Yes. We saw flashes yesterday. He has it all. He just needs time and experience.

[Maroon Glasses]

Keep getting KT ready by setting him up with a series of predetermined plays. Obviously the sample is really small, but....

95.5 qbr (if qualified, #1 nationally)
246.6 passer rating (if qualified, #1 nationally)

I'm not saying bench Shapen, but KT is an explosive playmaker, and we need to take advantage of it.

ETA... he's touched the ball 31 times, and he has 6 TDs.

Woooow. That's impressive. Jesus.

[Dawgology]

6-6 after last year (couple plays away from easily being 7-2 right now) and Lebby should be in the running for CotY. I know he’s learning on the job and watching some decision and seeing what could have been is so frustrating (especially when I’m drinking) but it does give me hope for next season.

[Coach34]

Good job SVS.

I saw Shapen miss the cut on the run also at the end and hoped that wouldnt bite us in the ass. Follow your RB- he has the instincts. He did a good job on the other run by not heading for OOB. Stayed in and slid to keep that clock moving to force UPig into a time out. Shapen led and got the job done. Thats the bottom line.

KT threw a solid ball for the TD. Had nobody in his face tho. He also damn near threw pick for the 2nd week in a row. But that is what talented true freshmen do. They make some plays and also do some erratic things. He is going to be a good QB next season. Lebby did a good job of making calls that KT could handle while out there and didnt put too much on him.

Defense played a great 4th Q after a bad first 3 Q's. Made plays with the game on the line. That's how you win games.

[MoreCowbell]

Keep getting KT ready by setting him up with a series of predetermined plays. Obviously the sample is really small, but....

95.5 qbr (if qualified, #1 nationally)
246.6 passer rating (if qualified, #1 nationally)

I'm not saying bench Shapen, but KT is an explosive playmaker, and we need to take advantage of it.

ETA... he's touched the ball 31 times, and he has 6 TDs.

Most of those touches are red zone but I agree he has all the tools

[msstate7]

Most of those touches are red zone but I agree he has all the tools

Both tds yesterday were outside the RZ. 3 were outside RZ and 3 were inside on the season

[EdwardDrayton]

We'd be remiss without calling attention to the two HUGE plays by Ant and BT in the last two minutes. 4th and 6 and BT makes the adjustment to reel it in and keep us alive. And then Ant on 4th & 4 shakes the tackle for the 1st down but is determined that's only the beginning. Bowls over the last defender for the winning score.

Superheroes wearing Maroon & White capes.

[msstate7]

We'd be remiss without calling attention to the two HUGE plays by Ant and BT in the last two minutes. 4th and 6 and BT makes the adjustment to reel it in and keep us alive. And then Ant on 4th & 4 shakes the tackle for the 1st down but is determined that's only the beginning. Bowls over the last defender for the winning score.

Superheroes wearing Maroon & White capes.

Lebby has a real eye for wr talent.

[MrBigStuff]

Great recap. Agree with #11 100%.

I listened to Petrino's post game press conference and he really wanted to unload on the refs but held his tongue to dodge any fines but most if not all of the unsportsmanlike penalties were warranted. Petrino said the refs missed a call on the 2 pt conversion where we "souffle'd (sic)" Reed (I'm sure he meant "supplexed"). One of the Hog reporters asked for clarification but Petrino repeated it. Pretty funny.

Their fans didn't agree with the targeting call on them and especially were upset that no targeting was called on us for the hit on Reed when he slid near the sideline (play was negated by a holding call on the hogs). Seeing it "live", I was looking for the flag but even Birmingham didn't stop play to review it so...

Petrino was asked about KT coming in. He said KT definitely was giving them problems and he said "I was surprised they took him out". I agree with those who know a lot more than me about KT's "readiness", but it looks like it would be a great move to get him at least a couple of series to put pressure on the defenses. His "upside" appears to be huge! I questioned letting Shapen back in myself but it all worked out. Kudos to Shapen for coming back a performing really well after that big hit he took.

[Dawgface]

Petrino was asked about KT coming in. He said KT definitely was giving them problems and he said "I was surprised they took him out". I agree with those who know a lot more than me about KT's "readiness", but it looks like it would be a great move to get him at least a couple of series to put pressure on the defenses. His "upside" appears to be huge! I questioned letting Shapen back in myself but it all worked out. Kudos to Shapen for coming back a performing really well after that big hit he took.

Agree. KT may not be ready to be a starter but he deserves a series or two. But I doubt it happens against UGA.

[bulldawg28]

Great win. Honestly, I'm satisfied with the season at this point. Anything else is gravy. The team showed grit, consistency, and HUGE improvement. Lebby had the worst possible schedule for an incoming coach and has kept EVERY game competitive. A&M we abandoned the run and traded for a shoot out. Just keep fighting DAWGS!! Next year I'm looking for tremendous improvement from this team and taking the next step. If Lane leaves wouldn't that be a game changer and the instant shift in power in Mississippi.

[bulldawg28]

Agree. KT may not be ready to be a starter but he deserves a series or two. But I doubt it happens against UGA.

I wouldn't let KT get a snap against Georgia unless it's a 1 yard situation. And that's a huge maybe. Georgia will be prepared for EVERY gimmick play KT runs. I'd bring him in as a decoy if anything.

[LC Dawg]

That win was good for about a 30K attendance swing for next Saturday which will mean a lot if we can stay with Georgia early.

[1eyedog]

#14....I think om has played the two worst throwing qb?s (at the time they played) I can remember in OK and SC.......lost count of missed receivers. Maybe it?s the om def cord calling a great game but if the either DOGS qb plays decent we have pretty good odds on the EB........ IMO.

[StarkVegasSteve]

#14....I think om has played the two worst throwing qb?s (at the time they played) I can remember in OK and SC.......lost count of missed receivers. Maybe it?s the om def cord calling a great game but if the either DOGS qb plays decent we have pretty good odds on the EB........ IMO.

Their secondary is VERY suspect. Oklahoma and USCe had receivers running WIDE ASS OPEN.

[shoeless joe]

big win...i'll take em any way we can get em at this point.

that said...Lebby still has zero feel or instincts for the game. he deserves major credit for what he has done on making us competitive and bringing in some offensive weapons. but it would be asinine not to also recognize that his game management has cost us at least 2 more wins. examples saturday are taking KT out of the game when he did. we just scored on 2/3 possessions. roll with him until they stop it. that decision almost cost us the game. now, once shapen threw the pick and they scored leaving shapen is was the correct call. we had to have him to make that comeback.

on shapen...he's tough, he's a leader, i like him...but damn his situational IQ is as bad as Lebby's. on the play before the winning TD evans had the first down easily. that is just one example. i am in no way saying we should bench shapen. he's definitely earned the right to play, but KT needs to be ready with a package and once the offense bogs down give him a possession or two. the second TD he scored was all him making a play, the TD throw was available based off his running on previous plays. these examples are only even possible because of his unique skillset. Lebby must figure out a way to maximize him.

i'm not saying we will but i would not be surprised after that huge monkey of our back win if we somehow pick up 2 of our next 3. wishful thinking maybe...

[basedog]

big win...i'll take em any way we can get em at this point.

that said...Lebby still has zero feel or instincts for the game. he deserves major credit for what he has done on making us competitive and bringing in some offensive weapons. but it would be asinine not to also recognize that his game management has cost us at least 2 more wins. examples saturday are taking KT out of the game when he did. we just scored on 2/3 possessions. roll with him until they stop it. that decision almost cost us the game. now, once shapen threw the pick and they scored leaving shapen is was the correct call. we had to have him to make that comeback.

on shapen...he's tough, he's a leader, i like him...but damn his situational IQ is as bad as Lebby's. on the play before the winning TD evans had the first down easily. that is just one example. i am in no way saying we should bench shapen. he's definitely earned the right to play, but KT needs to be ready with a package and once the offense bogs down give him a possession or two. the second TD he scored was all him making a play, the TD throw was available based off his running on previous plays. these examples are only even possible because of his unique skillset. Lebby must figure out a way to maxim

i'm not saying we will but i would not be surprised after that huge monkey of our back win if we somehow pick up 2 of our next 3. wishful thinking maybe...

Lebby will progress with experience, hell i use to Coach and made mistakes but you learn from those. Most never coached and have no idea what all it takes being an HC for any sport at any level. No patience now days, plus let the year play out and see the end results, trust me after our last game the staff will do a complete reiew and make adjustments. Hell look at last year compared to this year, but again the "village People" can't spell YMCA, LOL!

Btw shoeless, this reply isn't all about you, you had some good points.

[Maverick91]

Yeah great win. So much to say about arkys penalties, taking KT out with the hot hand. I do wonder if Lebby knew he was gambling his career to put Shapen back in, gutsy call there, I trust his feel for the team.

One issue that I haven't seen and this isn't just a state thing, but the route that Evans ran was a yard short. I don't why these guys run route that are short of the first down, imagine him being tackled one yard short. We would be going ballistic at that issue. Thankful he didn't get tackled.

[Coach34]

Yeah great win. So much to say about arkys penalties, taking KT out with the hot hand. I do wonder if Lebby knew he was gambling his career to put Shapen back in, gutsy call there, I trust his feel for the team.

One issue that I haven't seen and this isn't just a state thing, but the route that Evans ran was a yard short. I don't why these guys run route that are short of the first down, imagine him being tackled one yard short. We would be going ballistic at that issue. Thankful he didn't get tackled.

Most routes, especially on the college level, are predetermined to a specific yardage for timing purposes. It's not a "run to the sticks and I'll throw it to you there" type of thing. Your outs, slants, and other routes are taught to be a certain yardage for timing and consistency

[shoeless joe]

Lebby will progress with experience, hell i use to Coach and made mistakes but you learn from those. Most never coached and have no idea what all it takes being an HC for any sport at any level. No patience now days, plus let the year play out and see the end results, trust me after our last game the staff will do a complete reiew and make adjustments. Hell look at last year compared to this year, but again the "village People" can't spell YMCA, LOL!

Btw shoeless, this reply isn't all about you, you had some good points.

i agree that he should grow and improve with his decision making. i've also been trumpeting him getting a veteran "bench coach" to help with that. but feel for the game is a skill. he lacks that skill. it's been too obvious for the last month of the season. he can improve upon that skill but he definitely lacks the innate ability to make situational decisions based on feel for the game.

and you are 100% correct on how different it is as the HC versus an assistant or a coordinator. and without a doubt the ability to compartmentalize and slow the game down is something that can and will be learned and improved upon.

and to clarify, i'm fully in support of Lebby and like a lot of what i see.

[Brobi-wan]

i agree that he should grow and improve with his decision making. i've also been trumpeting him getting a veteran "bench coach" to help with that. but feel for the game is a skill. he lacks that skill. it's been too obvious for the last month of the season. he can improve upon that skill but he definitely lacks the innate ability to make situational decisions based on feel for the game.

and you are 100% correct on how different it is as the HC versus an assistant or a coordinator. and without a doubt the ability to compartmentalize and slow the game down is something that can and will be learned and improved upon.

and to clarify, i'm fully in support of Lebby and like a lot of what i see.

I sort of disagree with this. I think it’s learned. I think Kiffin is a good example. How many games did he cost them going for it on stupid 4th downs? Now pan to this year, it took 6 years for him to stop.

[Maverick91]

Most routes, especially on the college level, are predetermined to a specific yardage for timing purposes. It's not a "run to the sticks and I'll throw it to you there" type of thing. Your outs, slants, and other routes are taught to be a certain yardage for timing and consistency

I understand that. It just seems to be a really risky thing especially In those situations. Again just glad he didn't get tackled. That would have just sucked.

[Todd4State]

I understand that. It just seems to be a really risky thing especially In those situations. Again just glad he didn't get tackled. That would have just sucked.

The problem is if you don't run the route the way it's practiced and taught you can disrupt the timing of the play and that can result in an incompletion. And it's easier to communicate what everyone is doing. Also, in theory you're throwing to a guy that's open and therefore should easily convert the play.

[Homedawg]

I sort of disagree with this. I think it’s learned. I think Kiffin is a good example. How many games did he cost them going for it on stupid 4th downs? Now pan to this year, it took 6 years for him to stop.

But kiffen hasn't stopped going for it. Just last year 3 times against lsu. This year tried to keep OU in it at his own 27. He just hasn't lost a game bc of it this year and made people noticed.

[EdwardDrayton]

I understand that. It just seems to be a really risky thing especially In those situations. Again just glad he didn't get tackled. That would have just sucked.

Yes. The point remains valid. Drives me insane to watch a prescribed route that undercuts the first down marker. I'll venture the probability of an 'impromptu' route completion is higher than a YAC first down.