By Garrett Lumpkin
In 2008 McNeese State running back Toddrick Pendland took full advantage of the opportunity that he received. Given the chance to start for the first time in his collegiate career, Pendland did not disappoint. The Newton, TX native ran for a school record 1,431 yards, and scored a team leading 15 touchdowns. Pendland was named the 2008 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and he’s been tabbed a preseason All-American pick in 2009.
Lumpkin: Do you go by Toddrick or can I call you Todd?
Pendland: It really doesn’t matter. Toddrick is cool or you can call me Todd.
Lumpkin: Alright Todd. Last season you set the MSU single season rushing record after rushing for a total of just 647 yards during your first two years combined. How did it all come together for you?
Pendland: It was just a blessing really. My offensive line was doing their thing, and I’m just glad that Coach Viator gave me an opportunity to run the ball. I told coach for two years that I was ready, and I guess I just had to wait for my turn.
Lumpkin: Every college football player was a star on his high school team. What’s it like coming to college, where a lot of guys just like you, have to wait for their turn to play?
Pendland: Sitting on the bench, it hurts you know. I got here my freshman year and sat down for the first game. I hadn’t sat down like that since pee wee. I wanted to quit. I wanted to transfer, but I’m glad I stayed here. I talked to my coaches and they helped me out. They asked me before last season if I was going to be ready. I told them that I was going to be good. They put their faith in me and it all worked out.
Lumpkin: I’ll say! But instead of telling your coaches you were going to be good, you should have told them that you were going to set the single season rushing record!
Pendland: (Laughs) I tell my coaches all the time, I told you so!
Lumpkin: If you could single out one characteristic that makes you a special runner, what would it be?
Pendland: I work hard, that’s the main thing. At practice my coaches tell me all the time, it doesn’t matter if you get tackled or not. Get up and run and finish the play. That helps out in the games. I don’t take my helmet off at practice even if it is hot. I just spray a little water through the helmet. Those are little things, but they all add up.
Lumpkin: No offense, but your not a very big guy. (Todd is 5’9’’, 175 lbs)
Pendland: That’s alright.
Lumpkin: What has it been like having to overcome the “small back” stereotype?
Pendland: Man, I’ve heard that ever since I first started playing football. I’m tough you know. I come from a small school, and I feel like I have something to prove every time I step on the field.
Lumpkin: You ran for all of those yards last year behind an offensive line that returns only one of five starters. How has it been running behind a new group of linemen?
Pendland: Those guys have come a long way. At the beginning of the spring they were a little shaky, but by the time spring practice ended we were running the ball really well. They’ve gotten off to a good start here in August, and I think they’ll be ready by the time we kick off that first game.
Lumpkin: Can you turn in another record breaking season running behind these guys?
Pendland: I’m not worried about stats or records. All I care about is winning conference and making it to the playoffs. I haven’t been to the playoffs since I’ve been here, so I got to get my feet up in there.
Lumpkin: Wait. Weren’t you on the 2007 team that went undefeated during the regular season and made it to the playoffs?
Pendland: Oh yeah. We lost in the first round, but I didn’t get to play in the playoff game because I pulled my hamstring the week before.
Lumpkin: Maybe that’s why the Cowboys lost in the first round, because you were injured.
Pendland: (Laughs) I don’t know about that!
Lumpkin: Last year the Cowboys finished 7-4 and missed the playoffs. What is it going to take for this team to get back to the playoffs?
Pendland: Hard work, dedication and sacrificing. We have plenty of talent on this team. If we all stay committed, then we’ll be fine.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Cowboys: Explosive Offense and an Improved Defense
In 2008, the McNeese State Cowboys broke numerous school records, but the season ended in disappointment as the Cowboys finished 7-4 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. The players don’t want that to happen again, and they seem to be headed in the right direction.
“The attitude during the off-season has been fantastic,” said head coach Matt Viator. “We’ve had great participation. We could not have asked any more out of our players. I think the excitement is there. The enthusiasm is there. We’re looking forward to starting the season.”
The strength of the team is in the offensive backfield with senior quarterback Derrick Fourroux and senior running back Toddrick Pendland. Last season Pendland set a new single season rushing mark with 1,431 yards, and he scored a team leading 15 touchdowns.
Last year was also a banner year for Fourroux, who set career highs in passing yards, pass completions,and passing and rushing touchdowns. Fourroux did not just set individual records. The Erath, LA native, led an offense that set school records for total yardage gained per game (464), passing yards gained per game (236), and points scored per game (37.5). Fourroux has started every game since his freshman year, and he’s on pace to break many career records held by former Cowboy great, Kerry Joseph.
“He has won games. He does what he needs to do in our offense, and he doesn’t turn the ball over,” said Viator. “I don’t think I’ve seen a kid be as productive as he has, and turn the ball over less than he has. Derrick is just a winner. He has the respect of his teammates. He has the respect of his coaches, and hopefully he can have another big year for us.”
Fourroux will be throwing to a group of wide receivers that haven’t necessarily started a lot of games, but they all have game experience (Immanuel Friddle, Bernardo Henry, Chad Davis and Richard Conner). It appears that the Cowboys are loaded at tight end.
“I think we are more talented than we’ve been at tight end with Wes Mangan, Corday Clark and Brandon Broussard,” said Viator. “We’re excited about who we have catching the ball.”
The biggest question mark for the offense looks to be up front where only one of five starters returns on the offensive line. It helps that the lone returning starter is senior Casey Richter, who is considered one of the elite tackles in the Southland Conference.
“We have some new faces on the offensive line, but they are guys that we think have talent. We’re excited about them,” said Viator.
There will also be plenty of new faces on defense. Only three starters return from a defense that performed rather poorly in 2008. The Cowboys allowed nearly 30 points per game, and surrendered at least 35 points in five games.
“I think we have a chance defensively. We have some really good players who are not necessarily returning starters, but we’re not going to put anyone out there who hasn’t played,” said Viator. “I think we’ll have some speed. I think overall what we have to improve on is tackling. We have to have a better tackling team than we had, and I think we will.”
For the Cowboys to improve on their 7-4 record from one season ago, they have to find a way to win the close games.
“We lost to North Carolina by seven points and out gained them,” said Viator. “We lost by three points to Texas State, lost by three points to Nicholls and had a chance to beat Central Arkansas in the last game of the year. The games that were close, we lost. The year before in 2007, we won those games. Last year we lost them. So we have to figure out a way to win those games.”
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Q and A With LSU Coaches Les Miles and Paul Mainieri
By Garrett Lumpkin
Last month, the LSU Tiger Tour made its annual stop in Westlake at the Isle of Capri Casino. I had a chance to talk with LSU head baseball coach Paul Mainieri, and LSU head football coach Les Miles. Mainieri’s Tigers just won the college baseball national championship, and Miles’ Tigers are gearing up for another football season.
LSU Football Head Coach Les Miles
The defense really struggled last year and you made some changes in the off-season to
correct that. You brought in John Chavis as the defensive coordinator, Brick Haley to
coach the defensive linemen, and Ron Cooper to coach the secondary. How has that new
group gelled through spring practice and over the summer?
I think our guys have an existing culture of dominant defense. John has great experience
and has the same impression that that’s the way defense is played. Our guys have really
embraced him, enjoyed him and I think he’s made a great introduction to his defense this
spring. When you bring in Brick Haley, who comes from the NFL, he brings great
technique work to our guys. Our guys on the defensive line have enjoyed him. Ron
Cooper has great experience with the secondary. I think the transition has been good and
I look forward to how they will play.
Jordan Jefferson looks like he is the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job. He
played well late last season, especially in your big bowl victory. What have you seen
from Jefferson throughout the off-season as he heads into his sophomore season?
He’s bigger and stronger. He certainly has a lot more experience on the field. He won’t
go into a game that he hasn’t experienced in one way or another. He played on the road,
and he played on the road in a bowl game and won. Really, this summer he has probably
shown more leadership than what’s due for a young guy. I think he’ll be much improved
this fall.
I want to get your thoughts on the state of the SEC. With all of the big name coaches in
the league, and these days it seems like any team in the conference can beat you. What do
you think about the current state of your league?
I think it is as competitive a football conference as there is in America. I think it requires
your teams to play at a very high level week in and week out. I think that’s good. I think
it’s good for the fans and it’s good for us. I look forward to playing in big games and I
think our team does.
Your first three years in Baton Rouge were so successful. At least 11 wins in each season.
But last year was a bit of a tough year with the 8-5 record. How has the off-season been
for you, coming off a sub par season?
I think our guys understand that we want to regain the position in the SEC that we’ve
had. I think the guys are hungrier, there’s a little more wanting, more ambitious, I think
it’s been good. The summer has been good and I think our guys are looking forward to
playing.
LSU Baseball Head Coach Paul Mainieri
Congratulations on a fantastic season. What an incredible run in Omaha at the College World Series. What has life been like since winning the national championship of college
baseball?
Thank you very much for the congratulatory message. It still hasn’t really sunk in, it’s
kind of surreal. Your whole life you pray that you’ll have an opportunity to coach a team
to a national championship, and then it happens and you’re not sure how to act or how to
feel. I’ve received so many wonderful letters, phone calls, text messages and emails that
I’ve just been spending my time trying to respond to everybody. It’s a great experience.
It’s something I’m sure that in time will sink in.
After losing to Texas in game two of the championship series, what did you tell your
team?
The message I gave to my players was very simple. I said look, if this was our very first
meeting in August and I told you on that day that we were going to play one game for the
national championship, winner take all, and we were going to have Anthony Ranaudo
pitching for us, would any of you guys take that deal? And they all nodded their heads of
course. And I said, well that’s our situation. So we’re not going to hang our heads about
this loss tonight. We’re going to walk out of here with our chins up. We’re going to walk
out confident, believing in ourselves and knowing that tomorrow night we’re going to
come out here and whip Texas. I wanted them to get a good positive frame of mind right
from that moment, and go to bed that night dreaming of winning the national
championship the next night. And my goodness, they went out there and did it!
Last month, the LSU Tiger Tour made its annual stop in Westlake at the Isle of Capri Casino. I had a chance to talk with LSU head baseball coach Paul Mainieri, and LSU head football coach Les Miles. Mainieri’s Tigers just won the college baseball national championship, and Miles’ Tigers are gearing up for another football season.
LSU Football Head Coach Les Miles
The defense really struggled last year and you made some changes in the off-season tocorrect that. You brought in John Chavis as the defensive coordinator, Brick Haley to
coach the defensive linemen, and Ron Cooper to coach the secondary. How has that new
group gelled through spring practice and over the summer?
I think our guys have an existing culture of dominant defense. John has great experience
and has the same impression that that’s the way defense is played. Our guys have really
embraced him, enjoyed him and I think he’s made a great introduction to his defense this
spring. When you bring in Brick Haley, who comes from the NFL, he brings great
technique work to our guys. Our guys on the defensive line have enjoyed him. Ron
Cooper has great experience with the secondary. I think the transition has been good and
I look forward to how they will play.
Jordan Jefferson looks like he is the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job. He
played well late last season, especially in your big bowl victory. What have you seen
from Jefferson throughout the off-season as he heads into his sophomore season?
He’s bigger and stronger. He certainly has a lot more experience on the field. He won’t
go into a game that he hasn’t experienced in one way or another. He played on the road,
and he played on the road in a bowl game and won. Really, this summer he has probably
shown more leadership than what’s due for a young guy. I think he’ll be much improved
this fall.
I want to get your thoughts on the state of the SEC. With all of the big name coaches in
the league, and these days it seems like any team in the conference can beat you. What do
you think about the current state of your league?
I think it is as competitive a football conference as there is in America. I think it requires
your teams to play at a very high level week in and week out. I think that’s good. I think
it’s good for the fans and it’s good for us. I look forward to playing in big games and I
think our team does.
Your first three years in Baton Rouge were so successful. At least 11 wins in each season.
But last year was a bit of a tough year with the 8-5 record. How has the off-season been
for you, coming off a sub par season?
I think our guys understand that we want to regain the position in the SEC that we’ve
had. I think the guys are hungrier, there’s a little more wanting, more ambitious, I think
it’s been good. The summer has been good and I think our guys are looking forward to
playing.
LSU Baseball Head Coach Paul Mainieri
Congratulations on a fantastic season. What an incredible run in Omaha at the College World Series. What has life been like since winning the national championship of collegebaseball?
Thank you very much for the congratulatory message. It still hasn’t really sunk in, it’s
kind of surreal. Your whole life you pray that you’ll have an opportunity to coach a team
to a national championship, and then it happens and you’re not sure how to act or how to
feel. I’ve received so many wonderful letters, phone calls, text messages and emails that
I’ve just been spending my time trying to respond to everybody. It’s a great experience.
It’s something I’m sure that in time will sink in.
After losing to Texas in game two of the championship series, what did you tell your
team?
The message I gave to my players was very simple. I said look, if this was our very first
meeting in August and I told you on that day that we were going to play one game for the
national championship, winner take all, and we were going to have Anthony Ranaudo
pitching for us, would any of you guys take that deal? And they all nodded their heads of
course. And I said, well that’s our situation. So we’re not going to hang our heads about
this loss tonight. We’re going to walk out of here with our chins up. We’re going to walk
out confident, believing in ourselves and knowing that tomorrow night we’re going to
come out here and whip Texas. I wanted them to get a good positive frame of mind right
from that moment, and go to bed that night dreaming of winning the national
championship the next night. And my goodness, they went out there and did it!
Monday, July 20, 2009
New Orleans Saints 2009 Team Preview
By Garrett Lumpkin
Last Season
The Saints finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the second straight year. It’s been the same story for the Saints in each of the last two seasons. The offense has been fantastic (ranked 1st in 2008), but the defense has been horrendous (ranked 23rd in 2008). Drew Brees joined Dan Marino as the only quarterback in the history of the NFL to throw for 5,000 yards in a season. The Saints weren’t blowing teams out. They had to throw the ball that much just to keep up with their opposition. The Saint’s defense allowed at least 23 points in 13 of 16 games.
Quarterbacks A+
Drew Brees has established himself among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL alongside Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. He is the unquestioned leader of the Saints and produces monster numbers year in and year out. Brees has averaged 4,600 yards passing and 30 touchdown passes in three years in New Orleans. He rarely makes the big mistake and doesn’t take many sacks. He is the one player on the roster that the Saints can not afford to lose to injury. Mark Brunell is a 15 year veteran and is the backup quarterback. However, if you ever see Brunell on the field during the regular season, the Saints are probably in big trouble.
Running Backs B
Reggie Bush had his best professional season in 2008, but fans expect more from the former number two overall pick. Bush is the best pass catching running back in the league by far. However, Bush has struggled in the running game and has not finished each of the last two seasons due to injuries. In three NFL seasons Bush has yet to average 4.0 yards per carry. He needs to get there this year for the Saints running game to be a real threat. Third year running back Pierre Thomas could break out this season. Last year playing behind Bush and Deuce McCallister, Thomas averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns on only 160 offensive touches. Look for the Saints to give Thomas more touches starting right out of the gate in week one. Mike Bell is third on the depth chart, but look for the Saints to possibly add a veteran free agent during training camp. Ex-Patriots fullback Heath Evans has some versatility and catches the ball well.
Wide Receivers A-
Marques Colston is a big, physical receiver and one of the best at his position. He doesn’t shy away from contact which shows his toughness, but it has also led to injuries. Last year Colston missed five games with a broken finger. If he plays a full season, he should make the pro bowl. Lance Moore benefited from Colston’s absence and posted career bests with 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. Moore is an excellent number two option for Brees. Devery Henderson and Robert Meachum have each been inconsistent, but both are excellent deep threats. Henderson and Meachum each averaged over 24 yards per catch last year. Jeremy Shockey is one of the better pass catching tight ends in the league and is also an above average run blocker at his position.
Offensive Line B+
The Saints pass much more than they run and the offensive line is at its best when Brees is throwing it. Last season only two starting quarterbacks were sacked fewer times than Brees. Brees dropped back to pass 635 times and was only sacked 13 times. Continuity is extremely important on the offensive line and all five starters from last year return. They have Jamal Brown and Jon Stinchomb at the tackles, Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans at the guards, and Jonathan Goodwin at center. If there is a flaw with this group, it’s in the running game. However, in November and December Pierre Thomas seemed to find the holes that Reggie Bush could not locate in September and October.
Defensive Line C+
Will Smith is one of the most well rounded defensive ends in the league. He plays the run well, and when healthy, is the Saints best pass rusher. However, Smith’s sack total has decreased in each of the last three seasons. Charles Grant starts at the other defensive end spot and is more of a power player. He runs through people, not around them. Sedric Ellis showed promise as a rookie and is poised for a big season. He’s short, stout, and has a powerful upper body. Kendrick Clancy led the team in sacks with six and is expected to start at the other defensive tackle spot.
Linebackers C-
Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma played well in his first season with the Saints as he led the team in tackles with 132. Vilma is a firm tackler and is adequate dropping back into coverage. Outside linebacker Scott Fujita has been consistent during his three years in New Orleans, but he is vulnerable when playing in space. Scott Shanle is penciled in to start at the other outside linebacker position, but he doesn’t make many big plays. Shanle could be challenged by Dan Morgan during training camp.
Defensive Backs C
Cornerback Tracy Porter had an impressive start to his career last season before a wrist injury cut it short. Porter has solid cover skills to go along with good speed. Jabari Greer is listed next on the cornerback depth chart, but don’t be surprised if rookie Malcolm Jenkins gets the starting nod. Jenkins was the Saints first round draft pick in April’s draft. Strong safety Roman Harper is a big hitter, but he struggles in man to man coverage. Free safety Darren Sharper was signed in the offseason and provides this young group with some experience. Sharper may not have the speed that he once had, but he always seems to be around the ball.
Special Teams B-
Placekicker Garrett Hartley does not have a real strong leg, but he is accurate inside of 50 yards. He made all 13 of his field goal attempts after joining the Saints midway through the year. The Saints don’t punt much, but when they do it will be Glenn Pakulak handling the duties. Reggie Bush is arguably the most feared punt returner in the league. He took three punts to the house in just ten games. Pierre Thomas, Skylar Green, and Lance Moore are all in the mix at kick returner.
Predictions
Best Case Scenario (12-4): The defense plays much better under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Greg Williams. The offense shows more balance with the run and the pass, and the team avoids major injuries.
Worst Case Scenario (7-9): The defense doesn’t get any better. The offense struggles to run the ball, and a big contributor or two goes on injured reserve.
My Prediction (10-6): I think the defense will improve under Williams. Everywhere he has coached in the NFL, he seems to have a top ten defense. I think that with Pierre Thomas getting more carries, the running game will be better and that will allow the Saints defense to rest a little more on the sideline.
The Saints have a difficult schedule and I don’t think they will win the NFC South division. However, I do see the Saints making the playoffs as a wild card.
Last Season
The Saints finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs for the second straight year. It’s been the same story for the Saints in each of the last two seasons. The offense has been fantastic (ranked 1st in 2008), but the defense has been horrendous (ranked 23rd in 2008). Drew Brees joined Dan Marino as the only quarterback in the history of the NFL to throw for 5,000 yards in a season. The Saints weren’t blowing teams out. They had to throw the ball that much just to keep up with their opposition. The Saint’s defense allowed at least 23 points in 13 of 16 games.
Quarterbacks A+
Drew Brees has established himself among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL alongside Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. He is the unquestioned leader of the Saints and produces monster numbers year in and year out. Brees has averaged 4,600 yards passing and 30 touchdown passes in three years in New Orleans. He rarely makes the big mistake and doesn’t take many sacks. He is the one player on the roster that the Saints can not afford to lose to injury. Mark Brunell is a 15 year veteran and is the backup quarterback. However, if you ever see Brunell on the field during the regular season, the Saints are probably in big trouble.
Running Backs B
Reggie Bush had his best professional season in 2008, but fans expect more from the former number two overall pick. Bush is the best pass catching running back in the league by far. However, Bush has struggled in the running game and has not finished each of the last two seasons due to injuries. In three NFL seasons Bush has yet to average 4.0 yards per carry. He needs to get there this year for the Saints running game to be a real threat. Third year running back Pierre Thomas could break out this season. Last year playing behind Bush and Deuce McCallister, Thomas averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns on only 160 offensive touches. Look for the Saints to give Thomas more touches starting right out of the gate in week one. Mike Bell is third on the depth chart, but look for the Saints to possibly add a veteran free agent during training camp. Ex-Patriots fullback Heath Evans has some versatility and catches the ball well.
Wide Receivers A-
Marques Colston is a big, physical receiver and one of the best at his position. He doesn’t shy away from contact which shows his toughness, but it has also led to injuries. Last year Colston missed five games with a broken finger. If he plays a full season, he should make the pro bowl. Lance Moore benefited from Colston’s absence and posted career bests with 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. Moore is an excellent number two option for Brees. Devery Henderson and Robert Meachum have each been inconsistent, but both are excellent deep threats. Henderson and Meachum each averaged over 24 yards per catch last year. Jeremy Shockey is one of the better pass catching tight ends in the league and is also an above average run blocker at his position.
Offensive Line B+
The Saints pass much more than they run and the offensive line is at its best when Brees is throwing it. Last season only two starting quarterbacks were sacked fewer times than Brees. Brees dropped back to pass 635 times and was only sacked 13 times. Continuity is extremely important on the offensive line and all five starters from last year return. They have Jamal Brown and Jon Stinchomb at the tackles, Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans at the guards, and Jonathan Goodwin at center. If there is a flaw with this group, it’s in the running game. However, in November and December Pierre Thomas seemed to find the holes that Reggie Bush could not locate in September and October.
Defensive Line C+
Will Smith is one of the most well rounded defensive ends in the league. He plays the run well, and when healthy, is the Saints best pass rusher. However, Smith’s sack total has decreased in each of the last three seasons. Charles Grant starts at the other defensive end spot and is more of a power player. He runs through people, not around them. Sedric Ellis showed promise as a rookie and is poised for a big season. He’s short, stout, and has a powerful upper body. Kendrick Clancy led the team in sacks with six and is expected to start at the other defensive tackle spot.
Linebackers C-
Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma played well in his first season with the Saints as he led the team in tackles with 132. Vilma is a firm tackler and is adequate dropping back into coverage. Outside linebacker Scott Fujita has been consistent during his three years in New Orleans, but he is vulnerable when playing in space. Scott Shanle is penciled in to start at the other outside linebacker position, but he doesn’t make many big plays. Shanle could be challenged by Dan Morgan during training camp.
Defensive Backs C
Cornerback Tracy Porter had an impressive start to his career last season before a wrist injury cut it short. Porter has solid cover skills to go along with good speed. Jabari Greer is listed next on the cornerback depth chart, but don’t be surprised if rookie Malcolm Jenkins gets the starting nod. Jenkins was the Saints first round draft pick in April’s draft. Strong safety Roman Harper is a big hitter, but he struggles in man to man coverage. Free safety Darren Sharper was signed in the offseason and provides this young group with some experience. Sharper may not have the speed that he once had, but he always seems to be around the ball.
Special Teams B-
Placekicker Garrett Hartley does not have a real strong leg, but he is accurate inside of 50 yards. He made all 13 of his field goal attempts after joining the Saints midway through the year. The Saints don’t punt much, but when they do it will be Glenn Pakulak handling the duties. Reggie Bush is arguably the most feared punt returner in the league. He took three punts to the house in just ten games. Pierre Thomas, Skylar Green, and Lance Moore are all in the mix at kick returner.
Predictions
Best Case Scenario (12-4): The defense plays much better under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Greg Williams. The offense shows more balance with the run and the pass, and the team avoids major injuries.
Worst Case Scenario (7-9): The defense doesn’t get any better. The offense struggles to run the ball, and a big contributor or two goes on injured reserve.
My Prediction (10-6): I think the defense will improve under Williams. Everywhere he has coached in the NFL, he seems to have a top ten defense. I think that with Pierre Thomas getting more carries, the running game will be better and that will allow the Saints defense to rest a little more on the sideline.
The Saints have a difficult schedule and I don’t think they will win the NFC South division. However, I do see the Saints making the playoffs as a wild card.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Cowboys Looking To Bounce Back In ‘09
By Garrett Lumpkin
I am a football fanatic, and there are thousands of people in Southwest Louisiana just like me who love the game as much as I do. Luckily for us, college football returns in just a few weeks when teams report for August practice.
The McNeese State Cowboys are coming off a 7- 4 season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Watching the Pokes last year was like watching the New Orleans Saints. The games were very exciting with plenty of offense, and unfortunately very little defense.
In 2008, the Cowboys set team records for points scored per game (37.5), and total offense per game (464.1). However, they allowed over 29 points per game, and on five occasions gave up at least 3
5 points.
The 2009 Cowboy squad will have a much different look with only 9 of 22 starters returning on both sides of the ball (6 on offense, 3 on defense). Despite the big turnover, I think the new cast of characters will be in the thick of the Southland Conference championship race once again.
In football, you don’t have to have a great quarterback to win, but it sure makes things easier if you have a stud behind center. And the Cowboys have exactly that in senior Derrick Fourroux.
Fourroux has started since he was a freshman and is on pace to break Kerry Joseph’s school records for total offense and passing yards. Fourroux doesn’t make many mistakes (17 interceptions in three years), and he makes plays with his arm and legs (67 combined touchdowns in three years). Toughness is Fourroux’s best attribute. He takes a beating throughout the course of a game because he runs with the ball so much, but he always gets up after the big hit.
Most of Derrick’s targets from a year ago are gone. However, all-conference tight end Wes Mangan returns along with wide receiver Immanuel Friddle who I believe is ready for a break-out season.
Running back Toddrick Pendland broke out last season as a junior when he was named the Southland Conference offensive player of the year. Pendland set the school’s single season rushing record with 1,431 yards. Just think of what that rushing total would have been had the Cowboys made the playoffs and won a game or two. Pendland is also a major threat in the passing game. Last year he finished second on the club with 35 catches for 337 yards. He nearly averaged a first down every time he caught the ball out of the backfield.
The Pokes have an outstanding quarterback and running back. However, Fourroux and Pendland won’t be able to do what they do unless they get good blocking from the big boys up front. Offensive linemen never get much credit, but they make everything happen. Of the five starting offensive linemen from 2008, only tackle Casey Richter returns.
Defensively in 2008, the Cowboys were torched on several occasions. They didn’t fare that bad against the run, but maybe that was because opponents knew that they could throw all over McNeese. The Cowboys allowed 26 touchdown passes, and over 230 yards passing per game. The Cowboys were 6-0 when allowing 31 points or less, but they were 1-4 when allowing at least 35 points. There is plenty of room for improvement, and I see things getting better for the MSU defense before things get worse.
The three returning defensive starters from 2008 are defensive end Terrance Freeman, linebacker Deron Minor and defensive back Darrell Jenkins. That’s not many returning starters, but maybe that’s a good thing considering how the unit performed last season.
Freeman led the team in sacks last season with 5.5, Minor finished second on the team in tackles with 89, and Jenkins ranked third on the club with six tackles for loss.
Matt Viator enters his third full season as head coach of the Cowboys. All Viator has done since taking over midway through the 2006 season is win 24 of 31 games. His winning percentage of .774 ranks second in school history behind Ernie Duplechin. Viator has led the Cowboys to a pair of Southland Conference championships, and he has been named the Southland Conference coach of the year twice. About the only thing that Viator has not done is win a playoff game. Something that McNeese has not accomplished since 2002.
For the Cowboys to get back to the playoffs in 2009 the offense doesn’t have to score 37 points per game. But the defense must allow less than 29 points per game. Somewhere around 20 points would be ideal.
I’m not going to make any predictions about the upcoming season yet, but I will say this—I can’t wait for August practice to kickoff!
I am a football fanatic, and there are thousands of people in Southwest Louisiana just like me who love the game as much as I do. Luckily for us, college football returns in just a few weeks when teams report for August practice.
The McNeese State Cowboys are coming off a 7- 4 season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Watching the Pokes last year was like watching the New Orleans Saints. The games were very exciting with plenty of offense, and unfortunately very little defense.
In 2008, the Cowboys set team records for points scored per game (37.5), and total offense per game (464.1). However, they allowed over 29 points per game, and on five occasions gave up at least 3
5 points.The 2009 Cowboy squad will have a much different look with only 9 of 22 starters returning on both sides of the ball (6 on offense, 3 on defense). Despite the big turnover, I think the new cast of characters will be in the thick of the Southland Conference championship race once again.
In football, you don’t have to have a great quarterback to win, but it sure makes things easier if you have a stud behind center. And the Cowboys have exactly that in senior Derrick Fourroux.
Fourroux has started since he was a freshman and is on pace to break Kerry Joseph’s school records for total offense and passing yards. Fourroux doesn’t make many mistakes (17 interceptions in three years), and he makes plays with his arm and legs (67 combined touchdowns in three years). Toughness is Fourroux’s best attribute. He takes a beating throughout the course of a game because he runs with the ball so much, but he always gets up after the big hit.
Most of Derrick’s targets from a year ago are gone. However, all-conference tight end Wes Mangan returns along with wide receiver Immanuel Friddle who I believe is ready for a break-out season.
Running back Toddrick Pendland broke out last season as a junior when he was named the Southland Conference offensive player of the year. Pendland set the school’s single season rushing record with 1,431 yards. Just think of what that rushing total would have been had the Cowboys made the playoffs and won a game or two. Pendland is also a major threat in the passing game. Last year he finished second on the club with 35 catches for 337 yards. He nearly averaged a first down every time he caught the ball out of the backfield.
The Pokes have an outstanding quarterback and running back. However, Fourroux and Pendland won’t be able to do what they do unless they get good blocking from the big boys up front. Offensive linemen never get much credit, but they make everything happen. Of the five starting offensive linemen from 2008, only tackle Casey Richter returns.
Defensively in 2008, the Cowboys were torched on several occasions. They didn’t fare that bad against the run, but maybe that was because opponents knew that they could throw all over McNeese. The Cowboys allowed 26 touchdown passes, and over 230 yards passing per game. The Cowboys were 6-0 when allowing 31 points or less, but they were 1-4 when allowing at least 35 points. There is plenty of room for improvement, and I see things getting better for the MSU defense before things get worse.
The three returning defensive starters from 2008 are defensive end Terrance Freeman, linebacker Deron Minor and defensive back Darrell Jenkins. That’s not many returning starters, but maybe that’s a good thing considering how the unit performed last season.
Freeman led the team in sacks last season with 5.5, Minor finished second on the team in tackles with 89, and Jenkins ranked third on the club with six tackles for loss.
Matt Viator enters his third full season as head coach of the Cowboys. All Viator has done since taking over midway through the 2006 season is win 24 of 31 games. His winning percentage of .774 ranks second in school history behind Ernie Duplechin. Viator has led the Cowboys to a pair of Southland Conference championships, and he has been named the Southland Conference coach of the year twice. About the only thing that Viator has not done is win a playoff game. Something that McNeese has not accomplished since 2002.
For the Cowboys to get back to the playoffs in 2009 the offense doesn’t have to score 37 points per game. But the defense must allow less than 29 points per game. Somewhere around 20 points would be ideal.
I’m not going to make any predictions about the upcoming season yet, but I will say this—I can’t wait for August practice to kickoff!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
LSU Baseball is Back Baby!
By Garrett Lumpkin
It has been nine long years since the LSU Tigers last won the College World Series, but there is a very good chance that the streak will end later this month. The Tigers are wrapping up their most impressive season since that last national title back in 2000.
LSU won all five of its baseball national championships in a ten year stretch between 1991 and 2000. With that kind of success, LSU Tiger fans grew to expect a run at the national title every year, or at least an annual trip to Omaha, Nebraska, site of the College World Series.
However, that has not been the case for much of the last decade.
Since Skip Bertman stepped down as head coach of the LSU baseball program in 2001, the Tigers have produced some pretty good results. But in Baton Rouge, pretty good is not good enough for the LSU baseball program.
Longtime LSU assistant coach Smoke Laval succeeded Bertman as head coach of the Tigers in 2002, and learned just how hard it is to replace a legend. Laval experienced some highlights at LSU as he led the Tigers to the College World Series in 2003 and 2004. However, LSU went 0-2 on each of those trips to Omaha and looked nothing like the dominant Tiger teams of the 1990’s.
Things started going downhill for Laval and the Tigers after that. In 2005 LSU failed to win a NCAA Regional in Baton Rouge for the first time in 11 years. Then in 2006 the Tigers won just 35 games, their lowest win total since Bertman’s rookie year in 1984, and weren’t even invited to the NCAA Tournament.
It was time for a change, and Smoke Laval was forced to resign after the 2006 season.
In June of 2006 LSU began an extensive nationwide search for its next head coach. Notre Dame Head Coach Paul Mainieri was familiar with LSU baseball
having played one season for the Tigers in 1976. He saw the potential in Baton Rouge and decided to leave Notre Dame for LSU.
During his initial press conference Mainieri made it very clear that he understood the tradition of LSU baseball.
“Make no mistake about it,” Mainieri said, “The goal is to return LSU to the pinnacle position in college baseball. I have all the confidence in the world that we can do that here.”
When Mainieri took over in 2007, the LSU baseball program was in rough shape. The Tigers won only 29 games that season and finished tenth in the SEC, their worst conference finish since 1955.
The 2008 season looked like more of the same as the Tigers were hovering around the .500 mark at 23-16-1 with four weeks remaining in the regular season. At that point Mainieri’s record at LSU was 52-42-2 and I’m sure that many LSU baseball fans were questioning the hire.
Then something amazing happened. LSU went on to win its next 23 games, establishing a new SEC record for consecutive wins. Mainieri was named the college baseball coach of the year, and LSU won its first game at the College World Series since the championship game in 2000. The 49 victories were also the most for LSU since 2000 when the Tigers won 52 games.
The 2009 season began with great expectations as LSU entered the year ranked number one in the nation.
That preseason ranking, the strong finish to the 2008 season, and the fact that the Tigers were opening up a new ballpark in 2009, put LSU under the microscope all season long.
With all of that pressure, the Tigers have performed remarkably, never once even dropping out of the top ten in the college baseball polls. LSU started the season with a bang winning its first nine games of the year. The Tigers went on to win the SEC regular season championship, and their second straight SEC Tournament championship. The Tigers swept their NCAA Regional in Baton Rouge 3-0, and also swept Rice in the Super Regional 2-0.
LSU is back in Omaha, and for the first time since 2000, the Tigers are one of the favorites to win it all. They started the College World Series with victories over Virginia and Arkansas. That’s significant because 17 of the last 19 College World Series champions began the tournament 2-0.
If LSU wins the national championship, that would give the Tigers six titles which would tie them with Texas. Only Southern California has more College World Series championships with 12.
It has been nine long years since the LSU Tigers last won the College World Series, but there is a very good chance that the streak will end later this month. The Tigers are wrapping up their most impressive season since that last national title back in 2000.
LSU won all five of its baseball national championships in a ten year stretch between 1991 and 2000. With that kind of success, LSU Tiger fans grew to expect a run at the national title every year, or at least an annual trip to Omaha, Nebraska, site of the College World Series.However, that has not been the case for much of the last decade.
Since Skip Bertman stepped down as head coach of the LSU baseball program in 2001, the Tigers have produced some pretty good results. But in Baton Rouge, pretty good is not good enough for the LSU baseball program.
Longtime LSU assistant coach Smoke Laval succeeded Bertman as head coach of the Tigers in 2002, and learned just how hard it is to replace a legend. Laval experienced some highlights at LSU as he led the Tigers to the College World Series in 2003 and 2004. However, LSU went 0-2 on each of those trips to Omaha and looked nothing like the dominant Tiger teams of the 1990’s.
Things started going downhill for Laval and the Tigers after that. In 2005 LSU failed to win a NCAA Regional in Baton Rouge for the first time in 11 years. Then in 2006 the Tigers won just 35 games, their lowest win total since Bertman’s rookie year in 1984, and weren’t even invited to the NCAA Tournament.
It was time for a change, and Smoke Laval was forced to resign after the 2006 season.
In June of 2006 LSU began an extensive nationwide search for its next head coach. Notre Dame Head Coach Paul Mainieri was familiar with LSU baseball
having played one season for the Tigers in 1976. He saw the potential in Baton Rouge and decided to leave Notre Dame for LSU.During his initial press conference Mainieri made it very clear that he understood the tradition of LSU baseball.
“Make no mistake about it,” Mainieri said, “The goal is to return LSU to the pinnacle position in college baseball. I have all the confidence in the world that we can do that here.”
When Mainieri took over in 2007, the LSU baseball program was in rough shape. The Tigers won only 29 games that season and finished tenth in the SEC, their worst conference finish since 1955.
The 2008 season looked like more of the same as the Tigers were hovering around the .500 mark at 23-16-1 with four weeks remaining in the regular season. At that point Mainieri’s record at LSU was 52-42-2 and I’m sure that many LSU baseball fans were questioning the hire.
Then something amazing happened. LSU went on to win its next 23 games, establishing a new SEC record for consecutive wins. Mainieri was named the college baseball coach of the year, and LSU won its first game at the College World Series since the championship game in 2000. The 49 victories were also the most for LSU since 2000 when the Tigers won 52 games.The 2009 season began with great expectations as LSU entered the year ranked number one in the nation.
That preseason ranking, the strong finish to the 2008 season, and the fact that the Tigers were opening up a new ballpark in 2009, put LSU under the microscope all season long.
With all of that pressure, the Tigers have performed remarkably, never once even dropping out of the top ten in the college baseball polls. LSU started the season with a bang winning its first nine games of the year. The Tigers went on to win the SEC regular season championship, and their second straight SEC Tournament championship. The Tigers swept their NCAA Regional in Baton Rouge 3-0, and also swept Rice in the Super Regional 2-0.LSU is back in Omaha, and for the first time since 2000, the Tigers are one of the favorites to win it all. They started the College World Series with victories over Virginia and Arkansas. That’s significant because 17 of the last 19 College World Series champions began the tournament 2-0.
If LSU wins the national championship, that would give the Tigers six titles which would tie them with Texas. Only Southern California has more College World Series championships with 12.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Summer Sports
By Garrett Lumpkin 337 Sports
The 2008-2009 school year has officially ended. And for high school and collegiate student athletes, that means it’s time for a break. However, in the sports world, there is no break. There is a common perception that nothing exciting happens in the sports world over the summer. I don’t buy into that notion, and I have five reasons why local sports fans should be excited about the summer:
LSU Baseball
Head coach Paul Mainieri has assembled the best LSU baseball team since 2000 when the Tigers won the last of their five national championships. The Tigers roared through the Southeastern Conference this year winning the SEC regular season title and the SEC tournament championship.
LSU has what it takes to win it all, and that is balance. In the SEC, which is considered the most competitive college baseball conference, the Tigers led the league in pitching and ranked second in both hitting and fielding.
Put it this way… If LSU doesn’t play deep into the College World Series, it will be very disappointing because the expectations are extremely high for this team.
From here on out every LSU baseball game will be nationally televised by ESPN. The College World Series takes place June 13-24 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Louisiana Swashbucklers
The Swashbucklers may be playing in a different league, but they’re producing the same one-sided results that fans have grown accustomed to. After winning two consecutive Intense Football League championships in 2007 and 2008, the team moved over to the Southern Indoor Football League.
It’s been a seamless transition as the Bucs have started the 2009 season 5-1. They are leading the SIFL in scoring offense (55 pts per game), and scoring defense (25 pts per game).
The Swashbucklers will be playing at the Lake Charles Civic Center throughout June and July, and I’m thinking they’ll end the season with a third straight championship.
Golf Tournaments
With the summer comes a plethora of local golf tournaments around Southwest Louisiana.
Graywood is hosting the McNeese Cowboy Club Tournament on June 20.
Mallard Cove has its annual Cameron State Bank Lake Charles Men’s City Golf Championship on June 26-28. Mallard Cove will follow that with the Junior City Championship July 6-7 and the Women’s City Championship July 11-12.
The Sulphur Men’s City Championship will be held at Frasch Park on July 10-12.
Pine Shadows will host the Red, White and Blue Tournament on July 4. Pine Shadows also has its Summer Invitational on August 1-2.
The Lake Charles Country Club will host the US Amateur Qualifier on August 3, the Prien Lake Four Ball on August 7-9, and the Louisiana Golf Association Senior Amateur on August 20-22.
If you are a competitive golfer, then you have plenty of opportunities to strut your stuff this summer.
Youth Baseball
Southwest Louisiana is known for producing top baseball talent, and it all starts in the youth leagues.
On just about any night during June and July you can find a great little league baseball game in the lake area.
Two local Bullet Baseball teams have already qualified for the Elite World Series at Disney World. The Bullet Baseball 9 year olds will be in Orlando, Florida August 2-9, and the Bullet Baseball 10 year olds will be in Orlando July 12-19. The Bullet Baseball 10 year olds finished third at the Elite World Series last year.
There is also the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in August. In 2006 and 2008 the South Lake Charles All-Stars advanced to the Little League World Series. SLC always has a loaded all-star roster, and I’m sure those young guys will make another run at Williamsport later this summer.
Closer to Football Season
My final reason for you to be excited about the summer is this: We are that much closer to football season!
In just two short months, the high school and college kids will be dressed in full pads getting set for another football season.
NFL teams will hit the practice field even earlier as all 32 NFL teams will be in training camp by the final week of July.
It’s highly likely that the McNeese Cowboys and LSU Tigers will each begin their respective seasons ranked in the top 20.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys should each be improved in 2009 after each team missed the playoffs one year ago.
The 2008-2009 school year has officially ended. And for high school and collegiate student athletes, that means it’s time for a break. However, in the sports world, there is no break. There is a common perception that nothing exciting happens in the sports world over the summer. I don’t buy into that notion, and I have five reasons why local sports fans should be excited about the summer:
LSU Baseball
Head coach Paul Mainieri has assembled the best LSU baseball team since 2000 when the Tigers won the last of their five national championships. The Tigers roared through the Southeastern Conference this year winning the SEC regular season title and the SEC tournament championship.
LSU has what it takes to win it all, and that is balance. In the SEC, which is considered the most competitive college baseball conference, the Tigers led the league in pitching and ranked second in both hitting and fielding.
Put it this way… If LSU doesn’t play deep into the College World Series, it will be very disappointing because the expectations are extremely high for this team.
From here on out every LSU baseball game will be nationally televised by ESPN. The College World Series takes place June 13-24 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Louisiana Swashbucklers
The Swashbucklers may be playing in a different league, but they’re producing the same one-sided results that fans have grown accustomed to. After winning two consecutive Intense Football League championships in 2007 and 2008, the team moved over to the Southern Indoor Football League.
It’s been a seamless transition as the Bucs have started the 2009 season 5-1. They are leading the SIFL in scoring offense (55 pts per game), and scoring defense (25 pts per game).
The Swashbucklers will be playing at the Lake Charles Civic Center throughout June and July, and I’m thinking they’ll end the season with a third straight championship.
Golf Tournaments
With the summer comes a plethora of local golf tournaments around Southwest Louisiana.
Graywood is hosting the McNeese Cowboy Club Tournament on June 20.
Mallard Cove has its annual Cameron State Bank Lake Charles Men’s City Golf Championship on June 26-28. Mallard Cove will follow that with the Junior City Championship July 6-7 and the Women’s City Championship July 11-12.
The Sulphur Men’s City Championship will be held at Frasch Park on July 10-12.
Pine Shadows will host the Red, White and Blue Tournament on July 4. Pine Shadows also has its Summer Invitational on August 1-2.
The Lake Charles Country Club will host the US Amateur Qualifier on August 3, the Prien Lake Four Ball on August 7-9, and the Louisiana Golf Association Senior Amateur on August 20-22.
If you are a competitive golfer, then you have plenty of opportunities to strut your stuff this summer.
Youth Baseball
Southwest Louisiana is known for producing top baseball talent, and it all starts in the youth leagues.
On just about any night during June and July you can find a great little league baseball game in the lake area.
Two local Bullet Baseball teams have already qualified for the Elite World Series at Disney World. The Bullet Baseball 9 year olds will be in Orlando, Florida August 2-9, and the Bullet Baseball 10 year olds will be in Orlando July 12-19. The Bullet Baseball 10 year olds finished third at the Elite World Series last year.
There is also the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in August. In 2006 and 2008 the South Lake Charles All-Stars advanced to the Little League World Series. SLC always has a loaded all-star roster, and I’m sure those young guys will make another run at Williamsport later this summer.
Closer to Football Season
My final reason for you to be excited about the summer is this: We are that much closer to football season!
In just two short months, the high school and college kids will be dressed in full pads getting set for another football season.
NFL teams will hit the practice field even earlier as all 32 NFL teams will be in training camp by the final week of July.
It’s highly likely that the McNeese Cowboys and LSU Tigers will each begin their respective seasons ranked in the top 20.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys should each be improved in 2009 after each team missed the playoffs one year ago.
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