LGT Final: Louisiana 23, Texas State 17

[CharlieK]

Billy inherited some decent talent that Hud couldn't win with, but he also brought in a lot of structure that showed on the field. There is no doubt that we got some lucky breaks to win games, but we were definitely fundamentally sound on the field that put us over the top. He also brought us not only out first 10 win season, but three straight 10+ win seasons, our first outright conference title in 50 years, and our first Top 25 ranking in the modern CFB era. As of now, Billy Napier is the greatest coach to walk the sidelines here.

As for Des, we are seeing a coach still learning on the job and drastically improving at it each day. The whole "continuing where Billy left off" line when he was hired went out the window when Billy gutted the staff and team. Looking back on it, Des had to start from scratch and wasn't able to get the close wins in the last two years that Billy got to the point where I would even say that the teams from the past two years definitely would not have had a 5-0 run in these last 5 games. But what's great about Des is that we are seeing his work come together with a time that seems to be focused on the same prize. And hopefully, this success continues to finish the season with a conference championship and a top 25 ranking.

The perfect ragin pagin post doesnt ex….


Never mind.

[Clutch0364]

So are we winning because of how good our defense is? How the hell are we 7-1? How are we a top 35 offense? Top 4 in the belt. Give me a break. No OC is perfect or calls a perfect game. But he is demonstrably better than average.

You get so offended that someone doesn’t follow your opinion. It’s honestly pretty hilarious how serious you take this.

[CajunVic]

Billy inherited some decent talent that Hud couldn't win with, but he also brought in a lot of structure that showed on the field. There is no doubt that we got some lucky breaks to win games, but we were definitely fundamentally sound on the field that put us over the top. He also brought us not only out first 10 win season, but three straight 10+ win seasons, our first outright conference title in 50 years, and our first Top 25 ranking in the modern CFB era. As of now, Billy Napier is the greatest coach to walk the sidelines here.

As for Des, we are seeing a coach still learning on the job and drastically improving at it each day. The whole "continuing where Billy left off" line when he was hired went out the window when Billy gutted the staff and team. Looking back on it, Des had to start from scratch and wasn't able to get the close wins in the last two years that Billy got to the point where I would even say that the teams from the past two years definitely would not have had a 5-0 run in these last 5 games. But what's great about Des is that we are seeing his work come together with a time that seems to be focused on the same prize. And hopefully, this success continues to finish the season with a conference championship and a top 25 ranking.

and we keep forgetting that Des had to also deal with NIL and free transfer that Napier did not. Those are huge changes in circumstances especially with a fan base and financial supporting base that had been so anti NIL.

Billy was way more lucky than good all around (and that is being confirmed in Florida) and Des is way more unlucky than bad all around.

There, I said it . . .

[CajunRage]

Sean Payton was referred to as an NFL offensive guru and I can't remember a game where I didn't scratch my head at a play call or two.

[Jacob81]

The perfect play call won’t work if a block is missed or a bad pass is thrown or good pass is dropped(twice by the same receiver Tuesday)

[cajun4life]

We won at least one (maybe 2?) game when inferior teams missed chip shot field goals. We very nearly lost to a FCS school. We converted several 4th downs at field position locations where failing would have been catastrophic. Napier was the recipient of very good fortune during that stretch. He was ALSO a fantastic coach, clearly our best ever. Amazingly both things can be true at the same time.

Isn’t that kind of what’s going on with Dez right now? He’s becoming more successful, but TxSt was probably his worst called game of the season as a whole. That and USM.

But we are still finding ways to win and that’s all that matters.

I agree, I like this scheme better than Napiers. Also like the areas of the game that Wooldridge brings that Lewis never could do.

Just keep winning and hope for some help so we can play Penn St in the CFP.

[Duggie35]

There are NO Coaches that have a routine 100% (or even 80%) success rate calling plays on offense or defense. That's why there are two sides of the ball! But I would say those that that outwit there opponent during each game (assuming the talent is comparable on each team) will come out on top. With that said, Dez has certainly had the upper hand over his opponents so far this year. 7-1 is impressive and that has me impressed.

[ULvictory]

Another interesting tidbit of note:

In Billy's last two seasons here, 12 games were decided by 7 points or less. Billy's record in those games was 11-1.

In Mike's last two seasons here, 11 games were decided by 7 points of less. Mike's record in those games was 2-9.

This season we have played 2 games decided by 7 points or less. We are 2-0 in those games, and the significance of this is that the other 5 games have been won by double digits. In Billy's last two seasons combined, 9 wins were decided by double digits. Now, we may have a legitimate shot to match that or come close to it this season if we keep playing the type of football we are capable of playing.

[Turbine]

It’s possible for Napier to believe he’s better at play calling than Dez, while also thinking Dez would be a good coaching choice. Not sure why you think those things are mutually exclusive.

Mutually exclusive? no.

Napier didn't allow anything on Desormeaux's resume that legitimatly touted or showcased his ability.

All we were left with was a 'because I said so' recommendation on what you need.

While at the same time, taking players because this is what I need.

Napier lacked credibility at that point in time.

[Turbine]

Billy inherited some decent talent that Hud couldn't win with, but he also brought in a lot of structure that showed on the field. There is no doubt that we got some lucky breaks to win games, but we were definitely fundamentally sound on the field that put us over the top. He also brought us not only out first 10 win season, but three straight 10+ win seasons, our first outright conference title in 50 years, and our first Top 25 ranking in the modern CFB era. As of now, Billy Napier is the greatest coach to walk the sidelines here.

As for Des, we are seeing a coach still learning on the job and drastically improving at it each day. The whole "continuing where Billy left off" line when he was hired went out the window when Billy gutted the staff and team. Looking back on it, Des had to start from scratch and wasn't able to get the close wins in the last two years that Billy got to the point where I would even say that the teams from the past two years definitely would not have had a 5-0 run in these last 5 games. But what's great about Des is that we are seeing his work come together with a time that seems to be focused on the same prize. And hopefully, this success continues to finish the season with a conference championship and a top 25 ranking.

Knowing the back story makes what Desormeaux is accomplishing all the more fun.