“I will not let Nebraska gravitate into mediocrity,” said Steve Pederson, then Athletic Director at the University of Nebraska, after firing head coach Frank Solich in 2003.

Steve Pederson had acquiesced to the outcry from the loudest corn-critics; those that impatiently demanded an immediate return to the final days of Tom Osborne’s tenure when the Corn Husker Nation was awarded three national championships in four years.

Those voices were dismissive of the success Solich had enjoyed—National Runner-up and Fiesta Bowl Champion in his second year, two division, and one conference championship in his first four years, and 58 wins in six years, which was better than both of his predecessors, Tom Osborne and Bob Devaney who are in the College Football Hall of Fame—claiming that he had enjoyed that success ‘only because of Tom Osborne’s recruits’.

To make matters worse, Solich had rebounded from a disappointing 7-7 2002 campaign that was crowned by a loss in the Independence Bowl to up-and-coming Eli Manning’s Ole Miss Rebels.

In 2003 Solich got Nebraska off to a 5-0 start with wins versus Oklahoma State and Penn State, before suffering its first loss to conference foe Missouri. That loss rattled the nay-sayers, and the “Fire Frank” campaign was in high gear.

Despite finishing the year with a very respectable 9-3 record, and invitation to the Alamo Bowl, and a Top 20 ranking, Steve Petersen made the move and infamous statement mentioned above.

Of course, the move allowed the Corn Huskers to by-pass mediocrity, and fall straight to futility, eventually costing Petersen his own job.

It was reported at the time that Dave Wannstedt, Al Saunders, Houston Nutt, Mike Zimmer, and even Steve Spurrier turned down the opportunity to coach the historical power-house Corn Huskers.

One could only speculate that perhaps the unceremonious firing of a very successful coach with only one rebuilding year on his resume, indicated an athletic department and fan base that was far too demanding.

Is it delusional to expect nothing less than three national championships in four years?

Recruits apparently thought so. Despite Bill Callahan’s NFL pedigree, and the Husker’s history, Nebraska’s recruiting took a turn for the worse.

Callahan only enjoyed one Top 25 class ranking during his tenure, and though rankings were not available throughout the Solich years, I for one remember the days when Nebraska was one of those teams who had their pick of the best talent in the country.

Nebraska fans turned to Osborne to resurrect the program after four dismal years of Solich’s predecessor, and most corn fanatics are optimistic with his decision to hire former defensive coordinator Bo Pelini, so far—though Blog’s such as Corn Nation have already highlighted some “overreactions” to recent losses.

Only time will tell if Bo Pelini can restore the once prominent program to national relevance, but as right now the Huskers have only “gravitated” back up to mediocrity.

What does all this have to do with LSU you ask?

Well aside from some eerily similar circumstances with the coaching staff, it serves as a warning message to a somewhat restless Tiger Nation.

As one who has followed LSU Football since I was knee-high to a grasshopper (and trust me when I tell you as a man who stands 6′7″ inches tall, that was a long time ago) I have never seen some of my fellow Tigers more discontented.

When I read (LSU) blogs that question Les Miles job security, decry “the fall back to mediocrity” and discuss how horrible it is to be 5-1, I want to reach out and collectively shake my fellow Tigers in to consciousness.

“Wake up, Wake up, there is a fire…”

And YOU are setting it in your sleep.

Put down the matches Tiger Fans, wake up and educate yourself as to what’s really going on with the program, and for the love of goodness remember the Huskers!

The simple case for Les Miles

Results are what matters, and he gets them. With his next victory he will have as many victories (48) as his predecessor, with fewer losses, and he has won all of his bowl games by lop-sided margins.

In his third year at the helm he won his second division title, the conference, and a national championship.

He also publicly pledged his loyalty to LSU by rejecting an offer to become the next head coach at his alma-mater, and dream job, the University of Michigan.

For this alone LSU fans should be more than willing to give this man a chance to right the ship if it is taking on water.

But is the ship really taking on water?

In 2002 when Nick Saban finished 8-5 did we call for his head? Did we panic and decide that the best days were behind us?

In 2003 when we lost our sixth game to Florida (7-19) in Baton Rouge with an anemic seven point offensive output, did we mail it in and start making plans for the next year and the next coach?

No, we relied on a solid defense that would become the best in the Nation by the end of the season. We watched as Jimbo Fisher made some adjustments offensively, which allowed the Tigers to become a near unstoppable force running roughshod over the rest of the SEC, including Top-Five Georgia for a second time in the SEC Championship game, and then Oklahoma in the BCS National Championship Game.

Will the 2009 Tigers fulfill a similar destiny, who knows?

What we do know, is that destiny is still firmly in our grasp, and to fall asleep on these Tigers might be a big mistake.

Remember the Huskers

Regardless of what happens this year—another national championship, or an 8-5 campaign—Tiger fans need to be careful what they wish for.

When the Husker’s demanded Solich’s head they just knew that any coach would jump at the chance to reside in Lincoln. They didn’t.

When the Husker’s demanded Solich’s head, they took for granted that top athletes would always chose to reside in Lincoln. They didn’t.

When the Husker’s demanded Solich’s head they just thought they were asking for what they deserved. They were, and they got it—they just didn’t know that they deserved to be looking UP at mediocrity.

That’s where we are Tiger Nation, the cross-roads between continuing greatness and looking up at mediocrity, if you are in that growing minority that is calling for “big changes”, just know that you might get what you deserve.

Have faith in the Hat, support the Tigers, and get ready for a great second half.

Geaux Tigers!

By Henry Ball – Syndicated Writer and Feature Columnist at Bleacher Report

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from Getty images

I figured if the NFL could go Pink your ole’ Southern Man could pen a little poetry in honor of all the women in our lives.

It’s also time to take a look at the SEC action for week five.  We are looking at a week that is underrated and will have a lot to say about who is contending and who is pretending.

Let’s start in Jerry’s new Mecca, shall we?

Arkansas 1-2 (0-2 SEC) v. Texas A&M 3-0 (0-0)

Petrino’s Hogs need a big win, this much is true.  But these Aggies are balling and Jerrod Johnson is too.

This kid for the Heisman, you better not laugh.  You can talk Tebow and Mac but just for the Draft. (I’m telling you, if you don’t know this kid you soon will)

TAMU 41 – Arkansas 34

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No.21 Ole’ Mississippi 2-1 (0-1 SEC) @ Vanderbilt 2-2 (0-2 SEC)

The Rebels are yelling, still feeling the hurt.  Can these Vandy Commodores win on their own turf?  Probably Not!

Ole Miss 38 – Vandy 24

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South Carolina State 3-0 (1-0) @ USC 3-1 (1-1 SEC)

The Ole Ball Coach might be looking to poach, but if you sleep on State you might wake up too late.

Close early then Carolina gets Cocky. 

USC 38 – SC State 23

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No.25 Ga. Tech 3-1 (2-1 ACC) @ Mississippi State 2-2 (1-2 SEC) 

The Yellow Jackets run with Paul Johnson’s buzz, but Mississippi state is trying to forget the (goal line) stand that was.

Don’t leave the Dog’s on the porch and they’ll need more cow bell.  But State will be barking, they will bite as well!

UPSET ALERT!

Miss State 24 – GTech 17

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No.1 Florida (Idle)

A rest for the Gators comes none to soon! Will a knock to the super nogen mean impending doom?

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Tennessee 2-2 (0-1) @ Auburn 4-0 (1-0)

Kiffin the younger plans to catch some Zs (ChiZik, MalZahn) @ Rocky Top.

Will Crompton again be a goat or will he finally open the Big Orange pop?

Auburn 41 – UT 24

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No.3 Alabama 4-0 (1-0 SEC) @ Kentucky 2-1 (0-1 SEC)

The Evil Empire takes a trek to the Hills, don’t expect a Blue Grass revolt, the elephant will march at will!

Alabama 100 – UK 3 (It could be worse!)

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No.4 LSU 4-0 (2-0 SEC) @ No.14 UGA 3-1 (2-0 SEC)

Betixt the hedges, it looks like war.  Will the paper Tigers finally roar?

Will the scrappy Dawg have it’s day? I’m afraid not, can you pass the mustard my way?

Hot dawgs, get your hot dawgs!

LSU 37 – UGA 24

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That’s all for now, I’m afraid it’s all I’ve got. Enjoy the weekend, because this Season is getting Hot!

By Henry Ball (a.k.a. Southern Man) Syndicated Writer

Henry contributes to the Bleacher Report, College Gameday Network and other Sports Media outlets.

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

LSU TIGERS IN THE NFL

Last updated: September 10, 2009

LSU TIGERS IN THE NFL

Last updated: September 10, 2009

LSU RB Charles Scott

LSU Tight End Richard Dickson

MANHASSET, N.Y. — LSU senior tight end Richard Dickson has been named to the 2009 John Mackey Award preseason watch list, presented annually to the nation’s top collegiate tight end, the Nassau County Sports Commission announced on Wednesday.

Dickson, a native of Ocean Springs, Miss., heads into his final LSU season with a shot at breaking every tight end receiving record in school history. For his career, he has caught 69 passes for 795 yards and 10 touchdowns in 39 games.

Dickson’s 10 touchdown receptions are tied with Brad Boyd for the most in school history, while his 69 receptions is the fourth-highest total and the 795 yards are the fifth most in school history.

In 2008, he earned second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors after hauling in 31 passes for 324 yards and five touchdowns. Dickson started all 13 games, ranking third on the team in receptions and yards and was second on the squad in touchdown catches.

The award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and the 2009 award winner will be announced on Dec. 10, 2009. Since 2000, the John Mackey Award boasts eight NFL players as alumni.

NFL Hall of Fame member John Mackey is considered to be the best to have played the tight end position. Mackey was a role model on and off the field as demonstrated by his Super Bowl Championship, his commitment to his community and his place in history as the first President of the NFLPA.

LSU reports to camp a week from today on Aug. 5 with practice scheduled to begin a day later. LSU opens its fifth year under head coach Les Miles on Sept. 5 when the Tigers travel to face Washington in Seattle. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CT (7:30 p.m. PT) on ESPN.

Source: LSUSports.net

Source: NFL Media

For the third consecutive draft, the Kansas City Chiefs chose a Louisiana State player with their first-round pick.  Defensive end TYSON JACKSON (No. 3 overall) joins defensive tackle GLENN DORSEY (No. 5 overall, 2007) and wide receiver DWAYNE BOWE (No. 23, 2006) as LSU first-rounders chosen by the Chiefs in the past three drafts.

JACKSON’S SELECTION marks the sixth year in a row that LSU had a player taken in the first round – tied for the longest such active streak by any school (Texas, since 2004):