Tigers continue to fall, prepare for Tennessee

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By Joshua Davidson

Words can't describe how much the Tigers miss Marcus Thornton right now. Seven games into their conference schedule and LSU is still winless with their latest defeat by the hands of Mississippi State 67-51.

LSU (9-12) has now lost 10 out of their last 11 games with two tough home games slated for this week. It has now gotten to the point where fixing the problems this year is no longer the issue, but instead to prepare for next season.

The problems for this team are too many to count as LSU has found a different way to lose nearly every time. Whether they have the lead from the start or are getting blown out, the results have been the same; they're just bad.

There is still a way to salvage the season. Both opponents this week for the Tigers, Tennessee and Kentucky, are both ranked nationally and could truly lift the spirits of both the LSU fans and players with a win in either game, especially the Kentucky game this Saturday.

The Wildcats have been one of the most impressive teams in the nation to this point in the season led in large part by their freshman point guard John Wall. Aside from Wall, Kentucky boasts two other players that are already predicted to be drafted in the NBA lottery this summer including fellow freshman DeMarcus Cousins and junior Patrick Patterson.

If LSU could somehow pull out a win against the Wildcats at home and build up just the slightest bit of confidence heading towards the SEC Tournament, who knows what may happen.

Before the Tigers start thinking about their showdown with Kentucky they most first prepare for a surprisingly good Tennessee squad that has been shorthanded since the troubles with four of their players including the dismissal of their senior leader Tyler Smith.

The Volunteers have worked with players they still have and have been a mainstay in the top 25 in college basketball. Led by guards Bobby Maze and Scottie Hopson, Tennessee will look to add another win to their resume for the NCAA tournament. Don't be surprised if this turns into a trap game for Tennessee and they look ahead to their game against South Carolina on Saturday and slip up and let the Tigers in this game.

If LSU can win either against Tennessee or Kentucky they have several winnable games left on the schedule to help give them some momentum for a conference tournament run. Don't forget about the last place Georgia team from a couple of years ago that made that same run.

Tasmin Mitchell will not let this team give up. He did not come back for his fifth year with the team just to get embarrassed. It's not going to happen. Look for an upset this week followed by at least three more wins against the likes of Arkansas, Auburn and Georgia.

This season has been a nightmare so far but don't give up on this team. Support them this week as they attempt the impossible and salvage this season.

Originally Published: Issue 863 - February 3, 2010

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