August 11, 2008

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Will Lucy actually hold the ball for Charlie Brown this year?

Like a lot of people growing up, I used to read the comic strip Peanuts.  In fact, I still enjoy reading the reruns that they currently run in the daily newspapers.  Who couldn't like or identify with Charlie Brown?  Personally, I always identified with Charlie Brown and his frustrations with baseball.  Like Charlie, I always loved the game but was never very good at it.  And like Charlie Brown, I still try and be optimistic about life, even with all of its frustrations.  This was always pointed out by Charlie Brown believing that Lucy would actually hold that football so Charlie Brown could kick it.  I really do believe that one day Lucy will actually let Charlie Brown kick that football. 

The reason I bring Peanuts up is this.  Thursday night I watched the Saints play their first pre-season game of the year.  They went to Arizona and defeated the Cardinals 24-10.  The Saints played well.  The first team took the opening kickoff and went down and scored a touchdown.  The defense held the Cardinals without a first down almost the entire second half.  Last year's first round pick, Robert Meachem, actually looked like he could play the game.  Overall I was very impressed with the way the Saints played.  BUT, I know it was only a pre-season game and the first one at that.  I also know that the Saints had nine starters not even suit up for the game.  I know that you shouldn't use pre-season football to judge what a team will actually do during the regular season.  I know, I know, I know. BUT......Could this actually be THE YEAR that Lucy will let Charlie Brown kick that football? 

This past Friday I attended LSU media day with the rest of the local press corps. 

I found Coach Miles to be very at ease and optimistic as he spoke.  With this being his fourth season, I have found that each year he seems to be a little more relaxed when speaking to the media.  I guess national championships and spurning your alma mater can do that for you.

I found Gary Crowton to be very optimistic and non-committal on the quarterback situation. 

I didn't get the chance to meet Jordan Jefferson, but I did meet with Andrew Hatch and Jarrett Lee.

I found Lee to be a very nice young man and well-spoken.  Andrew Hatch I found to be extremely charismatic.  He is very outgoing and is easy to talk to and will volunteer additional information other than just what you asked.  Another thing, he has a striking resemblance to Peyton Manning.  He has light colored hair and his facial features are very similar.  Now if he can just play quarterback like Manning.

Herman Johnson has the best afro that I've seen since Oscar Gable back in the '70s.

Trindon Holliday says he was very disappointed in not making the Olympics.  He also said he didn't know whether he would go pro in track or in football.

Jared Mitchell also said he didn't know whether he would go pro in baseball or football.  He did say he enjoyed the run of the baseball team very much and really enjoyed the interaction with the fans in Omaha. 

In summary, I saw a coaching staff and a team that was still relishing in their national championship of  last year and feeling very at ease with themselves, while focusing on the up-coming season with a lot of optimism.  Hopefully their optimism will be rewarded with another SEC Championship.

Until next time, may the good Lord bless and keep you.