Spring football thoughts

Just a couple of thoughts from spring football:

1) It's really not a good sign when Les Miles says Jarrett Lee is pushing Jordan Jefferson for playing time. Jarrett Lee could have the greatest spring in the history but there is no way Miles can run him out to play quarterback in a meaningful situation. Just too much bad history with an intense fan base.

2) That being said, I never was convinced that Jordan Jefferson was the next big thing. He wasn't an elite recruit coming out of high school and it's apparent why. He is not an elite quarterback.You won't find his name among The Sporting News' top 25 college quarterbacks.

3) Unless something dramatic happens, LSU's problems at quarterback mean the Tigers are looking at another seven/eight win season.

4) It's amazing how fast this program has been sliding in recent years.

Last bit of hoops talk

Just talked to CBS' Tim Brando today for a Sunday column.

Anyway here is a snippet on LSU basketball from Brando:

"Trent (Johnson) is going to be fine. With his recruits coming in, the cavalry is coming, so to speak. I think they're going to be back in the (NCAA Tournament) equation, conversation within the next two years, very easily.''

This could get tricky

Apparently Anthony Ranaudo's recovery is a little slower than originally thought. You can read here how he will miss his start for the Arkansas series.

Look, there's plenty of time left in the season. But if this is a serious injury, then LSU's pitching plans get altered significantly and what looked like the makings of a run at a repeat national championship could be hindered.

Obviously, LSU needs Ranaudo back healthy --- sooner rather than later.

No time to panic -- yet

LSU baseball fans shouldn't be too upset over a series loss at home to Kansas over the weekend.

This is baseball, things happen. Heck, LSU lost a series at home to Illinois last year. Don't recall seeing Illinois in Omaha -- or LSU hurting because of that setback.

No, the bigger concern is the health of pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. If he's not healthy, then things get a lot trickier as SEC play begins this weekend.

A healthy Ranaudo and LSU is OK. Austin Ross went deeper into the game on Saturday than he's been going so there is hope for a 1-2 punch.

That is the bigger issue for LSU right now -- Ranaudo not Kansas.

Tournament time

Mercifully, the LSU basketball season is coming to a close.

LSU coach Trent Johnson knew it was going to be a struggle. I just don't believe he figured it would be this hard.

But with Malcolm White eligible next season and a recruiting class ranked in the top 10 by ESPNU on signing day, there is a hope for LSU fans that a real foundation can be built.

It is important for the foundation to be build so that LSU can sustain some success and fan interest.

Another year like this year, though, and you'll have to wonder if anyone other than Dale Brown can keep LSU winning for an extended period of time.