The LSU Tigers had a down year last year and finished 8-5, but did manage to beat Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl 38-3.
The Tigers offense looks like it could be good this year, and as far as the defense is concerned they have to rebuild up front, but the secondary looks like it can shut some passing attacks down.
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On offense it looks like the Tigers are going to turn to QB Jordan Jefferson to right the ship. Jefferson emerged late last season as the number one quarterback for LSU. Jefferson played decently but certainly has room for improvement. Jefferson has some very strong players returning around him that should help him make as smooth as transition to full time starter as possible.
At RB they have Charles Scott. Scott is one of the top returning backs in the country and is looking to have a big year for the Tigers. Last year Scott accumulated 1,174 yards and 18 TD’s. Scott needs to get off to a strong start to help out Jefferson.
Helping Scott and Jefferson will be left tackle, and beast, Ciron Black. This kid is 6-2 322 pounds, he moves people around. The left side will be a good choice for Scott more times then not.
At WR they have the talented first team all-SEC selection, Brandon LaFell. LaFell is open a lot so if Scott can keep the defense honest Jefferson should be able to get LaFell the ball. LaFell along with Scott will be the two best skill players on offense for the Tigers. They both need to show up every game if the Tigers want to upset some SEC foes.
As I mentioned the defense lost some serious talent up front. Tyson Jackson and Ricky Jean-Francois among others are gone. But returning is some serious talent at LB and in the secondary.
At line backer they have Perry Riley and Kelvin Sheppard, two talented guys that should be able to clog the middle.
The secondary will be led by Harry Coleman. Coleman hits like a ton of bricks and nobody wants to catch the ball around him. With Coleman patrolling the secondary the Tigers defense could be really solid.
I think the Tigers offense will be better then people think this season. The defense does have to fill holes up front, but is solid in many other positions. If LSU can win some key games they will be right back up to the top tier of the SEC in no time.
Players to Watch: Charles Scott, Brandon LaFell
Projected Record: 9-3
Key Matchups: Oct 3rd @ Georgia, Oct 10th Florida, Nov 7th @ Alabama, Nov 21st @ Mississippi
(draftparty with both vids)
Stats, and info from ESPN, lsusports, and collegesports-fan
I respectfully disagree on this one Andrew, but as in any good sports prediction one must take risks
ReplyDeleteYou got some insider info I should know about, do you think they should be seeded higher or lower. I respect your opinion of course, everyone knows your background and knowledge of the LSU Tigers. I would be thrilled if you would share your opinion.
ReplyDeleteMr. Reuss, I fell the Tigers should be lower in the rankings. As you mentioned, they lost many soild players last year. Also, take a look at the strenth of the SEC, it gets stronger every year and with exception of maybe 2 or 3 teams, anyone in that conference has legitimate runs at BCS bowls.
ReplyDeleteTrue, the SEC is certainly a powerhouse. The Tigers did lose some talent, but LSU is a team that gets great recruits every year, someone is waiting in the wings and ready to step up. They return a very solid core of offensive talent, and although their defense lacks a dominant front four, the rest of the defense is well above average.
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