Offense
- Jordan Jefferson matured in his first full year as a starter. He's not in the upper echelon of SEC QBs but he's got skills and at times played efficiently. He needs to continue that forward progress.
- The running game was ordinary last year; part of that was due to OL injuries and part was because Charles Scott was an ordinary SEC running back. They have to improve in that area in order to help Jefferson continue his development.
- Terrence Toliver will need to step in as the primary receiving target for Jefferson and they'll also have Ruben Randle. LSU always has so many athletes to play the receiver position. Can those athletes develop the finer points of the receiver position and become productive weapons.
Defense
- John Chavis has to replace seven starters. LSU each and every year is going to have an army of four and five star talent. The key for them is coaching on both sides of the ball and with Les Miles at the helm. They have to have coaches who can turn these athletes into great football players. If that happens, LSU will be a contender for BCS Bowls and National Championships. If not, they'll be an underachieving enigma.
My SEC West Prediction:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Auburn
- LSU
- Ole Miss
- Mississippi State
Article comments
1 - Braden
Agreed, the Tide will certainly roll if their younger defense can hold up. Good post.
2 - Josh Hathaway
Thanks, Braden. I have concerns about the youth of the defense but a lot of confidence in the athletic ability and coaching ability of the defensive players and staff. The offense could be the best in school history.
3 - Wredchard
I agree that the Razorback defense has no where to go but up; and I also agree that though Mallett is a great passer he may not even be the best quarterback the Hogs have frankly.
But I think Ronnie Wingo might just surprise you and give Arkansas an actual running game.
The question is: pass to set up the run, or vice versa?
You're right though, it's Alabama's to lose.
4 - fcetier
Don't bet against Saban and his coaching staff.
In recent years, LSU seems to have had no shortage of talent but couldn't coach them to big wins -- except when Saban was there.
This problem has long bothered LSU. It goes all the way back to Dale Brown and basketball: he had Chris Jackson, Stanley Roberts and Shaquille O'Neal and couldn't even win the SEC.