CFN's 2006 Preseason True National Title Contenders

Discussion in 'The Tiger's Den' started by red55, Jan 25, 2006.

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  1. red55

    red55 curmudgeon Staff Member

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    CFN's 2006 Preseason True National Title Contenders

    10. West Virginia
    09. Tennessee
    08. Florida State
    07. Oklahoma
    06. Auburn
    05. Ohio State
    04. LSU
    03. USC
    02. Florida
    01. Texas


    4. LSU 2005 Record: 11-2

    Why LSU could be the Pre-preseason No. 1: All the concerns and worries about Les Miles have to be gone now. Not only did Miles finish with an 11-2 record, by far the best record in recent LSU history outside of the 2004 national title season, he did it with all the distractions around the program thanks to Hurricane Katrina. Oh yeah, and the team is, once again, really, really, really good with RB Alley Broussard returning from injury, the best, and fastest, receiving corps in America, and a quarterback situation that roughly 110 other teams would die for with JaMarcus Russell returning from injury, Matt Flynn a proven winner, and Ryan Perrilloux a superstar just waiting to bust out. The return of LaRon Landry at safety, when he could’ve been an early round draft pick, is a big boost to what should be a strong secondary.

    Why LSU isn’t the Pre-preseason No. 1: All-America defensive tackles Claude Wroten and Kyle Williams were killers and won’t easily be replaced. The loss of sack machine Melvin Oliver off the line isn’t a plus. The offensive line has to undergo an almost complete overhaul.

    What LSU needs to do to get to the Fiesta Bowl: Survive the SEC. The first five games of the season (UL Lafayette, Arizona, Northern Illinois, Tulane, and Mississippi State) is perfect to get all the pieces in place, but then things turn brutal with road trips ahead at Florida, Auburn, Tennessee and Arkansas, along with a home date against Alabama to worry about.

    Realistic, feet-on-the-ground, goal to shoot for: The SEC title. With the SEC road slate the Tigers have to deal with, kiss all Fiesta Bowl dreams bye-bye. Even so, this is one of the nation’s best teams with enough talent to not only get back to the SEC championship game, but to also win it.

    The number one thing to work on is: Kickoff returns and turnover margin. The Tigers were 12th in the nation in punt returns thanks to Skyler Green, but they struggled on kickoff returns averaging 17.04 yards per try. Considering the speed and talent on the defense, it’s a big shocking that they only forced 14 turnovers.

    Biggest offensive loss: OT Andrew Whitworth

    Biggest defensive loss: DTs Claude Wroten and Kyle Williams
     
    red55, Jan 25, 2006
    #1
  2. Contained Chaos

    Contained Chaos Don't we all?

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    Texas? They do realize that VY is leaving, correct? I've said it before, and I will once again. Mack Brown did not win that NC. We know who did.
     
    Contained Chaos, Jan 25, 2006
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  3. Lil Jules

    Lil Jules Founding Member

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    I realize that we have some very talented, fast receivers, but they really need to stop calling this the best group in the country. They have the potential to be, but right now they aren't even close.

    Other than that, good article:thumb:
     
    Lil Jules, Jan 25, 2006
    #3
  4. LSUDeek

    LSUDeek All That She Wants...

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    OV-ER-RATED (clap clap clap-clap-clap)!
     
    LSUDeek, Jan 25, 2006
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  5. TejasTiger

    TejasTiger Founding Member

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    There's so, so much flux in these "early 2006" predictions, it's crazy.

    These guys got lazy the past couple of years, as USC and OU, then UT were pretty easy picks...compared to this season, at least.

    As much as I pimp a full, fair QB competition this spring, LM has to make a decision and stick to it, much as he did last year. Otherwise, LSU runs the risk of being tabbed "Tennessee of 2006" for a tough road schedule and not having a clear #1 QB.

    If a clear starter emerges by early August, that alone may get LSU some preseason top 3 love. Another advantage to playing Auburn "early" is to give LSU a boost with an early September marquee matchup. Texas has Ohio St (and vice versa), Notre Dame has Michigan...LSU will have Auburn.

    Come out of Auburn with a win, and that all but assures a top 2 spot by mid-September at the latest, I'd think.

    (PS-And another thing: another solid season has to put LSU right freaking there entering 2007. Great home schedule, includes a nice Va Tech OOC matchup at home, and ends with a return to the Sugar Bowl.)
     
    TejasTiger, Jan 25, 2006
    #5
  6. Bengal Buddy

    Bengal Buddy Founding Member

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    Another thing to work on is the effectiveness of the wide receivers. They were disappointing last year and did not live up to expectations.
     
    Bengal Buddy, Jan 25, 2006
    #6
  7. CParso

    CParso Founding Member

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    This is the most muggy preseason NC picture I can remember in a long time. There's no clear cut choices. Every team has big losses & a lot to replace.

    I like that they support Tennessee again, but top 10 is a bit high - I'd say they are top 15. The hype around Florida is largely based on Meyer's previous records in his 2nd year(s). Will history repeat itself? Hmmm... this is the SEC, I don't think it will. Texas will lose to Oklahoma & Ohio State. I like Oklahoma as a top 10 pick. I like that they don't have West Virginia in their top 5. I think Florida St will, once again, be overrated.

    I suppose LSU's goal should always be the SEC & National Championship, but we face 3 other teams on this top 10 list, all on the road with major losses from seniors departing. '06 is not our year for the NC, but we can make a pretty good run at it if things come together.
     
    CParso, Jan 25, 2006
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  8. MLUTiger

    MLUTiger Secular Humanist

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    Next year the Longhors go back to losing to OU and Texas Boosters calling for Mack's head...
     
    MLUTiger, Jan 25, 2006
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  9. Kjunsausage

    Kjunsausage Founding Member

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    where are the badgers in that list.
     
    Kjunsausage, Jan 25, 2006
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  10. TigerWins

    TigerWins Founding Member

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    When did this happen?
     
    TigerWins, Jan 25, 2006
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