LSU Emerges as Consensus #2 in Preseason Polls (To Date)

The main reason I expect a very small drop off after losing these players is because of our recruiting the past few years and the solid depth we have installed. We have a top 3 defense(probably #1) by seasons end. We will have the best front 7 we have ever had. The depth at the Safety position might be a concern at the beginning of the season but the players behind Laron learned from him and we got a few nice recruits in that area. We have 2 great CBs who are both expected to be drafted high. Therefore, maybe a few big plays get by us because of experience but I dont see a problem in that department over the long haul. Defense wins Championships.

On Offense, we have 2 great QBs that could have gone elsewhere and started instead of waiting behind JR. I see Flynn more like a Mauck who will control the game and do just enough to get the ball to the playmakers. True, experience is lacking but he has proved he can step out on the national stage and dominate a game. Crowton will have no problem developing our QBs. Our RBs will produce more than last year with a year under their belt and Hester will do more of the same. At WR we might have a few problems to work out at first but LSU has proved to me over and over that even if they lose the likes of Clayton, Devery, etc.. to the draft there will not be a big drop off. We addressed many of our concerns with getting our JUCO recruit Byrd and top WR Tolliver. Doucet is the man and will get Lafell and the others some open space to produce what we need at the WR position. Dont forget Holliday, he will sting teams with his speed and Crowton will find ways for him to get the ball. Our starting 5 on the line will be better than last year but I am concerned with the depth issues after issues that popped up over the Summer.

Overall, this team still has all the pieces to make a run at the national championship. Crowton is a great OC and he will have fun with all the weapons we have. We dont need one or two players to make this team successful, everyone will get to make an impact and that is hard for defenses to plan for since they cant just sit on Doucet all day or focus on stopping one of our RBs. With the recruiting classes Miles is bringing in, I dont see a huge dropoff in the future either.

Geaux Tigers