I voted for 2003, but it's not by much. For instance, we lost 2 great linebackers, 2 great running backs & 2 great safeties (if you count Damien James). We have good running backs this year, but I for one, am not convinced, yet, that they equal Toefield/Davis. Linebackers/safeties are a drop off from last year. Most of the rest of the team is the same from last year but with more experience. Yes, we will have better/depth, & quality backups. What LSU has going for them in 2003 is: 1) a damn good coach 2) odds that we will not have the magnitude of injuries with huge drop offs to backups ( Toefield, Mauck, Henderson, & Wilkinson) Not to mention D. James (kicked off), & no experienced starter to replace Trev Faulk who left early. My point is we will have a better year in 2003, but not because of a huge step-up in talent. It is combination of many things, & primarily having better backups when folks get hurt.
My only worry about this year is the linebacking corps. Bradie James and Jeremy Lawerence will be tough to replace, but hopefully a healthy D-line and improved secondary will pick up the slack. Every other position seems to be improved from last year. :geaux: :geaux:
