Offense
LSU was very underwhelming on offense in 2009. Jordan Jefferson did not live up to expectations, Gary Crowton did not attempt to establish a running game, and the Tigers did a horrible job of getting the ball to their freshman star Russell Shepard. That has to change in 2010. While Jefferson returns, I expect early in the season Jarrett Lee will take over the starting duties. Lee was much maligned his freshman season has he through 16 Ints, 7 which were returned for touchdowns. The LSU fan base has yet to let him live that down.
But, LSU fans would be wise to remember, Lee was only a freshman in 2008, and he is an experienced junior in his 4th season under Les Miles. I think you see an effective game manager in Jarrett Lee in 2010 who will lead LSU to a great season. (Just remember to get the ball to Russell Sheppard).
Defense
The strength of LSU’s football is its defense as they are one of the most talented in all of college football. Miles made an excellence hire in John Chavis last year, and he will continue to build this LSU defense. The Tigers are loaded, deep, and experienced. A perfect recipe for success. Senior DTs Lazarius Levingston and Drake Nevis return as well as LSU’s #1 tackler Kelvin Sheppard and his 110 tackles. LSU will be a run stuffing machine in 2010!
It only gets better with LSU’s secondary. The nation’s best defensive back in Patrick Peterson will lead the way. I don’t believe there is a secondary better in press coverage, and you can bet Peterson will be a high draft pick in 2011. Jai Eugene, Morris Claiborne, and Brandon Taylor are also back. This LSU defense is absolutely loaded!
Overall
There may not be a seat hotter in college football right now than the one Les Miles occupies. After leading LSU to a national title in 2007, Miles’ Tigers have been mediocre since losing 9 games with an abysmal .500 SEC mark during this period.
My biggest concern with LSU is the schedule. Their non-conference slate includes North Carolina and West Virginia including road games to Florida, Auburn, and Arkansas. However, I believe this team is too talented, and with the athletes defensively I think LSU will compete for a SEC West title.
Want to know how the college and pro seasons will shake out? Sign up today to get all of my college and pro football selections this season as well as the rest of the MLB as the pennant chases heat up! My MLB picks are hitting an unprecedented 72% in 2010, and my college and pro football system was just released today. Make the best investment you’ll make in 2010 and Get involved!
