LSU Tigers – SEC Preview

The LSU Tigers defense has fans in the bayou thinking national championship. The 2007 Louisiana State team boasts some of the finest athletes in the nation on both sides of the ball. With Les Miles hiring a new offensive coordinator in Gary Crowton to spring some new plays into the bland LSU offense this team could be even better than last years 11-2 team. SportsBetting.com has the LSU Tigers at 6 to 1 betting odds to win the 2008 BCS.

Les Miles like to play run first offense but the tigers have been too predictable with their play-calling. Look for new coordinator Crowton to open up the playbook a little with some more passes for quarterback Matt Flynn. Athletic senior QB Matt Flynn, 6-3 228 is a smart and fiery leader that players rally behind. The Louisiana have a stable of thoroughbreds at running back. Keiland Williams, 5-11 223, is a future NFL prospect that runs over people. Backup Richard Murphy is the newcomer that can shake and bake. And finally Alley Broussard can be the speed guy if he can regain some of his pre ACL injury speed.

At reciever WR Early Doucet will be the #1 guy. Doucet, 6-0 207, has great ball skills to go along with his 4.4 speed. Behind Doucet is dimunitive track star Trindon Holliday, 5-5 159. Flynn will be looking to get the ball in Holliday's hands in open space and let him toast defenders. The Offensive line returns three starters from a big physical unit. Although the O-line is imposing they must get better at the point of attack.

Defensive coordinator Bo Pelini has done a splendid job with LSU defense. Pelini like to bring heat from his 4-3 with a strong emphasis on creating turnovers. Future NFL first rounder DT Glenn Dorsey, 6-2 300, must be double teamed or he will ruin whatever play offenses run. Along side of Dorsey are all big fast linemen that run like linebackers. All three linebackers return from a group that is swarming in it's attack.

Experienced OLB Ali Highsmith, 6-1 226, covers lots of ground and when he tracks down ball carriers he abuses them. If their was one minor area for concern on the LSU defense it would be in the secondary. Both Safties have to be replaced including the loss of NFL first rounder LaRon Landry. Curtis Taylor, 6-3 204, looks to be an capable replacement for Landry with his ability to run and hit but it will be tough to fill those shoes. The corners are capable players but nothing special.

Kicker Colt David does not have a big leg but he was consistent last season. The punter position is still unsettled. On returns explosive track star Trindon Holliday could provide some excitement with his 4.3 speed.

The LSU Tigers have the athleticism to win a national championship despite losing some great players to the NFL. IF the offense can be a more dynamic it will be hard for anyone to beat this team.

Brad Marchetti Opening Day LSU Tigers Power Ratings: 20-80 Scale

20- Poor
30- Well Below Average
40- Below Average
50- Average
60- Above Average
70- Very Good
80- Great

Coaching: 65
Quarterback : 60
Backs : 75
Receivers : 70
Offensive Line : 65
Defensive Line : 75
Linebackers : 70
Secondary : 65
Special Teams : 55