The last time the LSU Tigers were ranked in either of the college football predictions Top-5 polls, they won the 2008 BCS Championship in spite of losing two games in the regular season. Once again, the Tigers start a season in an elite group at No. 4 with only Oklahoma, Alabama and Oregon ranked ahead of them. Though ranked fourth in the polls, the Tigers are looking up at Alabama in the Southeastern Conference West Division. Even the most novice of college football fans know, the team that emerges as SEC champion; has a good shot at winning a BCS championship.
Fans should get a good idea how good the 2011 Tigers will be with No. 3 Oregon the first game up. The two power-house programs are set to clash at Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas Sept. 3. The Ducks are early -1 chalk favorites at most Las Vegas Books but BetOnline.com and majority of offshore sports shops are keeping the game off the board probably until later this week due to pending disciplinary action on several LSU players involved in a bar fight including starting Senior Quarterback Jordan Jefferson.
Media outlets are reporting players interviewed by police other than Jefferson are Chris Davenport, Josh Johns and Jarvis Landry but rumors have it up to 50 LSU players could have been involved. The Tigers chances of defeating Oregon would be slim if Coach Les Miles hands out multiple suspensions.Prior to the fighting incident, actually more described as a brawl, Miles like the teams chances with 16 Seniors providing leadership in places other than after hours nightspots. An area of strength for the Tigers is in the backfield in spite of losing Stevan Ridley to the NFL. Kenny Hilliard and Terrence McGee will be quality backs that can run the football. On defense opponents will see plenty of speed from the ends and defensive front.
LSU's biggest challenge will be the schedule aside from the much-hyped game with Oregon. The SEC led all conferences with a record eight teams ranked in the Top-25 and the Tigers must play five of them. All total, LSU will play seven teams ranked in the AP Top-25, the Ducks and West Virginia.
LSU Tigers College Football Predictions and Odds:
(odds provided courtesy of JustBet.cx
Total LSU 2011 wins (over/under):9.5 Over (+130) Under 9.5 (-160)
LSU odds to win SEC West:+165
LSU odds to win SEC Championship: +300
LSU odds to win BCS Championship: +135
