SEC PREVIEW: Louisiana State University

What an LSU Fan Thinks: “We gonna win de *&#@*$# SEC championship dis year, brah. De got all dem great players, cher. I tell ya, brah, de are going to do it dis year, jus like ’03. LSU – National Champs. If not, we firin’ da coach, brah. 14 and 0. Geaux Tigers!!!!!!”

What an Auburn Fan Thinks: “LSWho? Freaking corn-dog smelling coon-asses. Look, there is no way they make it through Auburn, Florida, Tennesse, and Arkansas with less than 2 losses. You throw in a stinker at home, because they always lose at least one embarrassing game at home, and you are looking at 9 wins. LSWho Sux.”

I hate kickers!!!!!!!!

What Do I Think?: First off, I think the supposed quarterback controversy is bunk. There is no controversy, JaMarcus Russell will be the starter and Matt Flynn will be the backup. The best players play and Russell has the most talent. That isn’t a knock on Flynn, he is talented as well and would start at just about any other school. Russell’s problem is that he makes a lot of mental errors, but this will be his third year starting, so you would expect his decision making to improve. If it doesn’t then there could be an issue because Flynn has shown that he is more than capable of leading the team.

There is an abundance of talent on the field. Offensively, the running back position will be improved with the return of Alley Broussard. Additionally, the receivers should be strong with guys like Craig Davis, Dwayne Bowe, and Early Doucet on the field. I love LSU’s linebacking corps and defensive secondary even though the linebackers are a little inexperienced. The problem comes on both lines. LSU has to replace three offensive line starters and the entire defensive line. I contend that line play is the most important facet of football, so LSU has a tough task, one made tougher by the fact that the most important game of the season is the third game of the year.

Speaking of the third game, a lot is being made of LSU’s schedule, particularly the four tough away games (Auburn, Arkansas, Florida, and Tennessee), but the rest of the schedule is winnable. It is very likely that LSU will go 2-2 on those four road games, but the key for their season will be who the wins are against and who the losses are against. Wins over Auburn and Arkansas will get LSU to the championship in Atlanta. In fact, a win over Auburn will probably get them there. But losses to either one or both will really hinder LSU’s ability to make it to Atlanta. As I pointed out earlier, I think the Auburn game is the most important game on LSU’s schedule and quite honestly, the game could go either way. The home team has won 6 in a row, so I guess Auburn has the leg up, but that doesn’t mean that a win by LSU would be a huge surprise. Given that, I will give LSU 10 wins this year.

Easily Win: Louisiana-Lafayette, Tulane, Kentucky, and Mississippi State
Should Win: Arizona, Alabama, Fresno State, and Ole Miss
Coin Toss: Tennessee and Arkansas
Might Lose: Auburn and Florida
Will Lose: None

LSU Factoid You May Not Have Known: Baton Rouge was the site of the only battle fought outside of the 13 original colonies during the American revolution. On September 21, 1779, forces friendly to the American side captured Baton Rouge from the British.