QUICK ANALYSIS: "LSU got off to a rough start in 2004, losing to Auburn and Georgia before the first week of October had ended. But the Tigers rebounded, winning the remainder of their regular season games despite some close calls against weaker opponents. An explanation could be found in some indecision at the QB race, where senior Marcus Randall finally assumed the starting role for good. In his place for next fall is former Alabama High School Player of the Year JaMarcus Russell, with whom Randall shared (close to) equal time before the senior was permanently tapped. Although Russell is just a redshirt sophomore, the time for coddling is over. He will be the biggest key in proving whether LSU is worthy of this high ranking. When you dissect the amount of personnel returning and their collective abilities, this team could be down right devastating. The RB situation goes four-deep, and the receivers have a rich balance of youth combined with veteran experience. How any new recruit could squeeze into this already-deep receiver lineup is beyond us. Another big key is the return of this OL. Yes, All-SEC center Ben Wilkerson moves on, but the unit will still be full of juniors and seniors with plenty of reps under their belt. Defensively in this Nick Saban scheme is an array of your typical LSU front-line defenders that most of us have become accustomed to seeing when LSU won the national title just a year ago. Wroten, Williams and Oliver will continue the recent tradition of NFL-quality down linemen. Don't be surprised to see some rotation in their secondary positions this off-season - both cornerbacks will need replacing. Safeties Jessie Daniels and LaRon Landry will keep this unit from being labeled as "rebuilding". Some might be surprised to see this Bayou Bengal team ranked above other strong SEC programs. If LSU had a little luck on the road at Auburn, they may have been playing for the SEC title again in 2004. 17 solid starters back, stellar recruiting classes and a Nick Saban coached defense is enough to get this team at least one victory closer." It's good to see LSU getting some pre-season respect for next year. Nice to know they have Oklahoma down a bit - It shows that the media wasn't disrespecting LSU last year, they just realized what none of us could see. I think they stress the Corner back situation a bit much, as we shouldn't have to worry about this much with still plenty of depth and Nick Saban as coach. I agree that our success depends upon the play of our Quarterback. Here's praying somebody emerges as a clear cut starter.
USC should be losing Leinhart to the NFL (see Heisman/NC). USC will not be preseason #1 if that happens. Texas loses Benson. They have no other experience at RB. Vince Young will flop badly without a running game. Their D won't be as good as it was this year. Texas should not be in the top 10. Auburn's way too high (offense totally rebuilding and losing a key defender or 2). Georgia is probably a little high as well, Shockley does not look too good at this point (see Ga. Tech game). They were forced to put in Greene with a broken thumb over a struggling Shockley to help preserve the victory (does not bode well). My top 10: 1) Michigan 2) LSU 3) Miami 4) USC 5) Oklahoma 6) Ohio State 7) Florida 8) Iowa 9) Tennessee 10) Texas A&M Georgia #13 Alabama #18 Auburn #20
The Barn and the David Pollack worshipers are probably ranked too high, they are both going to loose alot.
Ahemmmmmmmmmm .... correction .... http://www.nationalchamps.net/2005/earlybird/teams/louisianastate.htm This rag shows us losing Ronnie Prude this year ... and still has LSU at #2 Methinks they have a typo to take care of here :grin:
A few of y'all may be in for a surprise in your opinion of Auburn. No-disrespect intended, but with the exception of RB and CB, there's not going to be much dropoff. JMO, but I'm nt worried about RB since we are extremely deep at the position, just not as much experience. The key will be replacing Carlos Rogers on the D. The team that jumps out at me as being overanked is USC. With the potential losses on the LOS, USC could be a considerably different quality next season, maybe opening the door for LSU?
Image should read: Will Reggie Bush actually win a Title? or USC beats up on hapless PAC 10 programs...again. or Hey Reggie, where did your TROJANS Finish last year?
I think Auburn will find out what we did this year ... it's difficult to win in the SEC with an inexperienced QB. All the top teams in the country this year have an experienced QB...
