In that regard, your Oline is something I have almost no knowledge about. How many did you lose to graduation? Did they do a good job at pass protection last year? Did they allow for a consistent rushing performance? Are there any particular positions still up in the air?
Oh, I do to. I definitely wouldn't count that one as a gimme and was just picking. My money is on the team we saw at the end of the year. Just like our receivers as the season progressed, maturity is the better indicator imo. By the same token, I expect Byrd, LaFell, and Toliver to lite 'em up. Many still don't realize just how well he did cause of an early problem with the dropsies. Comparing LaFell and Doucet's sophomore years, LaFell had 50 catches for 656 yards- Doucet’s numbers for his soph year was 26 for 389. Factor in RP's ability to zip it in and secondaries are going to catch hell.
Returning starters: LT-Ciron Black LG-Herman Johnson C-Brett Helms RG-Lyle Hitt Joseph Barksdale new at RT. We'll be two deep though and I'm not sure what changes, if any, will follow as a result of the Spring practice/game.
Offensive line will be a stength this year, we return all but one of our starters. Linebacker is thin. That and special teams are my biggest concern.
Posted a reply before I saw this. Good post. Let's hope we stay injury free at least through 2 a days.
Believe we averaged over 220 on the ground. I'd say the biggest question isn't the OL, where we're talented, experienced and deep. Biggest question may be blocking TE and ball security - Hester carried over 200 times with maybe one fumble lost - can't remember. K. Williams was benched in spring game for fumbling.... Turnover margin was a huge part of LSU's success last year.
If I recall, there were definitely fumbles but your recovery rate was out of the box. Early in the season I think there were something like 6 fumbles and all recovered by LSU. Speaks to that swarming mentality. :thumb:
