August practice is coming

It's time to talk some football. Some things are clear at this point, some are not.

OFFENSE -- Jennings' foolishness has cost him August practice and possibly a few games to start the season. This gives Harris a free shot at starting all camp and the first few games. He will never get a better opportunity to demonstrate that he has grown up some, started working harder, and can pass the football effectively. We will be dangerously thin if we take any injuries at QB. If Harris blows this chance, the coaches will have to hope Jennings can get us by until Franks arrives. And that would just leave us starting another freshman quarterback in the SEC. For the sake of the program and their careers, both Harris and Jennings must come through this season and play like experienced quarterbacks.

LSU appears to be strong at running back, wide receiver, and the offensive line. We need a big step up at tight end this season or its time for Ensminger to retire. Essentially our offense depends on improvement at quarterback and tight end.

DEFENSE -- LSU has fewer question marks than last season, but still has a few with a new DC. The defensive line is shallower than we are used to and no silverback gorilla has emerged at DT yet. We are missing a dominating defensive end as well. Time for someone to step up in both places. But I suspect Orgeron will field a better line than Brick did. There is talent at linebacker, but they still have a lot to prove on the field. Beckwith is a huge run-stopper and if he has learned how to cover passes in his zone he could be All-SEC. But he is going to be tried early and often until he shows he can do it. LSU seems to be deep and talented at defensive back. If O can manage a decent 4-man pass rush, we will be hard to throw on.

SPECIAL TEAMS -- I still hope we don't have to use Fournette as an every-game kick returner. Losing him to an unnecessary injury would be devastating. I hope they can save him for the big game, can't fail situations. But Fournette is 10 pounds lighter and faster than last season. It may be hard for anybody to take the job away from him. Our punter is strong. I hope our kickers can be consistent.

 

Not so sure about that. Here's Les' comment from media day yesterday.
"There will be plenty of opportunity for Brandon Harris to make his case long before we play the first game. Same thing is true for Anthony."

 

I'm sure he wants Jennings back this week, but he said he must await the legal proceedings and they may take quite a while. I can't see him giving Jennings much time working with the first team and he's sure to be suspended for at least one game. As I understand it, Jennings has not even been practicing in 7-on-7 during summer workouts. He may be like Jefferson and have to sit the pine for a while.

 

I wondered who would be the first to post some made-up un-funny bullshit in a serious football discussion.