We're #9 this year. Should have been #2. Entire article: http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2004/Columnists/RC/Hoops_Helmets.htm LSU bit: 9. LSU Hoops – On Valentine’s Day, LSU was celebrating an impressive road win over Florida that pushed their record to 17-4. On Sunday, they were making plans to travel to Norman, Okla. for a first-round NIT game with the Sooners. Tigers were headed for a hoops and helmets No. 2 ranking before the final month fold by the basketball team. Helmets – Nick Saban’s kids gladly swapped the headlines and respect given to other top programs during the fall for a Sears Trophy that capped a magical 13-1 campaign. They survived an Oct. 11 hiccup to Florida and went on to complete one of the most successful seasons in school history. Nothin’ But Net – Most years, the 34-13 drubbing of Georgia in the SEC Championship game would be impossible to top, but then again, this wasn’t like most years in Baton Rouge. The convincing Sugar Bowl win over Oklahoma gave LSU some well-deserved respect and a share of the national title. Layin’ a Brick – Tigers never recovered from the loss of Jaime Lloreda to foot problems, skidding to the end of the regular season with five losses in the final six games. At the time he succumbed to bursitis and a sprained ankle, the senior forward was averaging a double-double. Winter MVP – Tiger offense was better than advertised, but it was the penetrating defense, which paved the way for a 13-win season. The cornerstone of that unit was Chad Lavalais, the All-American tackle and all-around force, who made plays and made those around him better.
