1. Steltz wont fill in for Landry at all. They play different positions. And Steltz got plenty of playing time last year. I have Curtis is like a twin of Landry. 2. With all the talent at WR, we will find somebody to step up. I have heard Lafell has improved GREATLY and has great chemistry with Flynn. We also have Byrd from JUCO coming in. 3. Our QB might not have to step up as much as people think. If Mauck can lead us to a NC, so can Flynn. Flynn will have a better defense, the running game will probably be as good if not better, and the oline should be about the same. Flynn is also more talented than Mauck. 4. There are not many fans saying that we will win every game. But at this point we will be favored to win every game and should win every game.
I don't buy this. What huge majority? You know, I see a lot of LSU fan posts, too and I think most people are expecting us to lose 1 or 2 and finish a top-10 team. Anyone betting money right now on going undefeated and winning the national championship is taking a sucker bet. Everyone knows it possible, but there are five or six ranked teams on the schedule including a top-10 team in game 2 and us with a new quarterback still learning a new offense and timing with his recievers. Realistic expectations are for LSU to be a cinch for 10-2, with a legitimate shot at 11-1 or 12-0. It's time for a poll.
Didn't want to mess up red's thread on predictions so thought I'd pose the question here. Several are thinking UF as one of our possible loses. I didn't think they'd be one of the ones to stand in our way. I know they've recruited well, are well-coached, and will give us their best game but only returning 2 on defense. What does everyone else see in looking at their team?
That has confused me as well. I considered the points you mentioned when looking at that game and it still doesn't lead me to believe that would be the loss you would expect. So, so many question simply have to be answered, and answered fairly quickly. Consider what we know. We know Tebow can run to the right side of the line following his LT and LG. I expect that to continue considering they return both the LT and LG. His pass protection should be ok on his blind side because they return the RT and RG. The only position being replaced is the C. Their leading rusher, DeShawn Wynn, graduated as did their fullback. Wynn didn't have a great year last season if you consider he only had 230 yards more rushing than Tebow. Percy Harvin has a great upside in the RB slot. He's going to be one to watch. In limited action last year he averaged over 10 yards a carry. Mop up duty? I can't answer that...simply can't remember. The do return Andre Caldwell, leading receiver for '06, but we haven't seen Tebow prove he has the touch to hit receivers on routes that are 15 yards or more. If a team has the speed to defend the spread option Meyer has implemented, stacks 8 or so in the box, it puts the game in Tebow's hands. You mention the defense and that is the BIGGEST question mark. Not only do they only return 2 starters (DE Derrick Harvey looks to be 1st team All-SEC if not an All-American) they only return 12 guys who have seen action. (as in lettermen). As in 12! Top 5 tacklers from last year, only 1 returns. Like you, I understand that both Zook and Meyer have recruited well. But, breaking in such a new defensive team, especially when considering they'll face both UT and Auburn in the first 5 weeks of the season makes me wonder how they'll do. The only benefit they have is those two games are in Gainesville. SIDE NOTE: People have posted here that UK may be a trap game for LSU. Same may be said for UF considering UK is sandwiched between road games to LSU and UGA and it's at UK.
Read where Tebow had a good spring game- despite nursing an injury. I do expect him to be good- he's too athletic. Is it wrong when you hate to see an opponent's team members leave? Like their kicker, Chris Hetland, who made only six of 15 field goal tries. He's my second favorite opposing kicker..........John Vaughn IS DA man. :hihi: Just for the record for our great AU visitors here.......I know Vaughn ended up having a great career and put up good percentages. :thumb:
Not at all, especially in the off-season. Consider some of the players we've seen in Knoxville the last decade or so. Great fodder for off-season laughs. While we can't laugh at Claussen at UT anymore, his brother certainly appears to be headed in the same direction. (no offense vball)
