Athlon Sports just listed LSU at #9 in their preseason top 25 for college football (LINK). They will list the rest of the top 10 over the next two weeks, and it appears Auburn, Florida, and Georgia will all be ranked higher than LSU (being that the only other SEC team to make their top 25 so far is Tennessee at #17). Three weeks ago, Chris Dodd of CBS Sports released his preseason top 25 with Tennessee at #20, LSU at #16, Auburn at #10, Florida at #6, and Georgia at #2. (Before that, in his pre-spring ranking, Dodd had Tennessee at #20, Auburn at #15, LSU at #9, Florida at #6, and Georgia at #1). As for rivals, their early preseason top 25 (released in Jan), had South Carolina at #24, Tennessee at #21, Auburn at #9, LSU at #8, Florida at #6, and Georgia at #2. Point is, it appears a lot of people believe Georgia and Florida are better than we are, and that Auburn probably is as well. But at least it appears everyone agrees we are better than the rest of the teams in the SEC. Also, who would have thought the LSU baseball team (currently ranked #8, #10, #13 depending on the poll) would be ranked at the same level as the LSU football team at this point?
:rofl: Yeah, the Barnhouse gang in AU-BARN are having 2004 flashbacks and can't wait until they play LSU. I hope they're ranked up in the Top 5 when we go over there and beat a drum on them. LSU's defense has turned the corner and become a real predator with the help of this new OC Crowton. LSU will not turn the rock over with any offensive system they use. Those old days are gone. LSU will use a fine stable of RBs and positive yardage plays to win the TOP battle in SEC slugfests. LSU will continue to see a positive turnover ratio through superior conditioning and strength in the trenches. These things add up to playing for championships. Bring on Auburn and their new RB for a QB with Tubby's newest HS Coordinator and his latest slew of trick plays. I can't wait, and I have no concerns about our QB situation. I actually believe LSU will be better with a QB who will not force things and who will play a conservative game. Our defense with Alexander back will be a "frighteningly sick animal" for OCs. Our run stopping is our strength, and when we've achieved that again in 2008, no one will hang with us long. I see some serious "blowouts" coming, and the AU game if the first of them.
This may come as a shock to a lot of people but I am not a big Auburn fan. However, if there is anyone in the country that can spot a good coordinator it is Tubs. Plus, there QB situation is not a lot different than ours....and if anything Burns does have a full spring knowing he is the starter under his belt plus bowl practice. Also in there is a backup that knows the spread inside-out.
One good thing about us being "LSU" now.. the ONLY team with 2 BCS trophies.. is that if we win our games we will move up the rankings much faster than others if they were in the same situation. Not that you have to be a name to move up... remember how high Kentucky got last year from nowhere? And the perenially medicore Boston College, didn't they go all the way up to 2? USF as well? Preseason polls mean something.. but not everything. If we win our games we will rise to the top, we command that kind of respect with the way our team has played in this millenium.
They do not matter for the defending national champs. Regardless of where we start, if we have the same record as other teams trying to get into the game, we will not be denied.
