And Scott! He was running just great, then got no playing time in the late season. I suspect an undisclosed injury. I see Williams/Scott/Murphy as the regular rotation at running back with Alley Broussard as our power back on third and short and with Hester as blocking back/receiver on third and long.
Regardless of schedule and talent, you can look at every single "top tier" SEC team every single year and predict a "realistic" 9-3 or 10-2 season...yet, every year, we have an undefeated or one-loss that emerges from the pack and is involved in the national title discussion. This year, it sure looks like that team will be LSU. The talent is there, the coaching is there, the schedule is there---and the other serious contenders for the SEC crown have just a few more questions to deal with than does LSU, hence the "favorite" designation. Then again, all agreed that Auburn looked poised to do it last year and the :crystal: ended up in Gainsville. All you can do is make good guesses at this point, and LSU as a one-loss in the mix for playing twice in the Superdome next season is a damn good guess, IMO.
NC. based on last years team and schedule and results. this team wont be any worse and could be better. the schedule is the difference. not that i'll necessarily be pissed if they dont get the NC---a 5 turnover game L @ starkville not withstanding.
The QB will be a new starter, and you never know about a new starter. I hope we're gonna be ok, but the early games to get his game legs under him could be a little too exciting. That's a little of a concern. I forgot about Scott, because I didn't see him the last half of the season (a disappointment to me). I hope he comes back fine. I'd like to see Alley come back and play like he did his soph. season. He'd keep Keiland from getting too many carries. I've always liked Alley, and hope he has a great season next campaign.
I guess it is time for me to make my annual prediction. The Tigers will be 14-0 and win the :crystal: . Note I make this prediction every year. I always have and always will.
And herein lies a big question mark. We have the talent at QB but can we adjust to "life without JR"? The early season will be critical but we all know how important that position is on offense. Add to that a bunch of young wide receivers, a new OC with a different scheme and the offense will have to grow up and grow up quickly. I like the Crowton hire but he runs a MUCH different offense than we have in the past. People dont need to forget that and it could lead to some early season hand wringing. Its better that the Aubrun game is later this year. If we jell early, we can expect a fantastic year. If we struggle with the new players on offense and the new system it will be a challenge but still a great year. Either way, its gonna be good. We have too many weapons and too much talent.
