2007 LSU Tigers Preview
by Jerald of Predictem.com
Head Coach Les Miles, 3rd year
2006 Record 11-2 straight up, 5-7 ATS
Returning Offensive Starters 6
Returning Defensive Starters 8
Conference 2nd in SEC West Division
Offense
In 2006 the offense averaged 159 yards rushing (4.62 yards per rush) and 245 yards passing while scoring an average of 33.1 points per game. The Tiger loses #1 draft pick Jamarcus Russell, his replacement will be either Matt Flynn or Ryan Perrilloux. Flynn led the Tigers for a portion of the 2005 Bowl game when Russell was injured and was named the game MVP. Perrilloux is a former prep player of the year and looks to give Flynn some competition for the starting nod. The running back corps will most likely be a running back by committee as the Tigers have 4 talented running backs looking to share time. The receivers will be led by Early Doucet, he is the only returning player that had more than 5 receptions and will be looked at to carry this group in the beginning of the season.
Defense
In 2006 the defense gave up an average of 93 yards rushing (3.03 yards per rush) and 146 yards passing while giving up 12.5 points per game. The Tiger defense will be strong up front with the return of Glenn Dorsey who was expected to turn pro. The group of linebackers will also be strong but there are replacements needed in the secondary.
Grading the units:
Offense A-
Defense A
Special Teams A-
Prediction:
Bovada has the over/under on the season wins at 10 wins. The Tigers have a tough non-conference game with Virginia Tech and a tough conference game with Florida at home but there road schedule looks very manageable with games at Mississippi State, Tulane, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi. This schedule sets up very well for LSU and we would not be surprised to see them go through the regular season undefeated or at worst 11-1. We recommend a wager on the over 11 wins.
