2009 LSU Tigers College Football Season Preview
By Jason Green at Predictem.com
National Rank: 9
Head Coach: Les Miles
Offensive Coordinator: Offensive Coordinator
Defensive Coordinator: John Chavis
Last League Title: 2007
Conference: SEC
2008 Record: 8-5, 3-5 in SEC
Betting: ATS 3-9
Stadium: Tiger Stadium (92,400)
Offense
QB Jordan Jefferson will be the full time starter and he needs to give the Tigers solid play at the position, which they have not had in several years. RB Charles Scott is one of the best in the nation, the WR corps is decent, and the offensive line is solid with 3 returning players.
Besides Scott the Tigers have a few other RB’s that will get some carries this year to keep Scott fresh.
Keep an eye out for Jefferson, as how he plays may determine how far the Tigers go this season. If he has a great year the Tigers may challenge for the BCS Title, but if he struggles it will be hard to imagine them playing in a BCS bowl game. OT Ciron Black was a 2nd team All SEC selection in the past 2 seasons and he is a monster on the line.
Returning Offensive Starters
Charles Scott (RB, So)
Brandon LaFell (WR, Sr)
Richard Dickson (TE Sr)
Ciron Black (T Sr)
Joseph Barksdale (T Jr)
Lyle Hitt (G Sr)
Defense
The Tigers’ defense will be strong this season, especially with their front line. The Tigers’ secondary was actually pretty weak last season, but they may be one of the best in the SEC this season with starting CB’s Chris Hawkins, Patrick Peterson and Jai Eugene returning and safety’s Karnell Hatcher and Ron Brooks having tons of potential.
The defensive line has always been pretty solid for the Tigers even though have to always replace players that go to the NFL. This season there is loads of talent, but chemistry is a concern since there is a lot of experience on the line. DE Rahim Allen did not even start all of the Tigers’ games last season, but he had 8 sacks and was first team All SEC selection.
Keep an eye on Rahim Allen, as he will be double teamed more then he was last season, which may allow the other lineman to have big seasons. The secondary has the talent to be special, but if they play like last season the Tigers will be giving up quite a few points.
Defensive Returning Starters
Charles Alexander (DT Sr)
Perry Riley (LB Sr)
Chris Hawkins (CB Sr)
Special Teams
The Tigers will have a hard time replacing LSU all time leading scorer K Colt David. Josh Jasper will be the starter and he was 2/2 on field goals and 5/5 on extra points last season. Juco transfer Derek Helton is the new punter, but he only averaged 36.1 yards per punt in junior college. 5’5″ speedster Trindon Holliday is one of the most dangerous kick return players in the nation.
The Bottom Line
The Tigers are a talented bunch, but they have a new QB and there are many new faces on defense. Their ground game will be their strength on offense, but QB Russell Shepard has to play well for the Tigers to win the SEC. Their schedule is a killer one, as even though they play a pretty easy early season schedule their conference schedule is tough hosting Florida and playing Georgia, Alabama, and Ole Miss on the road.
2009 Schedule
9/5/09 at Washington
9/12/09 VANDERBILT
9/19/09 LA – LAFATETTE
9/26/09 at Mississippi State
10/3/09 at Georgia
10/10/09 FLORIDA
10/24/09 AUBURN
10/31/09 TULANE
11/7/09 at Alabama
11/14/09 LA. TECH
11/21/09 at Ole Miss
11/28/09 ARKANSAS
Betting Odds
The LSU Tigers are currently 19-1 to win the BCS Championship at time of print (8/11/09).
