LSU has worked over the off-season in improving their main weaknesses of last year. These weaknesses of the team’s 2008 season include the inconsistency play on defense and Jarrett Lee had poor play at quarterback, which led to many interceptions.
Offense
Les Myles has been working to improve these problems starting with the quarterback position. Jordan Jefferson has established himself as the starter through the spring.
He started the last two games last season, including a win over Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. In the spring game he threw 8-for-10 for 97 yards, and more importantly he did not throw any interceptions in the spring game.
The quarterback position has depth if needed behind Jefferson with Jarrett Lee, Russell Shepard, and Chris Garrett.
The Tigers have some talented playmakers helping with the offense in wide receiver Brandon LaFell and running back Charles Scott. Last season Scott averaged 90.3 rushing yards-per-game for 18 touchdowns.
Lafell has been LSU’s top receiver the past two seasons and he has also grown into a solid downfield blocker.
Tight end Richard Dickson is also a talented veteran that should make a good target for Jefferson through this season.
The offensive line looks to be the strongest that Les Myles has had since taking over the team in 2005. Left tackle Ciron Black will be anchoring the line and he is an All-American candidate going into the season.
Defense
John Chavis has taken over as defensive coordinator for LSU and should lead them to playing better this year than they did in 2008.
The defense has seemed to improve as well with a great showing in their spring game that included forcing five turnovers. They have also looked more impressive in practice as of late and seem solid in their preparation for the season opener against Washington this weekend.
Six starters are returning on defense, but only one on the defensive line. The new starters on the line must mature quickly for LSU to be able to compete with the top SEC teams.
There have been some position changes on the defense, but the squad has improved overall.
Special Teams
On special teams the Tigers have to replace kicker Colt David and punter Brady Dalfrey. LSU has seemed to fill these positions with Derek Helton as punter and Josh Jasper, who can kick the field goals or punt.
LSU is strong at punt and kickoff returns with the speed of Trindon Holliday, who always has a chance to break a few tackles and get into the end zone.
LSU’s schedule
LSU will have a chance to prove its place in the SEC this year as it plays all three of the conference’s other top teams. They will have to face the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Ole Miss Rebels, and the defending national champion Florida Gators.
The Tigers play at Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss, which should be some huge SEC games. They have Florida coming to Baton Rouge and will need to come out extremely strong and have a lot of help from the fans to pull an upset over the No. 1 team in the nation.
The Tigers should be able to handle the rest of their conference opponents, but all of the SEC teams come out and play hard and LSU could lose one. These opponents include Auburn, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and Arkansas.
All of LSU’s nonconference opponents should make for easy wins for the Tigers.
LSU opens the season against Washington on Sept. 5. This should be an easy win for the Tigers after Washington went winless through the 2008 season.
