When Ohio State soundly defeated the Irish in their BCS game 2 seasons ago (despite ND being “in it” pretty much until the end), it was pretty clear that Ohio State was going to be a buzz-saw during the 2006 season, and, likely, would be going to the National Championship game. Last year, when LSU soundly defeated the Irish in a BCS game, it had the same feel. It just looked like LSU was playing on a different level, and were, possibly, at the time, the best team in the country. But I’m not so sure they’ll be a buzz-saw this year. For Les Miles, they’d better be. As far as LSU fans are concerned, this is the year for Les Miles to win his NC. But Les loses JaMarcus Russell and Dwayne Bowe, points A & B in the most prolific scoring connection in LSU history. So while there’s just a boat-load of talent on this roster, Les had better prove that he’s worthy of such lofty heights, and he’s not getting any help from the most important position on the field.
He also wears funny hats.
Offense: No more Mr. #1 Draft Pick at QB. Now they turn to Senior Matt Flynn, holder of 1 start in 3 years, with a 55% completion rate. No more Dwayne “He’s Open to Reception” Bowe. But they do have a ton of speed at talend at receiver. Oh, and only 3 previous starters on the OL with a new OL Coach.
Defense: They’ve got Glenn Dorsey. That’s enough to knock most offenses back 50 yards and 2 scores. They’ve also got a lot of talent at Linebacker. Not to mention tons of talent, young talent, but talent, in the defensive backfield.
Special Teams: They were, frankly, pretty poor last year. Miles has a reputation for good special teams, but they were so bad last year that even excellent coaching might only make them mediocre this year.
Facts:
- The 2006 Tigers were the first LSU squad to beat 2 top 10 teams on the road in the same year.
- LSU played 4 top 10 teams on the road in 2006.
- Just 1 of 5 2007 road opponents finished with a winning record in 2006.
HLS Top 25 Facts:
- Highest spot on a HLS Ballot: 2
- Lowest spot on a HLS Ballot: 11
- Average ranking on HLS Ballots: 4.5
Why Alex Trebek Loves Them:
- The Bengal Tiger is the most common subspecies of tiger in the world. (source)
Around the Web:
HLS Tracker 10 Forecast Technology Says:
If not now, when? The schedule is set up for a nice run thru the SEC. The talent is there. And Miles is in the unenviable position of having to prove that any of his previous success at LSU isn’t just the result of not breaking what Nick Saban left behind for years and years of work in the NFL.  We’ve got a feeling Miles is going to miss Mr. #1 Draft Pick quite a bit.
- HLS Tweets for the Week of 2009-11-15 - November 15, 2009
- HLS Tweets for the Week of 2009-11-08 - November 8, 2009
- HLS Tweets for the Week of 2009-11-01 - November 1, 2009
Hey guys, why no love for Nebraska? I’m from Lincoln so I’m biased, but come on, they are a top 25 team easy.
I was about to try and say the “also received votes,” but then I looked and… Nope. No votes.
I don’t think it’s lack of respect of Nebraska. Personally, I just don’t buy into the Church of Callahan.
That, and UT, Tech, A&M, and OU will/would knock the crap out of them.
I expected a lot out of Nebraska last year after their bowl performance the previous year. But they disappointed (again). I considered them for my ranking system, but the cheerleader hotness didnt get them over the hump.
But to be fair, it’s not a team that’s largely on our radars. Should be Top 30 this year…