LSU Tigers 2008 College Football Team Preview

The LSU offense is stacked. There is an abundance of talent at the running back and receiver positions. The Tigers also have an experienced and talented offensive line. But who will be under center? Ryan Perrilloux, MVP of the SEC title game, was dismissed from the team for repeated team rules violations. The guys behind Perrilloux on the depth chart, Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch, have basically no experience at this level.

The LSU running game looks to be a three-headed monster. Keiland Williams (478 yards, 6 touchdowns), Charles Scott (439 total yards, 7 touchdowns) and Richard Murphy (304 total yards, 2 touchdowns) all figure to play a significant role in the LSU rushing attack.

The Tigers also have one of the best receiver tandems in the nation. Brandon LaFell and speedy Demetrius Byrd combined for 85 receptions, 1,277 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Tight end Richard Dickson is another great receiving threat.

With four starters back this season, LSU boasts one of the most experienced offensive lines in the SEC. Left tackle Ciron Black, left guard Herman Johnson and center Brett Helms have All-SEC talent.

There is plenty of depth along the defensive line. Tyson Jackson and Kirston Pittman are the returning starters at the ends. They'll get help from Rahim Alem and Ricky Jean-Francois, the defensive MVP of the BCS Championship Game. Jean-Francois, Marlon Favorite and Charles Alexander lead the rotation inside. Al Woods and Drake Nevis could also see significant action.

Middle linebacker Darry Beckwith played the last few games of 2007 with an injured shoulder, but still recorded 65 tackles in 12 games. Beckwith will have a new starter on each side. Perry Riley, Kelvin Sheppard and Jacob Cuttera will be competing for the two starting outside linebacker jobs.

In the secondary, free safety Curtis Taylor is the lone returning starter. Nickel back Danny McCray is also back for 2008. Chad Jones and Harry Coleman will compete for time at strong safety. There will also be a lot of competition for the two starting cornerback spots. Chris Hawkins, Jai Eugene, Patrick Johnson and Brandon Taylor are all in the mix.

Senior kicker Colt David is back. David converted all 63 extra-point tries last season and also connected on 26-of-33 field goal attempts. All-SEC punter Patrick Fisher is gone. Senior Brady Dalfrey is Fisher's likely replacement.

The defending national champs will have a tough row to hoe this year. With a question mark at quarterback and a schedule that will have them playing at Auburn and Florida, as well as a home game against Georgia, this could be a two- or three-loss season for the Tigers. Another national title run doesn't appear likely. A BCS bowl game for LSU should be viewed as a successful season.