2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: LSU Tigers Season Preview

2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: LSU Tigers Season Preview: Although the LSU dealt with plenty of early entrants into the NFL prior to last season, the Tigers still managed to win 10 games, including a win over eventual runner-up for the national title Auburn and a dominating route of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. Meanwhile, all three of their losses came on the road with two coming by just three points. Heading into 2014, the Tigers once again lost some starters to the next level, but there are plenty of experienced, talented players back on both sides of the ball. Head coach Les Miles always finds a way to field a competitive team, and this year will be no exception. The question is whether the Tigers will have another solid but unspectacular year or will return to the top of the vaunted SEC.

The Good News:

The Tigers return four starters on the offensive line, and the unit has the talent to match its experience. Meanwhile, LSU has its typical group of power backs waiting to bruise and batter opponents into submission, and quarterback Anthony Jennings adds an extra dynamic because of his ability to make plays with his legs. In short, the Tigers should be one of the most physically punishing offenses in the country. Defensively, the Tigers return seven starters, including Kwon Alexander and a pair of dominant edge-rushers in Jermauria Rasco and Danielle Hunter. Meanwhile, the players stepping into full time roles in the secondary and at defensive tackle have already flashed star potential in spot duty. Plain and simple, LSU’s defense has a chance to develop into something special.

The Bad News:

LSU is once again looking for a quarterback after Zach Mettenberger’s departure to the NFL. The Tigers may love to pound the ball on the ground, but Mettenberger had the arm to stretch the field and keep defenses honest. It remains to be seen if Jennings can throw the ball consistently enough to do the same. Losing receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry won’t exactly help the passing attack either. To top it off, the Tigers’ schedule is one of the toughest in the SEC so there is legit concern as to whether the Tigers’ offense can showcase enough balance and consistency to avoid becoming too predictable and putting too much pressure on the defense.

Outlook:

There is a reason that Miles’ teams always seem to reach double digits in the win column. The Tigers win in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and even when they can’t match an opponent’s offensive firepower, their ability to control tempo gives them a fighting chance. This season should be no exception, and despite questions under center at the receiver position, LSU has the personnel to fuel a power ground game on offense and its typical collection of studs on the defensive side of the ball. The season is likely going to boil down to four games. The Tigers play Alabama at home and face Florida, Auburn and Texas A&M on the road. I expect LSU to split those four big games, and while that may only be good enough to have the Tigers finish third in their own division, an at-large bid to a major bowl is still a real possibility.

Prediction: 10-2, Third in the SEC West Division