A Program On the Rebound

LSU Tigers 2009 Record: 9-4 Highest/Final Ranking: 4/17 Bowl: Capital One Bowl, Lost 17-19
They're getting restless in Baton Rouge. After winning the 2007 National Championship, Coach Les Miles and LSU have yet to get another 10 win season or bowl victory. The Fighting Tigers and their fan base are yearning for another try at a National Championship after two relatively "down" years. This year in a weakened SEC they should first concentrate on winning the conference. With a strong recruiting class coming in, and returning talent on both sides of the ball, the Bayoux Bengals should absolutely be in the conversation with Alabama for the SEC West.
The Tigers have possibly more unearthed potential on offense than any other team in the country. Sophomore converted wide receivers Russell Shepard and Rueben Randle were Rivals.com top ten blue chips coming out of high school, and the gems of LSU's 2009 recruiting class. Both are former quarterbacks who have size (Shepard is 6'1", Randle is 6'3") and explosive playmaking ability. Shepard, in particular, can also kick return and play tailback as well. NFL scouts are already projecting Randle and Shepard as future high first round picks. The cornerstone of this very talented receiving corps is veteran Terrance Toliver. The 6'5" senior was LSU's second leading receiver last year, catching 53 passes for 3 touchdowns and 735 yards. Look for Toliver to be one of the SEC's leading pass catchers by years end thanks to his crisp route running and physical stature. The Bayoux Bengals' ground game will be headed up by the former prep Parade All-American Michael Ford. Ford will be a redshirt freshman this year, and is fast and exciting to watch. Keep an eye on five star recruit and true freshman Spencer Ware though. A 5'11", 225 pound power back, Ware might be used in goal line situations and on third downs.
The talent of the Tigers' offense will shine through only if junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson (right) is able to step up his game this upcoming season. Last year, the 6'5" Jefferson was brought along slowly but was efficient, throwing for 2166 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only 7 interceptions. New wide receiver coach Billy Gonzalez will not only be counted on to manage the high pedigree pass catchers LSU has, but also add life to a Tigers' passing game that finished 97th in the FBS last year. The offensive line protecting Jefferson has been shifted around by coordinator Gary Crowton to compensate for player departures. This unit is anchored by senior Joseph Barksdale, while talented sophomore Alex Hurst has used a strong showing in the spring game to be the leading candidate at right tackle.
To read more about LSU and their defense for 2010, check out this blog:    http://fieldofdreamz.blogspot.com/2010/07/college-football-countdown-team_18.html

-DE