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LSU looks to turn the tide in the SEC West.
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:01 pm
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:01 pm
For LSU, it's all about keeping up with Alabama. And that has been tough to do the past two seasons for the Tigers.
A weak offense was LSU's biggest problem last season, as the Tigers had the No. 9 passing offense (181.8 ypg) and the No. 11 rushing attack (122.8) in the SEC. There were some rumblings that a change would be made at offensive coordinator, but Gary Crowton is back. But LSU did hire Florida wide receiver coach Billy Gonzales, and he was named LSU's passing game coordinator. Gonzales is expected to add some more spread-option schemes into the mix.
Most of the blame last season fell on an offensive line that struggled to get a consistent push. That unit, along with the front seven on defense, will be a point of emphasis this spring as LSU needs to show it still has the stuff to compete with the Crimson Tide.
Here's a look at the Tigers as they prepare to open spring drills.
LSU AT-A-GLANCE
Starting QB Jordan Jefferson as well as two of the top three receivers return for LSU.
THE BASICS
Coach: Les Miles
Last season: 9-4 overall, 5-3 in the SEC. Lost to Penn State in the Capital One Bowl.
Spring dates: Feb. 25-March 27.
RETURNING STARTERS
Offense (5): T Joe Barksdale, G Josh Dworaczyk, C T-Bob Hebert, QB Jordan Jefferson, WR Terrance Toliver.
Defense (4): E Lazarius "Pep" Levingston, CB Patrick Peterson, LB Kelvin Sheppard, SS Brandon Taylor.
Special teams (2): P Derek Helton, K Josh Jasper. Positions of strength
There are offensive skill players galore in Baton Rouge. Back are junior QB Jordan Jefferson and two of the Tigers' top three receivers, along with sophomore Russell Shepard -- whom coaches are hoping is LSU's answer to former Florida star Percy Harvin. LSU coaches are thinking Shepard could be dangerous in the slot, but he also could get a look at running back. RBs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams are gone, but LSU still looks set with senior Richard Murphy (coming off an ACL injury), junior Stevan Ridley and redshirt freshman Michael Ford.
Help is needed
There is considerable work to do on the offensive and defensive lines. LSU lost three of four starters on the defensive front and two starters on the offensive line. The o-line will be under the most scrutiny because it struggled mightily in 2009. Still, coaches expect the front to be improved even though it's young and lacks experience. A key player who needs to step up is OT Alex Hurst. It would help the defensive front if a consistent pass rusher emerges. LSU had just 21 sacks in '09, and the leader was E Rahim Alem -- who was a senior -- with just 4.5.
Three guys to watch
S Craig Loston: With Chad Jones off early to the NFL, Loston needs to step up for the Tigers. Loston played in two games last season as a true freshman but ended up redshirting. He will be expected to play a big role after arriving on campus as Rivals' No. 1 prep safety in the nation. There is a thought that Loston could bulk up and play linebacker, so this spring will be important as to what position he plays.
DE Sam Montgomery: A highly touted recruit who redshirted last season, Montgomery needed to add weight before being able to compete. Mission accomplished. Now, Montgomery needs to become a pass-rushing force off the edge.
ATH Russell Shepard: He will move to either receiver or running back this spring after trying to play quarterback last season as a true freshman. Shepard never found a rhythm under center, but he is too talented not to get on the field.
The pressure is on
QB Jordan Jefferson: LSU's offense ranked No. 112 in the nation last season. That has to improve, which puts the onus on Jefferson -- a junior -- to get better and assume command of the squad. Jefferson may not be in serious peril of losing his starting job, but he'll likely get pushed hard by junior Jarrett Lee and redshirt freshman Chris Garrett.
The buzz
Since debuting with three consecutive double-digit victory seasons, Les Miles and LSU have won eight and nine games, respectively, the past two seasons. LSU may find its footing in the SEC West even more difficult to maintain, as Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas and even Mississippi State appear to be getting better. Is LSU in decline? That's a fair question. That makes this perhaps the most important spring in Miles' Baton Rouge tenure.
LINK
A weak offense was LSU's biggest problem last season, as the Tigers had the No. 9 passing offense (181.8 ypg) and the No. 11 rushing attack (122.8) in the SEC. There were some rumblings that a change would be made at offensive coordinator, but Gary Crowton is back. But LSU did hire Florida wide receiver coach Billy Gonzales, and he was named LSU's passing game coordinator. Gonzales is expected to add some more spread-option schemes into the mix.
Most of the blame last season fell on an offensive line that struggled to get a consistent push. That unit, along with the front seven on defense, will be a point of emphasis this spring as LSU needs to show it still has the stuff to compete with the Crimson Tide.
Here's a look at the Tigers as they prepare to open spring drills.
LSU AT-A-GLANCE
Starting QB Jordan Jefferson as well as two of the top three receivers return for LSU.
THE BASICS
Coach: Les Miles
Last season: 9-4 overall, 5-3 in the SEC. Lost to Penn State in the Capital One Bowl.
Spring dates: Feb. 25-March 27.
RETURNING STARTERS
Offense (5): T Joe Barksdale, G Josh Dworaczyk, C T-Bob Hebert, QB Jordan Jefferson, WR Terrance Toliver.
Defense (4): E Lazarius "Pep" Levingston, CB Patrick Peterson, LB Kelvin Sheppard, SS Brandon Taylor.
Special teams (2): P Derek Helton, K Josh Jasper. Positions of strength
There are offensive skill players galore in Baton Rouge. Back are junior QB Jordan Jefferson and two of the Tigers' top three receivers, along with sophomore Russell Shepard -- whom coaches are hoping is LSU's answer to former Florida star Percy Harvin. LSU coaches are thinking Shepard could be dangerous in the slot, but he also could get a look at running back. RBs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams are gone, but LSU still looks set with senior Richard Murphy (coming off an ACL injury), junior Stevan Ridley and redshirt freshman Michael Ford.
Help is needed
There is considerable work to do on the offensive and defensive lines. LSU lost three of four starters on the defensive front and two starters on the offensive line. The o-line will be under the most scrutiny because it struggled mightily in 2009. Still, coaches expect the front to be improved even though it's young and lacks experience. A key player who needs to step up is OT Alex Hurst. It would help the defensive front if a consistent pass rusher emerges. LSU had just 21 sacks in '09, and the leader was E Rahim Alem -- who was a senior -- with just 4.5.
Three guys to watch
S Craig Loston: With Chad Jones off early to the NFL, Loston needs to step up for the Tigers. Loston played in two games last season as a true freshman but ended up redshirting. He will be expected to play a big role after arriving on campus as Rivals' No. 1 prep safety in the nation. There is a thought that Loston could bulk up and play linebacker, so this spring will be important as to what position he plays.
DE Sam Montgomery: A highly touted recruit who redshirted last season, Montgomery needed to add weight before being able to compete. Mission accomplished. Now, Montgomery needs to become a pass-rushing force off the edge.
ATH Russell Shepard: He will move to either receiver or running back this spring after trying to play quarterback last season as a true freshman. Shepard never found a rhythm under center, but he is too talented not to get on the field.
The pressure is on
QB Jordan Jefferson: LSU's offense ranked No. 112 in the nation last season. That has to improve, which puts the onus on Jefferson -- a junior -- to get better and assume command of the squad. Jefferson may not be in serious peril of losing his starting job, but he'll likely get pushed hard by junior Jarrett Lee and redshirt freshman Chris Garrett.
The buzz
Since debuting with three consecutive double-digit victory seasons, Les Miles and LSU have won eight and nine games, respectively, the past two seasons. LSU may find its footing in the SEC West even more difficult to maintain, as Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas and even Mississippi State appear to be getting better. Is LSU in decline? That's a fair question. That makes this perhaps the most important spring in Miles' Baton Rouge tenure.
LINK
6
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:06 pm to Sofa King Crimson
quote:
LSU may find its footing in the SEC West even more difficult to maintain, as Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas and even Mississippi State appear to be getting better
Getting better?
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:09 pm to Sofa King Crimson
Do most LSU fans consider this upcoming season a make or break for Les?
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:11 pm to Sofa King Crimson
Don't y'all worry. Les is on the case. We're in good hands.
We're back Baaaaaaaay-bbbeeeeeee!!!!
We're back Baaaaaaaay-bbbeeeeeee!!!!
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:13 pm to LA kid but AU fan
quote:
Do most LSU fans consider this upcoming season a make or break for Les?
No i think most fans will agree that coach miles has 2 to 3 years to get it right. Recruiting is great and it appears that he is making the right changes to right the ship. Inexperience at quarterback IMO seemed to have been the real culprit in 2 disappointing seasons. That is not the only concern, but the most critical IMO.
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:16 pm to LA kid but AU fan
Yes. But Miles and Crowton will be coaching for their lives.
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:16 pm to old man tiger
quote:
Recruiting is great
IMO, any jackhole could recruit the LSU's 2011 recruiting class to the top 5 nationally - Louisiana is loaded and most of the top players want to stay in state anyway.
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:16 pm to old man tiger
It seems anything less than winning the West is a disappointing season for LSU (must be nice), so I really wonder if LSU would stand for three in a row.
This post was edited on 2/23/10 at 2:18 pm
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:17 pm to old man tiger
quote:
No i think most fans will agree that coach miles has 2 to 3 years to get it right.
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:18 pm to LA kid but AU fan
quote:
Do most LSU fans consider this upcoming season a make or break for Les?
Miles...probably not. Crowton...definitely
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:19 pm to LA kid but AU fan
quote:
It seems anything less than winning the West is a disappointing season for LSU (must be nice), so I really wonder if LSU would stand for three in a row
No, I would say make a BCS bowl or finish in the top 10 is the standard. We didn't win the West in 2006 but that wasn't a disapointing season by any stretch.
This post was edited on 2/23/10 at 2:20 pm
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:19 pm to JR Tynes
quote:
most of the top players want to stay in state anyway.
How many of these top players have you talked to?
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:20 pm to JR Tynes
JR Tynes
Southern Miss Fan
Poplarville, MS
Member since Feb 2010
13 posts
Online
re: LSU looks to turn the tide in the SEC West. (Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:16 p.m. to old man tiger)
quote:
Recruiting is great
IMO, any jackhole could recruit the LSU's 2011 recruiting class to the top 5 nationally - Louisiana is loaded and most of the top players want to stay in state anyway.
Please don't tell me you're related to Josey Tynes
Southern Miss Fan
Poplarville, MS
Member since Feb 2010
13 posts
Online
re: LSU looks to turn the tide in the SEC West. (Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:16 p.m. to old man tiger)
quote:
Recruiting is great
IMO, any jackhole could recruit the LSU's 2011 recruiting class to the top 5 nationally - Louisiana is loaded and most of the top players want to stay in state anyway.
Please don't tell me you're related to Josey Tynes
This post was edited on 2/23/10 at 2:21 pm
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:21 pm to Alabamya
quote:
Getting better?
So are you under the impression your school has hit its peak?
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:24 pm to LA kid but AU fan
No, next year is not "make or break," but it is a pivotal year.
If we continue to underperform on offense, that could prompt major changes in the coaching staff as well as ruin the confidence of our players.
Worst case: our oline continues to play poorly, we can't find a consistent running back, no third receiver emerges, Jefferson loses confidence and regresses.
Best case: oline gels, a running back emerges as the main guy, a third receiver steps up to give JJ more options, and JJ's confidence grows as the offense improves.
Personally, I think the latter scenario is more likely since we'll have more experience on the line. However, I think both scenarios are a real possibility.
As for Les Miles, I think the recruiting class of 2011 will give him some breathing room. This class is going to be seriously badass. It might be the best class LSU has ever signed. I really mean that.
If we continue to underperform on offense, that could prompt major changes in the coaching staff as well as ruin the confidence of our players.
Worst case: our oline continues to play poorly, we can't find a consistent running back, no third receiver emerges, Jefferson loses confidence and regresses.
Best case: oline gels, a running back emerges as the main guy, a third receiver steps up to give JJ more options, and JJ's confidence grows as the offense improves.
Personally, I think the latter scenario is more likely since we'll have more experience on the line. However, I think both scenarios are a real possibility.
As for Les Miles, I think the recruiting class of 2011 will give him some breathing room. This class is going to be seriously badass. It might be the best class LSU has ever signed. I really mean that.
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:25 pm to Aubie83
quote:
Aubie83
LSU looks to turn the tide in the SEC West.
quote:
Getting better?
So are you under the impression your school has hit its peak?
Definitely not. We're only going to get better. The next 5 years are going to be very fun. Not sure whats going happen after that.
I think his response is that we just won the NC, so how can we get better?
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:25 pm to JR Tynes
quote:
any jackhole could recruit the LSU's 2011 recruiting class to the top 5 nationally
There has been a HUGE shift with regards to our "fence" since we hired Frank Wilson.
In short, I disagree. Our last staff clearly could not lock down the state. This staff can. Big difference.
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:26 pm to JoelSmeagle
I share a lot of those concerns. As long as Crowton is running the offense, I'm worried. LSU is not in decline, however, I'm only expecting a 7-8 win season. It could be better than that, but I'm not going to get my expectations way up there.
Auburn will be improved. Arkansas is going to be big trouble. Miss. State will have a bowl eligible team next year. Alabama is at the top of the heap. Ole Miss? Well, they lost a whole lot and will probably struggle next year.
Auburn will be improved. Arkansas is going to be big trouble. Miss. State will have a bowl eligible team next year. Alabama is at the top of the heap. Ole Miss? Well, they lost a whole lot and will probably struggle next year.
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:28 pm to forest
quote:
Auburn will be improved. Arkansas is going to be big trouble.
Did either of these teams decide to start playing defense in the off-season?
quote:
Miss. State will have a bowl eligible team next year.
A trendy prediction, but they live in a tough neighborhood, so to speak.
quote:
Alabama is at the top of the heap.
They lost a lot of that defense. We'll see.
quote:
Ole Miss? Well, they lost a whole lot and will probably struggle next year.
Agree.
Posted on 2/23/10 at 2:28 pm to JoelSmeagle
quote:
I think his response is that we just won the NC, so how can we get better?
You are right as far as results you can't get better...
But that team had better get better, not to say they weren't good, or the dominance most Bama fans envision won't ever happen...what is the old saying? "If you're not getting better, you're getting worse"
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