Jennings is back at QB and he's gonna be good. We're a lock to return 4 OL and have a good chance at returning 5 (La'el Collins is projected as a 3rd rounder but might actually be in a position to come back and appreciably improve his draft positioning), plus their backups. We have most of our productive running backs returning as well. Big losses at WR with Landry and Beckham, but I'm fairly confident we'll find some replacements to fill their shoes. Dural looks like a good place to start.

Defense is addition by subtraction sans at DL. We ship out all the unproductive starters in the back seven and have a shitload of talent from the 2013 and 2014 classes to fill gaps there. The DL guys are capable of improving and getting it done, but we need to see if they'll actually make the leap. Hard to say if any DL go pro, if they do then we've got a lot of talented linemen back there to fill gaps still but again, they'll need to make the leap.

We'll have the talent and coaching to contend for the West next year. Whether we get there is primarily a matter of timing -- how will the other programs come into 2014, and when do we play the contenders? Schedule looks favorable despite the high number of quality teams (Auburn, Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas A&M) on it; what would be the tough road trips aside from Auburn (Florida and A&M) look pretty doable this year, and Alabama and Ole Miss are home games.

Ceiling is 12-0; floor is 8-4; actual expected range is 10-2 or 11-1. I kinda suspect we drop the Auburn game on the road and get rolling after that, finish strong and head into 2015 as national title contenders.

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Posted by dbt_Geaux_Tigers_196

Dystopia (but well cared for)

Member since Mar 2012

25235 posts

Posted on 12/21/13 at 12:16 am to lsutothetop

quote:
Hard to say if any DL go pro,

I can understand Freak and Ego leaving to get a paycheck but they really need another year, imo.

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Posted by brewhan davey

Audubon Place

Member since Sep 2010

32831 posts

Posted on 12/21/13 at 8:12 am to lsutothetop

quote:
Ceiling is 12-0; floor is 8-4; actual expected range is 10-2 or 11-1. I kinda suspect we drop the Auburn game on the road and get rolling after that, finish strong and head into 2015 as national title contenders.

Agree with every bit of this. Having a first year starter at QB (that is only one year removed from HS) will certainly evince rookie mistakes, but Jennings seems like a smart kid who will work tirelessly to minimize those errors.

Now, looking at the schedule below.....

It is going to be very difficult to win in Jordan Hare (as it always is for us). Also, improved or not, it's always tough to win in the Swamp as well.. Florida will give us a game on their home turf.

Wisconsin is another matchup that is very intriguing.. especially being on a neutral field (the type of game which LSU has had success in recent years).

Certainly, Bama will bring a challenge, and will be the biggest challenge at home.

Like lsutothetop said though, 12-0 is attainable, but unlikely given the youth in the passing game. I can realistically see LSU going anywhere from 9-3 again to 11-1.

One big thing the defense has failed to do this season is produce takeaways. This year's D had only 16 takeaways (7 FR, 9 INTs), while the offense yielded 18 total (10 FL, 8 INTs - which isn't bad at all). A negative turnover differential makes the difference in those close games, as it showed this season. If the 2014 defense is more opportunistic than this year's, those ugly offensive games will start going our way again.

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Posted by USMC_EOD