Going into last year, most prognosticators predicted LSU to win 8 games, which they did, and for them to have a break out season in 2015. Now there is one guy who predicts LSU to finish 5th in the SEC this season. Who knows? It all depends on the improvement of the quarterback position, and I am not one assuming that it will be the same as last years. The receivers are all a year older. The running back position is solid with Fournette and Company. With the exception of losing La'el Collins, they have some experience on the offensive line returning. I think there will be improved play on the defensive line just because of the addition of Ed Ogeron to the the staff. The Linebackers will be key, and the Defensive Backfield is always solid.
How will special teams perform? Another key position will be the emergence of people like DeSean Smith at Tight End. If he can continue his play from the Music City Bowl, then LSU's quarterbacks will likely improve as they can open up the middle of the field and open up other areas of the passing game. If that can happen, LSU's running game becomes more effective.
I expect LSU to do better than last year, however I won't go as far as predicting an SEC TItle or even an SEC West Title. They can possibly open up 5-0 if things go right. I think they will be favored over both South Carolina and Florida and they will handle Western Kentucky. They could be anywhere from 6-2 to 8-0 when they go to Tuscaloosa.
Alabama will be favored over LSU, but it is a winnable game. The next week LSU will be slight favorite over Arkansas, but be a slight underdog against Ole Miss, and be favored to beat Texas A&M at the end of the year. Those last 4 games area a brutal stretch. If LSU can win of them, that will be great!! In reality, I think they split those four games. Who they beat and who they lose to is a guess. I think they lose one of the first 8 games and end up 9-3 with a trip to one of the Florida bowls and I think they win the bowl to go 10-3. I think that 2016 will be a break out year.
All that being said, I also think every team in the SEC will have at least two losses and there will be no team to make the 4 team playoffs. The SEC is cannibalizing itself right now. There are your best teams, but each of them are vulnerable. Look for both Saban and Miles to retire in the next 3 years and take an easier path to the broadcast booth.
It is going to take a special team from the SEC in the future to win a National Championship. That is why the playoffs need to be expanded to 8 teams.
How will special teams perform? Another key position will be the emergence of people like DeSean Smith at Tight End. If he can continue his play from the Music City Bowl, then LSU's quarterbacks will likely improve as they can open up the middle of the field and open up other areas of the passing game. If that can happen, LSU's running game becomes more effective.
I expect LSU to do better than last year, however I won't go as far as predicting an SEC TItle or even an SEC West Title. They can possibly open up 5-0 if things go right. I think they will be favored over both South Carolina and Florida and they will handle Western Kentucky. They could be anywhere from 6-2 to 8-0 when they go to Tuscaloosa.
Alabama will be favored over LSU, but it is a winnable game. The next week LSU will be slight favorite over Arkansas, but be a slight underdog against Ole Miss, and be favored to beat Texas A&M at the end of the year. Those last 4 games area a brutal stretch. If LSU can win of them, that will be great!! In reality, I think they split those four games. Who they beat and who they lose to is a guess. I think they lose one of the first 8 games and end up 9-3 with a trip to one of the Florida bowls and I think they win the bowl to go 10-3. I think that 2016 will be a break out year.
All that being said, I also think every team in the SEC will have at least two losses and there will be no team to make the 4 team playoffs. The SEC is cannibalizing itself right now. There are your best teams, but each of them are vulnerable. Look for both Saban and Miles to retire in the next 3 years and take an easier path to the broadcast booth.
It is going to take a special team from the SEC in the future to win a National Championship. That is why the playoffs need to be expanded to 8 teams.
