What We Know: LSU
Is a revamped LSU defense ready to live up to the lofty heights set by last year’s unit? Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Over the next few weeks, we will start taking a look at the SEC teams and discuss the apparent strengths and weaknesses of them as the 2013 season nears.
The idea is to identify what we “know” – as much as we can “know” anything about a season that has yet to start. We will also examine what we think we know, what we don’t know and when we might have answers to the biggest questions.
LSU Tigers
What We Know
Under Les Miles, the Tigers find ways – invent ways, even – to reach nine wins – Inconsistent quarterback playing for a new coordinator? No problem. Need to replace an entire defense that left for the NFL? So what? Leading rusher gets into (more) legal trouble and could miss time with team-imposed suspension? What else ya got? Nothing so far has sunk the ship that is the Les Miles LSU program. What makes you think this year’s going to be any different? The Tigers have won at least nine games in seven of Miles’ eight seasons – though particularly boisterous LSU fans wanted him run after the debacle of an eight-win 2008 season. In six of the eight, LSU has found ways to win at least 10. Go ahead and point out all the question marks, but realize that Miles is a known commodity for consistent winning.
Regardless of who gets the carries, LSU will run the ball physically and directly at teams – As referenced earlier, last year’s leading rusher RB Jeremy Hill’s legal issues could keep him off the field for part of the season. If there is ever a position that Miles wouldn’t lose sleep over, it is tailback. RB Alfred Blue returns for his senior season after missing the final 10 games last season with a knee injury. He has shown talent in the past and could get the first call as the featured back. If Blue can’t or doesn’t answer the call, RB/wrecking ball Kenny Hilliard will. Hilliard doesn’t have the breakaway speed any more than a tank on the interstate, but he hits like one, too. There might not be a 1,000-yard rusher in the group, but that’s more likely because the offense will utilize a myriad of talented backs in wearing down opponents’ defenses.
What We Think We Know
This is the time for Mettenberger to step forward – QB Zach Mettenberger certainly would have preferred a stronger start to his time on the Bayou. His TD-INT split proved especially disconcerting, with Mettenberger managing just 12 TDs to his 7 INTs. There is plenty of reason for optimism. For starters, all reports about OC Cam Cameron have been overwhelming positive. The idea that LSU could add an up-tempo change-of-pace to its more familiar ground-and-pound strategy should catch people’s attention. Mettenberger has now been through the SEC once and should have a better handle on how to prepare. He should also get better – and more consistent – play from his surrounding cast. Remember, a makeshift offensive line caused problems for Mettenberger and the passing game a year ago. When Mettenberger released accurate passes, his receiving corps didn’t exactly help, either. There’s no excuse for receivers with the talent of Jarvis Landry or Odell Beckham, Jr. to drop the number of passes they did a year ago. It won’t happen again this year.
What We Don’t Know
How will a talent-laden but inexperienced defense fare? – Not even Alabama’s great defenses at Alabama have ever had eight players selected in the NFL Draft. That’s what happened for LSU last season, which means there are plenty of starting spots available. Fortunately for DC John Chavis – one of the very best in the game – he will not go wonting for talented successors. A group of highly acclaimed recruits, led by DT Anthony Johnson, has bided time with the 2s for a couple years and should be chomping at the bit to show the patented LSU defensive swagger. Other projected first-year starters, such as DT Ego Ferguson, DE Jarmauria Rasco and LB Kendell Beckwith, certainly are worth watching. When Will We Know? A Week 1 battle against TCU, which shouldn’t be overlooked, will give fans a sneak peak. Don’t expect that whatever group shows up in that battle will be the one that plays Alabama and Texas A&M in November, though. LSU should improve considerably throughout the season. By the two-game stretch to end September – home against Auburn and at Georgia – it should be apparent how dominant, or not dominant, this group is in 2013.
Can the run-dominant offensive line protect Mettenberger? – The line struggled in pass protection last season, largely because injuries forced players into uncomfortable positions. Too often, sacks put LSU behind the down-and-distance battle and forced Mettenberger into tough spots. There is room for optimism this year, thanks to the experience the linemen gained a season ago. The Tigers endured the growing pains and could be better for them in 2013. When Will We Know? We should absolutely know during Week 1 when the Tigers tangle with TCU in Arlington, Texas. Big 12 Player of the Year DE Devonte Fields will miss the game with suspension, but the Horned Frogs boast an aggressive, attacking defense capable of pressuring anyone. How the LSU offensive line holds up will tell a story for the SEC season.