Will Lack of a Passing Game Hold Back LSU Tigers?

For the first time since he’s been at LSU, Les Miles loses a valuable asset at quarterback.

While most quarterbacks have been nothing but game managers in Baton Rouge as the defenses and running game would dominate, Zach Mettenberger put up some pretty impressive numbers for a Tigers team that relied much more on offense to win games than it has in the past.

Now, not only is Mettenberger gone, but so are his top two receivers, who each had more than 1,150 yards,  and running back Jeremy Hill, who was also third on the team in receiving. The Tigers have to replace all of their skill players on offense, and the questions don’t stop there.

On defense, both defensive tackles are gone along with three other starters. This is a unit that shouldn’t fall off too badly, but there are

Sep 7, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles and congratulates LSU Tigers wide receiver Odell Beckham (3) after a touchdown against the UAB Blazers at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated UAB 56-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

still some questions worth raising about it.

The good news? First, almost the entire offensive line is back, as are two of the three linebackers. But perhaps the best news is that we know the Tigers have recruited enough to simply reload at most positions.

Les Miles has already made news this offseason hyping up his recruits beyond what we’d even expect from him, so that could be great news. But the question of a passing game as effective as last year still plagues this team.

If LSU can offset the loss of Mettenberger, there should be no fall off from last year. But for the first time in what seems like forever, we’re worried how LSU will be with the loss of a quarterback.