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SEC Power Rankings: No quarterback, no problem for Alabama?

By Hunter Kinniburgh

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathan Jones (3) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
  • 2015 record: 9-3, 5-3 (SEC)
  • Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. Wisconsin (Green Bay, WI)

2015 started the way it should for Les Miles and the LSU Tigers. Then came a three-game slate against Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss. All three would be losses for the Tigers and Les Miles’ job quickly became a question mark. Fortunately, for LSU, they did not fire Miles and the Tigers will be a contender for the SEC and the national championship.

The heartbeat of this football team is once again running back Leonard Fournette, the all-around best player in the country. Fournette rushed for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2015 and will be counted on in 2016 to again lead the offense.

In order for LSU to take the next step and win the games against Alabama, Ole Miss, etc., they have to get better quarterback play from Brandon Harris. Harris has a big arm but his accuracy has to improve. If Harris can even put up numbers like Jake Coker for Alabama in 2015, then the Tigers will have a dynamic offense. Malachi Dupre is an excellent receiver who should be Harris’ favorite target.

The defense for LSU is incredible, as always. The defensive backfield, in particular, is vicious, led by safety Jamal Adams and corner Tre’Davious White. LSU returns 10 starters in total on the defensive side of the ball. Kendall Beckwith and Davon Godchaux will lead the front seven.

LSU has all the talent it needs to make a run at a national championship. The season, for better or worse, lies on the arm of Harris. If LSU doesn’t make it to the playoff, Miles’ job security will come up again and might not have the same result as 2015. Although LSU’s athletic administration would be crazy to fire Miles.

Next: No. 2 Ole Miss Rebels

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