2008 LSU Tigers College Football Predictions
The team at Info Plays gives you our 2008 LSU Tigers football predictions in the following article. LSU rode its defense, led by Glenn Dorsey, to a National Championship last season. They will need much more out of their offense this year if they are to compete in the SEC. Can the Tigers recapture their winning ways this season with several more close victories? Find out below.
Offense:
The LSU Tigers have to start all over at quarterback. They had a comfort zone with junior Ryan Perrilloux, but he was kicked off the team in early May. He missed spring practice while serving his third career suspension and enough was enough. Head coach Les Miles and company worked with red shirt freshman Jarrett Lee and junior Andrew Hatch in the spring. But it’s going to be a big lead to handle the toughness of opposing SEC defenses for either this year.
Charles Scott and speedy Keiland Williams have made the most of their opportunities backing up Jacob Hester. Williams is the top returning rusher with 458 yards and six touchdowns from a year ago. Richard Murphy came on strong in the spring game by rushing for 145 yards and three touchdowns. He will be given every opportunity to win the starting running back job. This trio will be very happy to have four returning offensive linemen to block for them. First-team All-SEC selection Herman Johnson and second-teamer Ciron Black lead the way. Center Brett Helms is another all-SEC candidate. Junior Brandon LaFell returns to lead the receiving corps after recording 50 catches for 656 yards last season. Senior Demetrius Byrd has all the talent in the world to be a nice deep threat for whomever is under center.
Defense:
The Tigers’ best defensive player in Glenn Dorsey is gone, and so it defensive coordinator Bo Pelini who left for Nebraska’s head job. Les Miles named Bradley Dale Peveto and Doug Mallory co-coordinators in hopes of a smooth transition. Senior tackle Tyson Jackson and senior end Kirston Pittman lead the way for this defense that returns only 5 starters. Pittman led the team with 8 sacks last year while Jackson led the Tigers with 15 quarterback hurries. The Tigers are very thrilled to welcome back end Charles Alexander who missed most of last season with a knee injury.
LSU also has the versatile Ricky Jean-Francois back after serving a 12-game academic suspension before returning to block a field goal in the championship game against Ohio State. This sophomore could take over for Dorsey at tackle, and he has some depth behind him with Al Woods. Last year’s leading tackler is gone in Ali Highsmith, but senior Darry Beckwith returns at middle linebacker. Sophomore free safety Chad Jones has had some time to mature and heads the secondary. LSU will only be taking a small step back defensively after allowing a league-leading 288.8 yards per game last year.
LSU Tigers Predictions at Info Plays: 1st in SEC West
It appears that LSU will be loaded with talent except at the most important position; Quarterback. The offense has playmakers in the skill positions while the defense has most certainly reloaded. But inexperience at quarterback and a ridiculous road schedule which includes games at Florida, Auburn and South Carolina early in the season will tell the story for the Tigers in 2008. We feel they are good enough to finish 3rd in the SEC behind Georgia and Florida.
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