Why LSU Football Will Return To Glory In 2009

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Les Miles faced the press after the Bayou Bengal's 38-3 rout of Georgia Tech with a look of defeat not usually seen by a bowl victorious coach.

The tigers 8-5 season, 3-5 in conference play, was something no one expected from a team ranked sixth in the nation entering the season, but behind Miles downtrodden gaze was the hope for something he had seen in the turmoil that was the 2008 LSU football campaign.

That hope was the team’s ability to come together through adversity and injury. With the loss of Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch, the offense was left in the hands of Jordan Jefferson; Jefferson anticipated on having a red shirt season, but was saddled with the starting job in the last two weeks of the season. Despite two tough losses to Arkansas and ole miss, Jefferson put on a stellar athletic performance throwing only one interception and 273 total yards in both games.

Jefferson separated himself from fellow starting candidate Russell Sheppard in the spring, culminating in an 8-of-10 97 yard spring game performance, but Jefferson wasn't the only standout in the spring. Coach Miles told the press after the game, “Russell Sheppard, today, you have to see some of the things he did,” said Miles, “Certainly they were positive and negative. But quite frankly, here’s a guy who has made a lot of improvement in a very short time. he potentially can give the offense a different style of athlete.”

Don't be surprised to see Coach Miles using Sheppard in various forms in the offense this season much like Florida used Percy Harvin as a lethal weapon last season. 

LSU has in its possession one of the most lethal groups of running in college football; this group is led by behemoth Charles Scott. Despite an injury plagued season in 2008, Scott racked up 1,174 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Scott is the type of power back that can wear down powerful SEC defenses, and bring in coverage to open up passes downfield.

Just behind Scott is fellow senior Keiland Williams. Although Williams is another massive back, he spent much of the time this spring working on balancing his running game. If Williams can carry for over 600 yards this season, both he and Scott will be duo to be reckoned with. top ranked sprinter Trindon Holiday will bring back the type of speed to the backfield that most have never seen; all while seeing his fair share of time at wide receiver.  

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