LSU Football: Bayou Bliss in 2008?

Many people are underestimating the Bayou Bengals of LSU going into the 2008 football season.

Not so fast, let’s not forget Tigers head coach Les Miles has accomplished three 10-win seasons in a row, which has never been done in LSU history. The guy knows what he’s doing and will not settle for less. I expect him to regroup and lead the Tigers as he has done in his previous three years as head coach.

Now about the players.

One thing LSU has been known for is its stingy defense, which is ranked in the top 10 in the country. Kirston Pittman and Tyson Jackson are returning at defensive end and they can wreak havoc on the defensive line.

At linebacker I expect Darry Beckwith to be a major factor, he played a tremendous amount of time as a reserve last season. At cornerback, sophomore Jai Eugene and junior Chris Hawkins will rise to the occasion and be good replacements for Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Tigers have a lot of depth at the wide receiver spot—I expect Brandon Lafell and Terrance Tolliver to be the main targets for the Tigers' two young quarterbacks.

Jacob Hester has turned pro, but I don’t believe that the Tigers will be hurting at the running back position. They have Keiland Williams, Richard Murphy, and Charles Scott returning, and they can all be explosive with the football.

The offensive line returns four starters, including Herman Johnson, who will have a very good season and possibly be a first-round draft pick.

The little guy, Trindon Holliday, will play a major role on special teams for the Tigers. With his blazing speed I’m sure not too many teams will kick the ball to him, unless they would like to give up six points quickly.