2008 SEC Outlook: Tebow's Gators poised for another championship run

That leaves LSU and Auburn.  These two programs have firmly established themselves as the best in the West.  The talent assembled in Baton Rouge will once again give the LSU Tigers a chance to not only be in the mix for another SEC crown, but Les Miles and his troops will also be in position to compete for, and defend, the BCS title.  Defensive linemen Ricky Jean-Francois and Tyson Jackson, along with linebacker Darry Beckwith, will lead a talent-rich defense that returns five starters and is virtually two-deep at every position.  On offense, the unexpected loss of highly-touted quarterback Ryan Perrilloux may be the difference in LSU simply competing for a conference championship and them actually winning a championship.  The projected starter is redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee, who has potential, but his inexperience and unproven ability may hamper an otherwise experienced and deep offensive team that returns seven starters.  Look for the Tigers to rely heavily on the ground game with junior running back Keiland Williams leading the charge.  In 2007, Williams rushed for 478 yards on only 70 attempts, averaging nearly seven yards per carry and scoring seven touchdowns.  Versatile speedster Trindon Holliday also will provide a boost as a running back, wide receiver and kick returner.  Senior wideout Demetrius Byrd will lead a skilled receiving corps and provide a reliable downfield threat.  In the end, LSU will be right in the mix for an SEC West title, with their championship hopes riding on their ability to get it done away from Baton Rouge.  The Tigers face challenging road tests at Auburn, Florida and South Carolina, with the September 20th match-up on the Plains likely being the deciding factor as to who makes reservations in Hotlanta.

Tommy Tuberville, arguably the best coach in the SEC, made a decision to shake up his coaching staff this off-season, bringing in new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin from Troy State and new defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads from Pittsburgh.  Franklin introduces the spread offense to the Tigers, which appears to be a perfect fit for athletic sophomore Kodi Burns, who possesses the ability to run and throw.  Junior college transfer, and former Texas Tech Red Raider, Chris Todd, who played for Franklin in high school, is familiar with the spread offense and is expected to compete for the starting job.  Junior running back Ben Tate is a proven asset in the backfield, coming off a season in which tallied 903 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.  Brad Lester and Mario Fannin add depth and production to the ground game.  This team returns 16 total starters and should be vastly improved on the offensive line.  Defensively, tackles Sen'Derrick Marks and Antonio Coleman should lead the way for an experienced defense.  The War Eagles face a typically tough SEC schedule, however, their most challenging conference battles will be played at Jordan-Hare Stadium, as they host LSU, Tennessee and Georgia.  This home-friendly schedule will catapult the Tigers to the SEC West title, and ensure that Toomer's Corner is appropriately "rolled."

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