College Football: My Preseason Top 25, Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of my five-part series unveiling my preseason top 25 - check out Part 1 here and check out Part 3 here:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/36513-college-football-my-preseason-top-25-part-3

Here is Part 4:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/38995-college-football-my-preseason-top-25-part-4

Today I will write about my picks from No. 6 through No. 10.  Here we go:

6. LSU (Athlon No. 9, Phil Steele No. 13, SI No. 5, ESPN No. 12)

Overview: Just so you know, I am going to LSU and I am a fan.  However, I do not think I am overrating my Tigers.  Les Miles and his pair of large, crystal footballs below his belt returns as one of the best (or luckiest) coaches in the game.

Also, LSU returns one of the best defensive lines in the country this year, including the best pair of defensive ends in the game, Kirston Pittman and Tyson Jackson.  Filling in for Glenn Dorsey is the National Title Game MVP, Ricky Jean-Francois.

While there were heavy losses in the secondary from last year, LSU defensive backs have been fantastic over the years.  Whether the young LSU secondary can step up over this season will determine the defensive fate of the Tigers.  LSU will be able to shut down most teams’ running games with their defensive line and standout middle linebacker Darry Beckwith.

On the offensive side of the ball, Ciron Black anchors an impressive offensive line that will be able to relieve the LSU quarterback from constant pocket pressure.  Both offensive and defensive lines were ranked No. 2 in the country by Athlon.

The quarterback situation is shaky.  The problematic and oft-suspended Ryan Perrilloux was kicked off the team this spring, which will benefit the Tigers in the long run.

However, who will be under center come August 30?  Freshman Jarrett Lee or Harvard transfer junior Andrew Hatch will have three cupcake games to begin the season to prove himself able to lead the Tigers.

Fortunately there are many weapons at their disposal, namely running back Keiland Williams and receivers Demetrius Byrd and Brandon LaFell.  Trindon Holliday, track star extraordinaire, fell just short of representing our country in the Olympics.  He is Les Miles' secret weapon on offense and a great kick returner.

The number of returning starters on a unit can be deceptive.  The defensive unit only “returns” four and the offensive unit “returns” five.  However, injuries, suspensions, and a number of other circumstances led to a bench that got a huge amount of playing time on both sides of the ball.  Ricky Jean-Francois and Keiland Williams are good examples.

Opponents:

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