LSU Football: Steve Kragthorpe Hired To Lead Offense in 2011

After interviewing several strong candidates to replace the departed Gary Crowton as the Tiger’s offensive coordinator, LSU hired former Louisville and Tulsa head coach Steve Kragthorpe.

Kragthorpe also served as quarterback coach in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills so Tiger fans can rest assured that quarterback play, an Achilles heel for the past two seasons, will improve in 2011.

Kragthorpe will have an abundance of talent to work with in Baton Rouge with most of the offensive weapons returning in 2011 so his main task will be simply getting the play-makers the ball.

The quarterback competition will most likely be between incumbent starter Jordan Jefferson and incoming junior college transfer Zach Mettenberger.

In order to keep his starting role, Jefferson will have to prove early that he can move the chains and avoid costly turnovers. 

Regardless of the starter in Baton Rouge, the key will be to improve upon the dreadful offensive production of 2009 and 2010.  In 2010, the Tigers offense did little to help their high-powered defense, ranking 86th in total offense thanks to a 107th ranked passing offense.

As usual, the Tigers and Kragthorpe will have a stable of running backs to carry the running game returning Michael Ford, Alfred Blue and Spencer Ware. 

Hopefully a renewed passing attack will help the Tigers reach their full potential in 2011 and compete for another National Championship.