“Heroes get remembered but legends never die,” said Babe Ruth in the classic children’s film The Sandlot (1993).
There are twenty-four seniors parting ways with arguably one of the best Bayou Bengal squads to play in Death Valley since LSU has played football in Southeastern Conference.
Scanning the roster reveals many special players besides the remarkable senior class.
Twelve senior full-time starters (five on offense, six on defense and one from special teams) led the Tigers to a 6-0 start, before falling to Kentucky in triple overtime at Lexington. With no off-week to heal and rest, the seniors finished their 2007 campaign wining the next six out of seven, earning a much-needed month's rest before the BCS championship. The rest is history.
What do tiger fans have to look forward to in 2008? The defense suffers a big loss, bidding farewell to Pittman, Dorsey (All-American), Highsmith, Jackson, Zenon and Steltz (All-American), leaving a hole in the Tenacious Tiger unit not easily replaced. This group combined for 440 tackles (50 percent of the team's total), 19 of the 37 sacks, and 15 of the teams 23 interceptions, spearheading a top-five overall Tiger defense.
The purple and gold welcome back the BCS defensive MVP Ricky Jean-Francois, Tyson “Predator” Jackson, SEC All-Freshman Chad Jones, and the lethal Curtis Taylor patrolling the secondary. They will all be taking on bigger roles. Look for big things out of blue-chip recruit Patrick Johnson, who has lightning speed and good size to help replace the coverage Zenon and Jackson provided. Write down the name Chancey Aghayere, because he is also sure to make an impact.
However, what will the impact be of losing Bo Pelini to Nebraska?
Parting with the likes of Jacob Hester, Early Doucet, and Matt Flynn brings a mist to a tiger fan's eye. Will Arnold and Carnell Stewart created the holes for the sure-handed Hester to amass over 1,000 yards and 12 TDs, and blocked for Flynn to air it out to Doucet.
8 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
It really was a fairy tale season for LSU. It wasn't that LSU was an underdog - the entire season they were recognized as a powerful top tier team. But the way they repeatedly fought from behind to win in their incredibly tough schedule showed not just skill, but passion and heart - especially the Florida game in October; that was truly one for the ages. I mean, the way they REPEATEDLY went for it on fourth down when they could have just taken the lead with a short field goal - it was college football at its finest, playing not just to score more points than the other team, but to prove that they were better. They were truly a pleasure to watch, not just to see incredible talent, but to see what the REAL desire to win looks like. And what greater contrast than Ohio State, who clearly lost their heart as soon as LSU fought from behind (again) and scored 31 straight points!
Edit Comment Cancel
joe clark about 1 year ago
ditto what he said. Geaux Tigers.
Edit Comment Cancel
Bailey Jones about 1 year ago
I heard Jim Harbough (Colts quarterback before that guy named Manning came along), "Kicking a field goal is one play closer to losing a game."
or something like that
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
The real test will be if they can stay out of the arrest headlines, and out of Paternity courts. Of course with the help they get in the classroom they don't have to worrry about grades!
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
uh, you do realize that BCS defensive MVP Ricky Jean-Francois was on academic suspension all season long, and that LSU made it to the championship game anyway? So much for your theory about LSU being easy on the grades. As for arrest headlines, you might want to direct your accusation at OSU QB Antonio Henton, who was arrested for soliciting a prostitute.
Try not to embarrass yourself next time, please.
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Let’s just say I know the facts, and yes I know a few of the guys really well and personally. So don’t go where you don’t know. and who cares about 1 palyer from OSU?
Edit Comment Cancel
Connor Hennessey about 1 year ago
great article...misspelled TRIDON holliday
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
"Let’s just say I know the facts, and yes I know a few of the guys really well and personally. So don’t go where you don’t know. and who cares about 1 palyer from OSU?"
LOL - well let's just say you're a bitter USC fan who wants to make us all believe that you "know a few of the guys really well and personally," so again, don't embarrass yourself like you just did again.
Understand? Good.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.