LSU Football: 5 Reasons the Offense Will Be Better Next Season

The LSU Tigers offense finished fifth in the SEC in total offense in 2011, and in 2012, they will be better.

How much better? Well, don't expect them to be an offensive team, considering how talented their defense is. But at the same time, this offense will be much more explosive than last season's.

With a new quarterback that will allow the Tigers to open things up, they will be a better offensive team, and these are the reasons why.

Upgrade at Quarterback

Finally, the Tigers will have a prolific-style quarterback under center again.

When Zach Mettenberger takes the snap from center, the Tigers will have a quality quarterback that is more than capable of spreading the football around.

When I would attend LSU football games last season, I would watch Mettenberger warm up, and it wasn't hard to see that this guy has the best arm on the team. He would sling it down the field on target, and it looked like he simply flung his wrist.

Tiger fans are excited about Mettenberger starting at quarterback, and with good reason.

Experienced Offensive Line

The offensive line was a strong point for the Tigers in 2011, and they're returning an experienced group in 2012.

Assuming that P.J. Lonergan, Josh Dworaczyk, Alex Hurst, Chris Faulk and Josh Williford will be the starters on the offensive line, the five total 105 career starts between them.

These linemen proved in 2011 that they can create holes for the running backs, and the Tigers averaged 202.6 yards rushing per game. That's an incredible stat, and with these hog-mollies returning, Tiger fans can expect another grueling rushing attack in 2012.

Deepest Running Back Rotation in the Country

The Tigers will undoubtedly have the best running back rotation in the country next season. Anyone who disputes that is completely out of their minds, and I have the stats to prove it. In 2011, the Tigers have four running backs that have rushed for seven touchdowns or more, and they all return to the team.

Kenny Hilliard and Spencer Ware rushed for eight touchdowns, while Michael Ford and Alfred Blue had seven touchdowns. As if that wasn't enough, the Tigers have another quality backup in Terrence Magee, who had 133 yards rushing and a touchdown.

Not to mention that the Tigers are getting one of the best running back prospects in the country in Jeremy Hill. The Tigers have six deep running backs that are all capable of having a game-changing impact on any given Saturday.

The Rise of Jarvis Landry and James Wright

Jarvis Landry and James Wright are poised for a breakout season.

Because the Tigers were a run dominant team and had Jordan Jefferson at quarterback, Landry and  Wright rarely caught the football in 2011. Wright had five catches for 41 yards, and Landry had four catches for 43 yards.

But once Mettenberger steps in, fans can expect these two receivers' productivity to improve dramatically.

Opening the Offense Up

Can we all just take this moment and say good riddance Jordan Jefferson? Not that I want to sour in the past, but his tenure at LSU was beyond frustrating. The offense had to adapt to his abilities, and because of his reluctance to get rid of the football on time and his poor-decision making, he weighed the offense down.

Now that the Tigers have Zach Mettenberger ready to shine, the Tigers will be more open to throwing the ball down the field.

Taking shots deep will make opposing safeties respect the pass, which will in turn help the running game. All in all, Mettenberger starting at quarterback will help the Tigers in more ways than just his production at quarterback.