LSU Football: 7 Things That Could Hold the Tigers Back from a BCS Bid in 2012

With so much talent returning, the LSU Tigers should make a BCS bowl game in 2012, but inexperience at quarterback, among other things, could hold the Tigers back.

LSU is definitely a favorite in the SEC with talents like Tyrann Mathieu, Barkevious Mingo, Tharold Simon, Kenny Hilliard and Spencer Ware returning to the team, so fans are anxiously getting excited for the season.

However, there are a few things that the Tigers should keep an eye on that could hurt the team in the regular season.

A new starter at quarterback is certainly a thing to be aware of, and these are the obstacles that the Tigers will need to overcome to make another BCS bid.

Inexperience at Quarterback

Even though I'm incredibly high on Zach Mettenberger's abilities, there's still uncertainty at the quarterback position.

Mettenberger has all of the tools to be great, and with his strong arm, the Tigers could really open their offense up in 2012. But, you always have to worry about the productivity of a new quarterback being inserted into the offense.

Will he be able to handle the pressure? How will he adapt to the elite defenses in the SEC? These are questions that are surrounding Mettenberger entering the 2012 season.

Abscence of a Tall, Physical Wide Receiver

Losing Rueben Randle might cost the Tigers in 2012.

While the Tigers still have great weapons on the outside like Russell Shepard, Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Kadron Boone and James Wright, they lack that receiver that can go up and get it in goal-line situations.

That's why Tiger fans wanted Cordarrelle Patterson so bad, but with him going to the Tennessee Volunteers, the Tigers will have to make do with what they have.

Lack of Experience at Linebacker

The Tigers are losing a quality linebacker in Ryan Baker, and they'll need some young players to step up and play great in league play.

With opposing SEC running backs like Eddie Lacy, Marcus Lattimore, Knile Davis and Isaiah Crowell making an impact on the field, the Tigers will need their linebackers to play outstanding.

The Tigers will look at Kevin Minter to lead the group, while counting on incoming freshmen like Kwon Alexander, Lorenzo Phillips and Ronnie Feist to step up and play right away.

A Fool-Proof Game Plan

I hate to rehash old wounds, but the biggest reason for the Tigers' collapse in the BCS National Championship Game against Alabama was the game plan that Les Miles and his staff came up with.

Being close-minded and only having one method to beating an opponent probably isn't the best of ideas.

If the staff chooses to continue to protect their quarterback, run the option to the short side of the field and be reluctant to throw the ball down the field, the Tigers could find themselves in a bit of trouble.

The pieces are there for the Tigers to make another run; now it's up to the coaches and players to put it all together.

Not Having a Game-Changing Tight End

The Tigers have some good tight ends, but I wouldn't call them elite.

The New England Patriots showed what a team can do with great tight end play in 2011, and a versatile tight end has the ability to change the game with the mismatches he presents.

Chase Clement will be the starting tight end for the Tigers, and while he doesn't have that quality, the Tigers can still expect solid play from the guy.

Key Losses in the Secondary

Losing Mo Claiborne and Brandon Taylor is extremely tough.

Claiborne was a lock-down corner that would intercept passes thrown his way, and Taylor was the glue that held the secondary together.

Even though the Tigers are still strong there with players like Tyrann Mathieu, Tharold Simon, Craig Loston and Eric Reid holding down the fort, losing two quality players like that in the secondary is going to be a difficult challenge to overcome.

A Dominant SEC West

Just like in 2011, the SEC West will be tough to conquer.

The Alabama Crimson Tide and Arkansas Razorbacks will be strong once again this season, and the Auburn Tigers will be much improved.

As good as Arkansas and Alabama are, it only takes a few mistakes to lose the game. The Tigers will have to play their best football to ensure a victory.