LSU Spring Game 2012: Tigers' Most Important Preseason Position Battles to Watch

The college football season may seem like it's ages away from starting, but with spring games getting into full swing, there is reason to be excited. The LSU Tigers will have their annual spring game on Saturday, and there is plenty to be resolved in terms of position battles.

LSU spent the vast majority of last season as the top-ranked team in the country and was undefeated before falling to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the national championship game. The Tigers seem likely to be contenders to win it all this season, but with several key players moving on to the NFL or graduating, there is some uncertainty, particularly on offense.

Here are three position battles that bear watching for the entire preseason, but especially during the team's spring game this weekend.

Starting Quarterback - Zach Mettenberger vs. Stephen Rivers vs. Jerrard Randall

It would be fair to say that LSU's Achilles' heel last season was its quarterback play. Thanks to a dominant defense and strong running game, the Tigers were able to thrive despite that during the regular season, but it ultimately cost them a national championship. Neither Jordan Jefferson nor Jarrett Lee were anything special, but they had experience in pressure-packed situations and that will be tough to replace.

The leader in the clubhouse is junior Zach Mettenberger, who originally attended Georgia before leaving for Butler Community College in Kansas. He hasn't had much playing time in major college football, but he appears to have all the tools. The job is far from locked up, though, as redshirt freshmen Stephen Rivers and Jerrard Randall are in the hunt as well. As long as Mettenberger doesn't crumble, he should win the job, but Saturday's spring game will be pivotal for him.

Starting Running Back - Alfred Blue vs. Spencer Ware vs. Kenny Hilliard vs. Michael Ford

To say that head coach Les Miles took a by-committee approach with his running backs last season would be an understatement as he had four backs rush for at least 336 yards and four backs rush for at least seven touchdowns. That system certainly seemed to work as it kept everyone fresh and kept opposing defenses off balance, but one would think that Miles will use the spring game to help decide which one or two backs he'll trust and utilize the most.

Last season Michael Ford and Spencer Ware were the main guys as they each eclipsed 700 yards, but both Alfred Blue and Kenny Hilliard were impressive in their opportunities as well. Blue averaged nearly seven yards per carry while Hilliard averaged 5.5, so Miles may want to see what they can do with more touches. It's likely that every member of LSU's backfield quartet will be used during the regular season, but the spring game could really help to distinguish them.

Starting Wide Receiver - Russell Shepard vs. Odell Beckham, Jr. vs. Jarvis Landry

Even without stellar quarterback play last season, wide receiver Rueben Randle had a strong year as he racked up 917 yards and eight touchdowns. Randle will be playing on Sundays in 2012, however, so Miles will need to resolve his wide receiver situation. After Randle, the next best receiver last season was freshman Odell Beckham, who had just 475 yards and two scores. Aside from that, very few pass catchers were used.

Because of his solid debut campaign, Beckham figures to be one of the starters, but he'll get stiff competition from senior Russell Shepard and sophomore Jarvis Landry. Those two receivers combined for a mere 18 catches last season, but at least one of them will have to step up and become a reliable target. The early edge goes to Shepard because of his experience, but he has done absolutely nothing in his three years, so Landry may be able to supplant him.