Spring Game: What Tiger Fans Need to See on Saturday

For some teams, spring practice is just getting started.  For LSU, it will come to a close on Saturday, when the Tigers hold their National L Club Spring Football Game at Tiger Stadium.

The defending SEC champs will likely litter preseason top-five lists, but that doesn't mean that all is well in Baton Rouge.  Here are a few things to keep an eye on during LSU's spring game.

Can Quarterback Zach Mettenberger Kick-Start the Offense?

The quarterback position has been a sore spot for the Tigers ever since Ryan Perrilloux was dismissed shortly before the 2008 season, but junior college transfer Zach Mettenberger was brought in to fix that.

He's already received rave reviews from wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Russell Shepard, but we've heard this same song and dance before.  Last season, we heard that Jordan Jefferson had matured as a quarterback and was set for a great season, and that didn't exactly end well.

If Mettenberger has developed chemistry with his wide receivers, he needs to show it at the spring game.  It's not exactly a "big stage," but it's a bigger stage than LSU's previous spring scrimmages, where he has performed well.  

His goal: make smart decisions and show the ability to hit a deep ball or two.

How Will the Defense Replace Morris Claiborne?

Tyrann Mathieu got all of the publicity last season, but cornerback Morris Claiborne was the true star of LSU's defense.  Now that Claiborne is gone, Mathieu will be counted on to lead the Tigers secondary.  

But can he handle it?  

Mathieu was picked on by Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron in the BCS National Championship Game, and that will likely continue until he can prove that he can be the No. 1 guy.

Tharold Simon will likely start opposite Mathieu in the Tiger secondary, and at 6'3", Simon certainly has the size that Mathieu lacks.  

There's no doubt that LSU's secondary is one of the most talented groups in the country, but watching how defensive coordinator John Chavis mixes and matches his pieces will be intriguing.  

Who's Going to Be the Leader of the Defense?

The secondary had the "sizzle" last season, but the "steak" was in the linebacking corps.  Outside linebacker Ryan Baker was the unquestioned leader of LSU's defense, but without him, LSU needs another defensive quarterback.

Enter: Kevin Minter.

Minter's playing time has steadily increased throughout his two years in Baton Rouge, and now he's being counted on to be the star.  He finished sixth on the team with 61 tackles a year ago, so he's got plenty of experience under his belt.

Will the Lack of TV Make Things More Interesting?

Coaches have become wary of giving away too much information during spring games, especially spring games that are televised live.  LSU is going old school this spring, going "radio only."  

Will that have an impact on the game itself?  I would certainly think so.  

LSU's main problem in the BCS National Championship Game was that it was incredibly predictable on offense, and not allowing live video could allow for some more creative play-calling from offensive coordinator Greg Studrawa.

Better late than never.

Click here to see the rosters for LSU's spring game.

Follow @BarrettSallee