LSU Football 2012: Spring Game Shows Off New and Improved Offense

At the 2012 LSU spring game, Zach Mettenberger not only reassured everyone's thoughts about the upcoming season, but his performance gave further reason for Tiger fans to anticipate greatness in 2012.

Simply put, Mettenberger put on a show. He finished the game with 270 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, but the stats don't tell the entire story.

Watching Mettenberger drop back, climb in the pocket and throw one beautiful deep pass after another is something that LSU fans haven't seen in a very long time. For once, multiple receivers had big days, and you actually got to see what the playmakers on the outside could do for a change.

Speaking of those guys on the outside, they're calling themselves the Fab Five, and they certainly looked like it in the spring game.

Jarvis Landry led all receivers with 120 yards, while Odell Beckham Jr. had 115 yards and a touchdown reception.

It was LSU gorilla ball, but instead of hitting home runs out of Alex Box, Mettenberger was launching perfectly placed bombs.

I realize that it was just a spring game, but after losing to Alabama in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game 21-0, this is exactly what Tiger fans needed to see.

For the first time since Matt Flynn took snaps under center, LSU fans were able to see a real quarterback go to work, and the sky is the limit for Mettenberger and this offense in 2012.

Don't expect the philosophy of the offense to change, because LSU is a run-first team, as it should be. But with Mettenberger's accurate deep passes, teams will no longer be able to stack the box, and should they choose to do so, they will get burned.

I believe the performance exhibited during the spring game was a statement to the entire SEC, and it has put everyone on notice.

In 2012, the nation will basically see the 2011 LSU team with a quarterback that has the ability to strike fear into opposing defenses' secondaries. It's frightening for the SEC, but it's a relief for every diehard LSU fan.