2008 record: 8-5, 3-5 (3rd in SEC West)
2008 bowl: Beat Georgia Tech 38-3 in Chick-fil-A
2008 final AP/coaches' ranking: Unranked
Coach: Les Miles (42-11, 5 years; 70-32 overall, 8 years)
Offensive coordinator: Gary Crowton (3rd year)
Defensive coordinators: John Chavis (1st year)
Returning offensive starters: 7
Returning defensive starters: 7
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Stadium: Tiger Stadium (grass; 92,400)
Last league title: 2007
2009 schedule: [view]
2009 roster: [view]
2008 statistics: [view]

Offensive: LSU went into the offseason feeling much better about its offense following the emergence of sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who looked terrific in the 38-3 stomping of Georgia Tech at the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Jefferson, mobile and exciting, can make plays with his legs. There is great suspicion whether he can make big plays with his arm. But considering LSU’s array of skill-position players, that might not be necessary. Senior running back Charles Scott returns to a deep backfield after churning out 1,174 yards and an SEC-best 18 touchdowns. There’s a trio of superb pass-catchers in senior wide receiver Brandon LaFell (63 receptions), junior wide receiver Terrance Toliver and senior tight end Richard Dickson, a consistent threat with 31 receptions for five touchdowns. The offensive line has a nice foundation with three returning starters, including tackles Ciron Black and Joe Barksdale, along with promising sophomore center T-Bob Hebert, who is coming off a knee injury. 

Defensive: Things need to change drastically. Last season, for the first time in program history, two teams scored at least 50 points against LSU (while Mississippi and Arkansas each put 31 points on the board). LSU’s defensive line must return to its relentless 2007 form and the key players will be senior defensive tackle Charles Alexander and senior defensive end Rahim Alem, who had eight sacks and earned All-SEC honors despite being a non-starter last season. Senior linebacker Perry Riley hopes to build upon his 11-tackle MVP performance at LSU’s bowl game. The secondary needs to improve its play-making ability (only eight interceptions last season). The talent is certainly there with junior free safety Chad Jones, along with stickout cornerbacks Jai Eugene and Chris Hawkins.

Specialists: Trindon Holliday, a 5-foot-5, 164-pound mighty-mite, is the only player in LSU history to return two kickoffs for touchdowns. His exceptional speed and open-field running ability make LSU’s special teams especially dangerous. There’s a new place-kicker in junior Josh Jasper and a new punter in junior-college transfer Derek Helton.

Coaching: It was the most trying season during Les Miles’ tenure at LSU, but things appear to be on the upswing. The 38-3 bowl victory against Georgia Tech helped considerably. But so did the shakeup of Miles’ defensive staff, leading to the hiring of defensive coordinator John Chavis, formerly of Tennessee. Some have been critical of Miles, saying he should have gotten more from his program (and sure enough, the talent is still flowing with another top-rated recruiting class). But he has made some moves and believes last season’s flat finish (losses in three of the last four games) was an aberration.  

Heisman Hopefuls: There are no realistic hopefuls, although Scott might get some secondary mention if he lives up to expectations.

Game of the year Nov. 7 at Alabama It’s Saban Bowl III – and the Tigers want some revenge after last season’s 27-21 home OT defeat to the Crimson Tide. LSU will continue to measure itself against Alabama, particularly with former Tigers coach Nick Saban patrolling the opposing sideline.

Overview: The SEC West is murder this season. But LSU has the pedigree to outlast Mississippi and Alabama. Offensively, the Tigers will be formidable. The defense is talented as usual, but a bit thin in spots. The Tigers have some rough patches on the schedule — including road dates at Mississippi and Alabama — but Jefferson’s anticipated maturation should be enough to make LSU the class of its division (and maybe a lot more).

Next up: No. 11 Penn State

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