4. LSU

2005 record: 11-2, 7-1 (1st-tie in SEC West)
2005 bowl: Beat Miami, Fla. 40-3 in Peach
2005 final AP/coaches' ranking: 6/5
Coach: Les Miles (11-2, 1 year; 39-23 overall, 5 years)
Offensive coordinator: Jimbo Fisher (7th year)
Defensive coordinator: Bo Pelini (2nd year)
Offensive scheme: Multiple
Defensive scheme: 4-3
Returning offensive starters: 7
Returning defensive starters: 5
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Stadium: Tiger (grass, 91,600)
Last league title: 2003
2006 schedule: [view]
2005 statistics: [view]

Offense: The word “depth” doesn’t do justice to the particularly cavernous well of top players that LSU seems to have at quarterback. There is returning starter JaMarcus Russell, a mercurial talent who is known for stunningly beautiful plays and equally stunning mistakes. There is Matt Flynn, who led the Peach Bowl victory against Miami. Then there is redshirt freshman Ryan Perrilloux, a slinger whose high-school exploits are Louisiana legend. Russell, who suffered a shoulder injury in the SEC Championship Game, will hold the starting job and the competition should motivate him to raise his game. At running back, there’s a tandem dripping with talent (and question marks). Alley Broussard, LSU’s leading rusher in 2004, is back after missing last season with a torn ACL. Justin Vincent, a superb freshman runner in 2003, tore his ACL on a special-teams play at the Peach Bowl. If the duo stays healthy, the Tigers might have the league’s best combination of backs. Senior wide receiver Dwayne Bowe could be the team’s top offensive weapon and he’s joined by Craig Davis, an excellent possession receiver, and big-play man Early Doucet. The offensive line lost three starters and won’t be a major strength as in years past.

Rob Carr / AP LSU junior quarterback JaMarcus Russell will feel some heat this season is he struggles since the Tigers are loaded with quality backups.

Defense: Bo Pelini, the defensive coordinator, has some star power within his unit. Free safety LaRon Landry, who considered jumping to the NFL, is one of the SEC’s top defensive players and the unquestioned leader of a veteran secondary. Landry is a head-hunter whose blitzing ability is practically without peer. Cornerbacks Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon, experienced in the nickel package, are more than capable coverage men. Junior weakside linebacker Ali Highsmith should emerge as a top performer. The defensive line will be paced by junior tackle Glenn Dorsey, although senior end Chase Pittman has showed signs of stepping up his game. LSU’s defense allowed an average of 266.9 yards per game last season, third in the national rankings. 

Specialists: Punt returner Skyler Green finally has departed, so SEC coaches can exhale. For just a moment. Introducing true freshman Trindon Holliday, a mighty-mite electrifying talent who should make things equally exciting. When speedster Xavier Carter opted for full-time track and field over football, it opened the kickoff return chores to a host of candidates. Chris Jackson returns as the place-kicker and punter.

Game of the year Oct. 2 vs. Texas at Dallas Didn’t Bob Stoops used to own the Longhorns? The Sooners once had a five-game winning streak against Texas. No more. Now the Sooners have dropped four of the last five meetings against their rivals, but this season’s game could represent a rite of passage in the Big 12 South.

Coaching: The amiable Les Miles was quite a departure from all-business Nick Saban. In his first season, Miles faced almost unthinkable preseason adversity (Hurricane Katrina), going from a heartwarming road rally to start the season (winning at Arizona State), followed immediately by a world-class meltdown at home (surrendering a 21-0 lead and losing to Tennessee in overtime). This season should bring more of a normal landscape. 

Heisman hopefuls: Probably no realistic candidates, partly because LSU’s offense is so diverse.

Overview: LSU nearly became SEC champions, but lost in the league title game, getting blown out by Georgia. The disappointment was somewhat erased when the Tigers scorched elite opponent Miami 40-3 at the Peach Bowl. It’s hard to complain about an 11-2 season. But the bottom line is LSU could have — probably SHOULD have — gone to a BCS bowl. The recruiting talent level, begun by Saban and continued by Miles, is amazing. LSU shouldn’t take a back seat to anyone in the SEC — or to many other teams in the nation.