2012-13 Football Previews – (SEC) – LSU Tigers
The boys from Baton Rouge had a flawless 2011 season before rival Alabama shut them out in the BCS title game, 21-0. For the balance of the campaign, LSU had a defense that might have been the only unit more imposing than Alabama’s.
SEC 2012-13 Football Previews: LSU Tigers
Coach: Les Miles
2011 Record: 13-1
LSU Gambling Odds from Bovada.lv to win BCS: 11-2
LSU Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
This season, the Tigers return several key pieces on both sides of the ball, which validates their ambition to win the SEC West, the conference outright and maybe even – this time around – the national championship.
Mike London, the University of Virginia’s coach, has nicknamed his offensive line “The Big Lovelies.” Perhaps that is a moniker more fitting of the Tigers’ front five. LSU’s O-line is going to be very big (the projected starters average 6”6, 323 lbs!) and very good. The unit will be anchored by veterans like C P.J. Lonergan, and tackles Alex Hurst and Chris Faulk. The big boys up front will pave the way for a running game that was truly effective by committee last season; four RBs had at least 300 yards rushing and at least seven TDs. Michael Ford led the way with 756 yards and seven majors, but Spencer Ware was right behind him with 707 and 8 scores.
The one concern I had with LSU last year was its lack of offensive firepower, but that didn’t really rear its ugly head until the title game. The Tigers couldn’t get anything going versus ’Bama and that is what cost them the game. In short, the passing game must improve under new starter, junior transfer Zach Mettenberger. The junior college QB originally signed with Georgia and he has every bit the look of a pocket passer. Senior WR Russell Shepard (recruited as a QB himself) returns to command the receiving unit. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Defensively, LSU was – and should continue to be – dominant. Defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo were both just shy of double-digit sacks in ’11; they both return this season. The secondary is in fantastic shape under the guidance of “Honey Badger”, junior Tyrann Mathieu (last year’s Bednarik Winner and a Heisman Trophy finalist) and safety Eric Reid. Strong safety Craig Loston is a new starter, but he was the #1 high-school prospect in the nation at his position, and CB Tharold Simon should round out the starters – he’s just 6”3 and fast, no big deal. It goes without saying that there is classic LSU athleticism on defense in 2012. The players that depart – Brandon Taylor, Ryan Baker and CB Morris Claiborne specifically – should be adequately replaced because Miles always keeps the cupboards well-stocked on the recruiting trail.
On special teams, look for K Drew Alleman to battle out Florida’s Caleb Sturgis as the best kicker in the conference. Both could be Groza Award finalists. Punter Brad Wing is also outstanding.
2012-13 LSU Football Prediction: 13-1
The Tigers must travel to a couple aggravating locales (“The Swamp” at Florida and “The 13th Man” at College Station vs. Texas A&M come to mind) but they should still be favored in most, if not all, of their games. With the aforementioned front five and a deep stable of RBs, we know the LSU run game will be potent; if the passing game can close the disparity between the two, the Tigers are going to be profoundly hard to beat. LSU gets Alabama at home and Florida may not be all the way back to where it was a few seasons ago, so I predict that LSU will mimic last season; it will win out until it comes time for the BCS title.
2012 Schedule
9/1/12 TBD NOTEX
9/8/12 TBD WASH
9/15/12 TBD IDAHO
9/22/12 TBD @AUB
9/29/12 TBD TOW
10/6/12 TBD @FLA
10/13/12 TBD SOCAR
10/20/12 TBD @TXAM
11/3/12 8:00 PM ET ALAB
11/10/12 TBD MISST
11/17/12 TBD MISS
11/23/12 2:30 PM ET @ARK
