LSU .
Prediction: Winner SEC West: I se Aub as being down this year, Arky has to struggle after all the offseason turmoil, and Bama will be improved, but not there yet.
Biggest ??: QB, experience at WR, OL depth, and both safety positions. I question Les Miles' ability on game day.
Strengths: RB, DL, LB, CB and the starting OL.
I posted this the other night in another thread. Hopefully, you find it helpful:
I have been concerned with Matt Flynn's lack of game experience, but for years -- particularly in the Saban era -- I have been told by those close to the program that Matt Flynn is the better QB for this team (over Jamarcus russel) based on his overall decision-making, his ability to think on the move, and his willingness to make 1st downs with his legs. I am hearing very good things about his play this spring and summer, which is why I am gaining confidence in this team heading into the season. Still, Flynn is the #1 concern on this football team, especially because of the new OC after playing under Jimbo Fisher for the past 4 seasons. BTW, I feel that Jimbo Fisher is a great recruiter, but an average OC. I am very pleased to have Crowton.
Despite his 25-4 record as a starter and his excellent record vs ranked opponents, Jamarcus Russel made bad decisions regularly in BIG games. Whether or not he led a comeback victory, he was often the reason the team was behind. If Flynn can do what sometimes proved difficult for Russel, then this team could roll offensively.
Flynn will hand the ball to several quality RBs, who will run behind an excellent starting OL. Keiland Williams appears to me the 1 to look out for as a potential breakout RB, but RB by committee has been the course of action at LSU for years so Scott, Jackson and Hester should also be in the mix. 2-string at OL features VERY little experience and all american candidate Will Arnold has struggled w/ injuries throughout his career. OL depth is a major concern, partially because Saban abandoned the OL in 2 of his last 3 recruiting classes and partially because multiple backup linemen were kicked off of the team this offseason.
WR talent is there, including 5* T Tolliver and former 5* Early Doucet. Doucet played for 3 years behind 2 eventual 1RD draftees, and should have a very good season. By all accounts, Tolliver is a star in the making. Experience is a concern at WR after Doucet. TE's should be solid and deep.
Defensively, I still think the LSU front 7 will be the best in the nation, with the LBs being severely underrated nationally. The playing rotation of DTs and DEs is very impressive. I know I wrote about this LY, but I think Darry Beckwith is the best LB on the team from what I've seen. He is a bit short in stature, but his closing burst is awesome. This will be his Jr season, and I bet he makes a big splash.
The CBs are experienced and solid. Both are willing to step up and put a hat on a ball carrier, but Jackson more-so. Big time losses at safety are a huge ??. Daniels and Landry are gone, and with them a combined 90 starts. I am not sold on Craig Steltz at SS, despite his 4 ints LY and his current status as a hometown hero in New Orleans.
We'll know a bunch more about this team heading into week 3, but as of now, I would look at backing MSU and VT against this LSU team in weeks 1 and 2. Heck, VT +9 looks easy at this point.
GL:weed:
