The LSU Tigers finished last season 13-1 and won a share of the national championship (with USC) after they defeated Oklahoma 21-14 in the Sugar Bowl. The Tigers feel like they deserved to win the entire championship since they won the “national title” game but they’re ready to build in 2004 with another strong season. The team lost seven starters to the NFL draft and another three to graduation but is still favored to win the SEC along with Georgia and should win another ten games this season and make a top notch bowl game in late December or early January. Coach Nick Saban will have this group ready to perform in each game this year and earn the #3 ranking in my pre-season poll.

Last year, freshman running back Justin Vincent finished with 1,001 yards and 10 TDs and also earned the MVP awards in both the SEC Championship Game and the Sugar Bowl. He had a game-record 201 rushing yards and two scores against favored Georgia in the SEC title game and another 117 yards and a touchdown in the national title game against Oklahoma. Vincent will have to share time with other backs this year but could still be one of the top backs in the nation. Wide receiver Skyler Green will step in to replace Michael Clayton and Devery Henderson in addition to being a superb return specialist. The offensive line is strong and will be anchored by center Ben Wilkinson. Safety LaRon Landry has the talent and potential to lead the defense but this year will see cornerback Corey Webster and defensive end Marcus Spears take over on the defensive side of the ball. Webster is a senior who was a unanimous first-team All-SEC selection and a first-team All-America choice by the American Football Coaches Association and could play some at receiver this year. Spears could be an All-American this year since he’s one of the most athletic defensive linemen in the nation.

The team lost quarterback Matt Mauck after he surprised the team and entered the draft after his junior season, but running back Justin Vincent came on strong late last year and will need to lead the team as the passing game gains experience. The Tigers have a difficult schedule with a lot of big games on the road but if they can get through the middle of the season, they’re chances in the SEC are great. The team opens at home to Oregon State and Arkansas State before traveling to Auburn on September 18. After a home game to Mississippi State, LSU travels to Georgia and Florida on back to back weeks on October 2 and 9. The Tigers finish with home games against Troy State, Vanderbilt, Alabama, and Mississippi before finishing the season at Arkansas on November 26. The Tigers should win the SEC West and will likely meet up with the Georgia Bulldogs again in the SEC title game before playing in a bowl game. If the Tigers can run the table, there’s no doubt they’ll appear in their second consecutive championship game.

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