ESPN's 2014 Power Rankings

ESPN assembled a 13-member committee to come up with its most recent College Football Top 25 Power Rankings, and LSU is ranked No.13. Here is what they had to say about the Tigers:

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What's a reasonable expectation from a bunch of freshmen playing in the toughest division in college football? LSU coach Les Miles will be able to answer that question by the end of the season -- because he'll probably have first-time performers all over the field this fall.

We're talking about key players at running back (No. 1 overall prospect Leonard Fournette), receivers (Malachi Dupre and Trey Quinn), defensive line (take your pick from a big group of redshirts and true freshmen), safety (Jamal Adams) and the possible starting quarterback (early enrollee Brandon Harris). Talent is definitely not an issue -- the Tigers' 2014 signing class ranked second in ESPN's recruiting rankings -- but a typically demanding SEC West slate, a visit to Florida and an opener against Wisconsin provide little opportunity for the youngsters to develop in a low-pressure environment.

LSU returns four starters on the offensive line and has a solid core back from a defense that showed promise toward the end of 2013. But the key factor this season will be whether the many inexperienced Tigers can perform like veterans this season. They're going to contend for championships, but it might not be until 2015 or 2016 if the youngsters experience typical growing pains.

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Complete Power Rankings:

1. Florida State
2. Alabama
3. Oklahoma
4. Oregon
5. Auburn
6. Ohio State
7. Michigan State
8. UCLA
9. South Carolina
10. Stanford
11. Baylor
12. Georgia
13. LSU
14. USC
15. Notre Dame
16. Clemson
17. Wisconsin
18. Texas A&M
19. Ole Miss
20. Washington
21. North Carolina
22. Nebraska
23. UCF
24. Texas
25. TCU