re: Herbie and the ESPN machine already pushing up other teams

I think ever ones problem is that LSU has been treated as an after thought. If LSU is mentioned, they always have to remind you that Alabama is the reigning champion. Then they will talk about USC, ND, FSU. I many media talking heads minds:
Alabama





Then LSU and others. No one seems to real care how dominated LSU was last season or how much they have improved their offense.