re: Does anybody honestly believe LSU will be better next year?

I don't see a big improvement in the defense bc I think the biggest problem is lack of talent. Yes, these players will improve their knowledge of the scheme, but that does not change the fact that they are just not big/strong/fast enough to compete at a high level in the SEC. Yes, there are guys like Kendall Beckwith who will hopefully become good enough in their understanding of the defense in order to replace some of the lesser talented players, but I view him as more of the exception than the rule.