re: This makes me sick.

I think they are all laying it on a bit thick. However, outside of a few who are either known for detailed analysis or just pulling stuff out of their behinds, most of these guys play it safe. They look at recent trends, last season's results, and give a little credit for some improvement or incoming freshmen. And that's pretty much it.

For example, most analysts gave LSU TOO much credit heading into last season. There was concern about depth and inexperience along the front 7. However, several analysts gave LSU some benefit of the doubt due to Chavis and past player development. As for the offense, everyone knew Jennings and Harris were a step down from Mett, but they gave credit due to Cam's success in his first year, and because of Fournette.

Most of these guys were saying 9-3 heading into last year, which was pretty reasonable. It didn't end up being far off, but I think most of these guys were shocked at just how poor the LSU offense was, and how long it took Fournette to get going. The early losses to MSU and AU, especially the way they went down, left a mark. And the down the stretch losses against Arkansas and ND amplified the concerns.

So, now the play it safe analysts see a downward trend. And that's ALL they see. They don't watch every game in its entirity. They've probably seen a lot of LF's late highlights and expect plenty from him, but I think most of these guys are short selling just how good LSU's WRs, OL, and secondary are. They also don't seem to be giving much weight to the improvement of the defensive center, or the potential of the entire front four under guy like Orgeron.

As for the QB situation, I don't think anyone will give LSU any benefit of the doubt there until someone steps up and makes them. I think we all know that Harris can do that. He just needs to do it, and then they will all be slobbering all over him. But until he does, criticism is justified after last year.

A lot of us tend to look on the bright side of the potential of this year's team. Some won't share that view, but after seeing the flashes and sparks scattered among the hard knocks and disappointments, I feel like this is a bounceback season. There really is a lot of talent here if the coaching staff can finally get things to line up for the first time since 2011. When you take into account that this is really the first "complete" team since then, there is cause for optimism. This is the first squad in 4 years to have experience and at least adequate depth on both sides of the ball.

The bottom line is, if the Tigers come out and play to their talent in the first three games, the bandwagon won't be big enough to hold the jumpers. That's the beauty of having to play the game. This team has the opportunity to get pissed off and make everyone eat their words. Here's to them doing just that.