The 4 Questions for 2017

1) Offensive issues - The last 5 years are hard to shed, and most pundits just will not believe that the LSU system and QB combo can excel.

2) Coach O is unproven - The win over Louisville is great, as are the interim performance at USC and at LSU last year. However, folks will still include the Ole Miss HC tenure negatively even though others will view that as his mulligan, and that he is now a much different coach and person.

3) Defensive NFL departures - This is less of a question, but each year LSU re-loads after losing that quantity of studs leaves a question in some peoples minds.

4) Offensive Line injuries/departures - We are thin, and have had lots of defections. Crossing fingers on Clapp and Weathersby now, but any early season injuries will get us close to crisis.

Now, lets assess each question with the last 2 seasons as a reference for comparison;

1) The Offense is highly likely to be more productive than the either of the last 2 seasons. NET = Improvement

2) Coach O may have a lot to prove, but his CEO formula and upgrades of coaches, are highly likely to yield better than either of the last 2 years. yes, he is part of the compare with 2016, but he has had a full off-season and much of last year to learn and install his empowerment formula with Aranda and Canada. Net = Improvement

3) Defense - Aranda will be in year 2, but we lost a lot of LB and DB talent and leadership. However, the D Line is likely to be more talented and more deep. Then there are Delpit, Kary Vincent and other studs coming in. NET = Same

4) Offensive Line - Hmmm. Deculus is extremely talented, but will we lean on him too much as a true freshman. Clapp and Weathersby must return. Injury susceptibility is a big concern. Also of concern is a new style and possibly more need for mobile Oline movement. Does this increase chance of exhaustion and injury, or is that a wash? Also to be considered is that the Oline has not been world savers in the last 2 years, so is the injury concern worth fretting over this much?
NET = slight decrease

SUMMARY: The 4 listed areas are the issues which have folks hesitant to put LSU in the top contender category, with Bama, Auburn in the West,for the SEC championships and as a true NC contender. Yet, the Offense/QB and HC will be upgraded (given/assuming my assessment, FWIW), with the Arandas D on par with last years as the year matures, and the Oline being the one area of most concern.

I am not counting the schedule, because despite the UF trip being unexpected, it actually works out not really differently in terms of the "gauntlet effect".

If the above is valid (or close), it will all hinge on the Oline health/depth/performance.

Say your novenas for the Oline, and Geaux Tigers!