Oklahoma - 11-2 (both losses to less talented big 12 teams)

Miami - 12-1 (very easy Big East schedule; Florida State and Florida were not very good teams each having 5 losses that year)

Ohio State - 11-2 (both losses to less talented big 10 teams)

LSU - 9-3 (loss to Iowa in bowl game)

USC - 12-1 (very easy and overrated PAC-10 schedule; highest ranked team played was Notre Dame)

Texas - 10-3

Florida - 9-4

LSU - currently 5-2 (5 games to be played)

This year is a rebuilding year for the Tigers. It would have been great to "repeat," but the SEC is a tough conference in which to play. I believe the last team to repeat as SEC champions was Tennessee in 1997 and 1998. Realistically, this LSU team is looking at a 9-3 or 8-4 regular season record. With some luck, however, this team could go 10-2 (assuming we take care of business against Tulane and Troy)! If LSU plays solid games, we will beat Alabama, Ole Miss and Arkansas.

In my opinion, the biggest differences between this team and the NC team is: (1) Matt Flynn (redshirt SR) was much more experienced, a better playmaker, and a better decision-maker than Lee (redshirt FR) at this point in Lee's career; (2) RJF/Alexander/Favorite have not been able to replace the loss of Dorsey in the middle; (3) our current stable of young, inexperienced CBs/DBs are not performing up to the quality of play we saw from Steltz/Jackson/Zenon who are NFL-caliber players; and (4) it APPEARS to me that the defense lacks the leadership of upperclassmen we are accustomed to seeing on past LSU defenses.

This is a young and talented team with much upside. I believe this LSU team will improve as the season progresses. Perhaps I am being optimistic, but I believe this team's best football lies ahead. I believe, with game experience and continued physical development, Lee will become a better quarterback and Eugene and Hawkins will get better in pass coverage. Lee has to work on reading defenses and identifying blitz packages. Eugene and Hawkins need to work on improving technique. The sky is the limit for Patrick Peterson and Chad Jones. Karnell Hatcher has the opportunity to be something special. Most importantly, in order for this team to win out the year, the QB (whoever is playing at the time) must stop turning the ball over and the defensive line must become more physical at the point of attack and must stop being beaten at the line of scrimmage!

Thanks.