Way Too Early Top 25 Poll For 2015

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17. LSU Tigers
2014 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC

Returning starters: 8 offense, 6 defense, 2 special teams

Key personnel losses: OT La'el Collins, C Elliott Porter, DE Jermauria Rasco, S Ronald Martin, DE Danielle Hunter, LB Kwon Alexander, RB Terrence Magee, CB Jalen Collins

Why they might finish higher: If LSU can fix its quarterback problem, it might be one of the most-improved teams in the country this season. The Tigers started nine freshmen and sophomores against Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl, including tailback Leonard Fournette, who was as good as advertised while running for 1,034 yards with 10 touchdowns as a freshman. Young receivers Travin Dural, Malachi Dupre, John Diarse and Trey Quinn should only continue to get better.

Why they might finish lower: Unless the Tigers can add a transfer quarterback or Anthony Jennings or Brandon Harris improve dramatically during the offseason, they'll probably continue to sputter on offense. LSU ranked 116th among FBS teams (and last in the SEC) in passing with only 162.9 yards per game. While there's a ton of talent coming back on defense, the Tigers will miss former defensive coordinator John Chavis, who left for the same position at Texas A&M. LSU's schedule in 2015 includes road games at Mississippi State, Syracuse, South Carolina, Alabama and Ole Miss.

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