re: LSU #11 AP Poll

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Dignan

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Alright will give you a list
1. Florida- I look for them to repeat, while they will have a target on their back they return entire 2 deep defense. Not to mention young players are are pushing the starters who are there. They replace Harvin and Mullen which will take away a bit on their offense but they have a few games to get a groove and figure out who the new playmakers are.

2. Texas- While they lost a bit on defense last year and will have to replace their best pass rusher it is not daunting task. They have the talent, players, and coordinator to maximize their potential. It helps that their offense is so good they can out score most teams.

3. USC- While I could put Oklahoma here I am not merely because I think USC will finish with a better record. Playing in Pac-10 helps them more than people realize, the conference is not as strong as others top to bottom. Each year we boast and claim someone will knock them off but each year we are wrong. They lost a lot of talent on defense but they are replacing that talent with more talent. Pete Carroll has done a great job at preparing the underclassmen for the roles they have when an upperclassman leaves. At QB, the system that USC runs has worked going back to Carson Palmer. I believe Corp or Barkley can run it as effectively as Booty if not better.

4. Oklahoma- The offensive line is the biggest question mark on the team. They replaced many of the players with young kids. If these kids can gel together they could have something special. If not they could drop a game to a very good defense. Their offense much like Texas will be able to mask a few of the flaws because it is run by a QB who is able to make the right decisions.

5. Alabama- I have stated my reasons above

6. Ohio State- Replacing 2 wide recievers is never easy but Pryor is a special talent. Look back at Pat White and no one can remember his recievers names. The defense is virtually young but it is filled with talent and players who have seen the field in meaningful playing time. Replacing heart of defense in Laurintis may prove to be difficult because he was a tackling machine.

7. Ole Miss- They are going to be led by Snead and McCluster. It will be a very good offense and a decent defense. They finished last season with very respectable numbers on offense and defense and while they lost 2 very key players in Oher and Perria the team as a whole should not suffer a great drop off. They do have a favorable schedule as they get the hardest part of schedule at home. This is also team I think could drop the furthest. They could be a complete bomb this season but I think the schedule sets up nicely.

8. Penn State- I think they will drop 2 games on the season. They are a talented group and Joe Pa is a better coach than we give him credit for. Last year's Rose Bowl run could have just been tip of iceberg as they could possibly over take Ohio State with a few breaks.

9. Oklahoma State- Gundy has built up that program and brought in a couple new coaches to help with defense. The offense like most teams in their conference is high powered and will produce a lot of points. This will ease the burden of the defense and make it more bend but do not break mold.

10. TCU- This is a surprise to many, because of conference they play in. Looking at roster and what I know I believe they will be one of best teams in country. They will have a Top 5 defense and their schedule can lead them to an undefeated season.

11. LSU- They have talent at every single position. Most of that talent is young and we will watch it grow up before our eyes. Jefferson will have his ups and downs but will be a steady player at QB, just do not expect eye popping numbers. At RB LSU has the 2 headed monster of Scott and Williams which can punish teams on the ground. Replacing 2 offensive linemen can be a bit more difficult than people expect even with the talent. The defense has a new coordinator but it got younger this season. There are studs on the line and in secondary but LB could be a weak link this year. Chavis has had success working with LB so that is a good sign. The kicking game could cost LSU a game this season. Colt David was dependable a accurate for a college kicker. He won games at LSU and he kept LSU in many games. LSU should be in every game and you will not see any blow outs but its still a young team. They should end up in a Jan 1 bowl game with 9 or 10 wins.


That is my take, I do not believe everyone will agree with me. That is why its preseason and these are opinions that can be freely discussed.