Is optimism for 2013 football = delusional homerism?

if we go 9-3, i'd be very satisfied.

I'd like to think that the winner of the sec west will have 2 loses this season, giving us a legit chance at getting to atlanta. Then, I take another look at bama's schedule and reality sets in.

My first thought is that with this schedule we will lose a couple games. Although I think it's wrong to say the defense collapsed last year bc the defense played well against clemsons offense.

But then 2011 gives me hope. That schedule was just as tough and I expected 3-4 losses then too.

We are at the point where we shouldnt expect too much drop off from one season to the next.

Essentially ur 2 most important defensive ciaches are still here. Haley and Chavis.

Bama won back to back titles, and i believe the 11 tean was better than the 12 team.

So no its nit delusional. The delusion comes from fans thinkung we lose 4 games, then want the coach fired for losing 1.

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So is the optimism warranted or are we being a bunch of homers by expecting a good season?

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I think our D will be very good but I would be surprised if they look like an elite top 5 top D. If Coach Cameron can get Zach comfortable making 10-15 yard quick throws, with Odell and Landry in the slots where they belong, a healthy and good OL, I see no reason why our shot at ATL isn't as good as any one else. We lost by a score to UF and UA, beat A&M by a score. There isn't the separation that some perceive.

Nope. With Chavis being confident, I'm confident. As per an advocate article from yesterday:

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“I think the first 11 we put on the field will be as good as any in the country,” Chavis said. “The thing we’ve got to do is build that depth.” Depth also took a hit with the loss of players like senior defensive end Lavar Edwards, also drafted in the fifth round by the Tennessee Titans. But despite that, Chavis didn’t shy away from expectations born by having the nation’s eighth-ranked total defense last year. “I’m excited,” Chavis said. “We’ve recruited well enough to have expectations. Tradition doesn’t graduate. It’s still here.”

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I think people are forgetting that he have had major turnover on Defense before, lost tons of talent on defense before, and had very good defenses with less overall talent than this one.

Don't forget we had a championship caliber defense in 2009, 2010, 2011, and ill go ahead and say 2012.

The change in OC and the returning offensive talent is cause to be otimistic,

IN CHAVIS WE TRUST

Just look at the two deep.
And then tell me you still feel bad.
Sure we are losing guys, but damn we have some young talent.

I think 2013 will be the "calm before the storm." LSU lately had been pretty much enshrined by the media as one of the very best college football programs - and rightfully so. The staple has been great defense, special teams, and mediocre offense. With all the defensive players we lost to the NFL it's natural for everyone to expect a rebuilding season on defense. That's o.k.

LSU "should" be a juggernaut offensively (and I don't say this tongue and cheek). We have a legitimate pro-style (pro-bound) QB running the offense in his 2nd year. We have quality and depth at all the skill positions. Pass blocking will need to be at a premium. With a pro-style offensive coordinator who will actually call a screen pass every now and then and maybe a few end arounds we will/should outscore everyone on the schedule - except maybe ATM.

By the time the Tigers get their rotations set on defense after TCU, UAB, and Kent State it will be time for the experienced offense and game-ready defense to bring their A games for 1st round of SEC action against Aub, UGA, and MState. Assuming..... LSU somehow manages to post all W's in the first half of the seaon then it's "ON" for 2nd half of season.

Florida will be another quality game in Tiger Stadium and then it's Ole Miss and Furman. Let's arse-u-me again that we are hitting on all cylinders and go into last gauntlet of season unscratched on the scoreboard and healthy.

Bye week and then the Crimson Tide. Most people give us a pretty solid "L" in that game but if we're 9-0 I don't think the Tigers will be so accommodating. Then it's another bye week and no matter how the 'Bama game plays out the ATM game will be huge from a national implication standpoint. Great scheduling by the way for LSU! Ark. awaits following Sat. (not Friday) in Tiger Stadium to conclude regular season.

If the Tigers can make it 11-1 with their schedule they will/should have a great chance to be considered for BCS title again. Going to take a lot of maturity early for the team but very possible. We all know Miles recruits the best players in the county. Looking forward to 2013 season already! Geaux Tigers!

Kiper doesn't think we finish top 10.

I say 12 to 20