Irrational Exuberance or Rational Expectation?

With the first game about three weeks away, the excitement is beginning to reverberate. There is good reason to be excited. Although there are realistic question marks at DE, OLB, FB, and C. Just about everyone else is coming back, and the people coming back look like they can bring a magical year.


DEFENSE

Defensive Tackles
I know what LSU has at starting DT, BEASTS. The depth is not ideal, but it should be more than adequate. The returning talent is immense, and LSU almost always seems to have a lesser known player with big production in his third year.

Defensive Ends
I don't know what kind of production LSU will get at DE. There are a lot of talented players to choose from, and I have no doubt that Coach O will teach them well and motivate them even better. LSU had only 19 sacks last year; 7 came in the SHSU game. I'm optimistic that this year will be MUCH better.

Linebackers
I know what LSU has at MLB, BEAST. I won't be saying novenas for health, but I might carry a rabbit's foot.

I feel comfortable with the talent LSU has at OLB, but I'm not sure how they will perform. Like DE, there is talent and excellent coaching. I'm optimistic.

Secondary
I know what LSU has for the secondary even if it's not clear exactly who will play where. The fuel gauge reads FULL. So much talent. SO MUCH TALENT! Shut down corners, ball-hawking safeties, speed off the edge. This level should be excellent.


OFFENSE

Offensive Line
I know what LSU has on the o-line, except for C, based on last year and the talent level. The improvement this group made over the course of last season in both technique and production has me very excited. There shouldn't be a learning curve this year. The o-line should be very good and VERY deep.

Receivers and Tight Ends
The receiving corps that was, despite their immense talent, such a weakness last year because of a lack of experience should be exactly the opposite this year. They are now, immensely talented, bigger, stronger, and experienced. There's just too much experienced talent.

I'm very excited about the TE position. It's been a LONG time since LSU has had such talented and EXPERIENCED pass-catching TEs. The Music City Bowl indicates that it could be a BIG year for the TEs.

Fullbacks and Running Backs
Probably the biggest unknown. I have very little idea what LSU has at FB, except what was revealed on the roster, the spring game, and the gauntlet drill, which is not much at all. I don't even know how much the FB will be used this year. I'm optimistic that some talented souls will fill the position. Moore is tall but not wide; Ducre could have a tremendous year; Upchurch and Mouton bring very real pass-catching ability to the position.
Holy crap. Probably the best freshmen-sophomore combo-combo in the country. The talent is wide and deep. It's going to be VERY good. Your body is not ready.

Quarterbacks
I know what LSU has for a baseline at QB, and this year should be greatly improved from last year. There is no question that Harris has GREATLY improved from last year. 2014 He finally looks ready to lead the team. Last year, he hardly looked solid enough to be an SEC QB or to last a full season. Sure enough, he suffered a near season-ending injury in his first start. He's put on good weight, and he's much stronger.

Just like Harris, Jennings has also improved from last year. LINK Neither Harris nor Jennings is perfect, but they have both shown big improvement.

According to Cameron, he learned a lot from last year. He will be able to better prepare Harris and Jennings for this year, and put them into a better position to succeed.