re: Congrats O first year finished 18th in nation. What about Herman and Jimbo.

ESPN Way Too Early Poll has LSU at # 23.

23. LSU

2017 record: 9-4, 6-2 SEC
Returning starters: Six offense, eight defense, two special teams

Key losses: WR D.J. Chark, OT K.J. Malone, QB Danny Etling, WR Russell Gage, LB Arden Key, DE Christian LaCouture, NT Greg Gilmore,

Outlook: The Tigers were up and down in coach Ed Orgeron's first season, beating Auburn and falling to Mississippi State (by 30 points), Troy (at home) and Notre Dame (in the Citrus Bowl). LSU's issues in 2017 were the same as they were under former coach Les Miles: The Tigers struggled to pass the ball and score. It won't be any easier in 2018, with Etling departing and junior tailback Derrius Guice probably turning pro.

Orgeron made a change at offensive coordinator, parting ways with Matt Canada after one season, and Orgeron might turn to tight ends coach Steve Ensminger to be his OC in 2018. At least LSU secured defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who received a four-year, $10 million contract, the highest ever for an FBS assistant, after Texas A&M tried to hire him away.

The Tigers will play a nonconference game against Miami in Arlington, Texas, next season, along with road games at Auburn, Florida and Texas A&M.