re: LSU #13 in USA Today Coaches Poll

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However it matters how high you are ranked to start the year. Teams ranked highly can afford a loss more so than those that are not. The Alabama ranking is laughable, clearly because of their name only. They lost a LOT of players this past year, and they haven't named a QB as well. That, however, doesn't seem to sway the media. Yet all you hear about LSU from SOME analysts is that they don't have a QB....you don't hear they return 16 starters, including Fournette, Dupre, Quinn, Harris, Godcheaux, and Adams, just to name some of the returning TF who have a chance to really blossom with the experience they gained. I think LSU will make a statement in a big way on the road against State and then follow it up at home with a dominating performance against Auburn.....then its on.

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Should Bama be ranked #3? Arguably not. But you're right, they do get the benefit of name recognition. Like it or not, you get the benefit of the doubt when you finish in the top 1-4 teams in the country 6 of the last 7 years. That's just the way it is.

With the playoffs now in place, the preseason polls now more than every are basically nothing more than just the starting gate assignments. I don't give a shite if LSU starts #3, #13, or #113. They have a whole season to earn their way to the top. If you don't like the "poll bias" given to other conference rivals, then do something about it. Beat them on the field!