Per Olin Buchanon -- Rivals College Football Sr. writer

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What are your major concerns - other than quarterback - about LSU being in the BCS title hunt?
Barney in Las Vegas

LSU likely will be ranked among the top five in preseason polls and definitely will be in the BCS hunt. But I do have reservations about them making it to New Orleans for the national championship game.

Yes, quarterback is the major concern. Jordan Jefferson has been inconsistent throughout his career. He could make significant strides as a senior; many quarterbacks have. He should benefit from working with new coordinator Steve Kragthorpe.

I also have doubts about the defense. The Tigers were good in 2010, but it's not like they shut down every team they faced. Arkansas and Ole Miss both scored more than 30 points. North Carolina was inside the 5-yard line with a chance to win on the final play of the game.

How can LSU lose three all-conference players (Nevis, Peterson and Sheppard) and not have some kind of decline? Sure, talented players will follow them, but is Peterson's successor going to be as good? I have my doubts.

The schedule also is a concern. We all know LSU is the only team to win a BCS national championship with two losses, but that's not likely to happen again.

LSU opens in Arlington, Texas, against Oregon, which also projects as a possible preseason top-five team. The Tigers also have early road games against Mississippi State and West Virginia and later face Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Home games against Florida and Arkansas won't be picnics, either.

Going unbeaten against that schedule is a tall task, especially for a team with an inconsistent quarterback and big stars to replace on defense.

Again, LSU will be in the BCS hunt. But I wouldn't be surprised if the Tigers lost two or three games, either.

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