re: Rate your enthusiasm for the 2021 LSU football season, 1-10

For several reasons, an arguably overly-enthusiastic 9 (in no particular order of importance):

1. The coaches and players shall have a much better idea of how to plan, prepare, travel, and practice, negotiating CV-19 protocols.

2. Players will be accustomed to stadiums with a scarcity of fans and having to solely manufacture their own game-time energy (a huge change for returning players early last season) and to a bland, day-to-day university life.

3. Overall, the team will be - more or less - “fully stocked,” not losing 20 players to the NFL (drafted and undrafted free agents) and likely incurring few to no opt-outs due to fear and uncertainty.

4. Continuity on the offensive line, with four of five starters returning.

5. Entire defensive line returning, while adding a five-star true freshman.

6. Two All-American cornerbacks, both ball-hawks with excellent hands.

7. Three returning quarterbacks, who all received multiple opportunities to start and saw significant playing time (all during SEC play).

8. Two highly recruited freshman (and much needed) safeties.

9. A battle-tested and All-American caliber kicker.

10. A full season of starts and snaps for Kayshon Boutte.