re: Realistic expectations for LSU 2014.

Best Case Scenario: 11-1, 10-2. I think we finally get over the Bama hump next season. I see the back to back weeks at Jordan-Hare and The Swamp being trap games.

Worst Cast Scenario: 8-4

Fraankly we shoudl have tried one of the other young passing quarerbacks since we were passing like mad with Mett.

Jennings will NEVER be a Mettenberger. I am very glad he was able to lead us to a win agains Arkansas but his inexperience really showed up agains Iowa.

He just handed off as he was supposed to.

11-2

Losses to Auburn and inexplicably Ole Miss/Arkansas.

We're due for Bama.

Early schedule sets up nicely for success.
Toughest games will come at the end as usual

Ok, here's my take on "realistic."
Except for Wisconsin...

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Early schedule sets up nicely for success.

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IMO it is very possible the Badgers will win; it will be like a home game for them. This is no cupcake game.
I don't see a lot of reason to think we have a really easy time with UK - they are always a very physical team (dangerous for key injuries game) - and we have left that game battered more than once (even with a win). Likewise versus Arkansas, now demoted from the Turkey Day special. They always give us hell - see this past game for example - lost Mett/took a near-miracle to win.

Toss-ups: UF, aTm, Miss
Underdog for: Alabama, Auburn
Games we have to work to lose: New Mex State, Miss State, ULM and Sam Houston State.

The "if" factors are:
1. Who stays/who goes pro early this year.
2. The next great QB scramble.
3. Does Coach Cam stay another season?
4. Les Miles decisions.

IMO, it would be realistic to call LSU 11-1 or even 12-0. But just as realistic to say 7-5. I guess we just won't know till next year.

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But just as realistic to say 7-5.

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No. Ole Miss, UF, and A&M toss ups?

Who wants to put money on those three teams being favored against LSU?

10-2, but we always have close games so one bounce of the ball could make it 11-1 or 9-3. Any more than 3 losses would be very disappointing. It's hard to really know what to expect with all these 3 and done player though. I feel like we are looking towards next year then the carpet gets pulled out from underneath us with all the underclassmen declaring.

10-2

Honestly, this team will live and die based on the play of both lines.

If Collins and Turner stay, we could be returning 5 starters on the line, and hopefully get a better OL coach if Studs leaves.

The DL, particularly the DT position will be the big question. We already saw that we could survive without Ego, but losing both he and Freak is going to take a toll on this defense. While we lack experience, I think the depth concerns are a bit overrated right now. We have the following players that can contribute:

Lacouture - played significant time this season.
Thomas - got some PT this season.
Mickey Johnson - got some PT this season.
Bain - tons of talent but was raw
Gilmore - tons of potential

Add in the potential for Herron to move inside if needed, and its a pretty decent 3 deep.
Godchaux may also be a kid that can move in and Speaks/Valentine may provide some depth if they come in. Finally, you could have Gerald Willis flip to LSU and have a ton of potential there.

LBers and DBs should be improved with experience and likely moving a few guys around (Mills maybe to Safety).

The team has a ton of potential, and will be returning much of the rushing attack, especially if Collins, Turner, and Hill return.