Yahoo Sports' 2019 Top 25: No. 6 LSU

Long write-up on the Tigers.

Next in our preseason countdown at No. 6 is @LSUFootball. The Tigers should have an elite defense, but will their new offense live up to the hype?




Orgeron also found himself a quarterback. Joe Burrow, a graduate transfer from Ohio State, won the starting job and quickly endeared himself to the fanbase with his fearless play. But the offense wasn’t very dynamic, especially through the air. The Tigers were 10th in the SEC in total offense and were shut out by Alabama for the second time in three seasons.




Burrow has a strong cast around him, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire leading the way at running back alongside acclaimed freshmen John Emery and Tyron Davis-Price. The group of receivers is deep and talented. Seven of the team’s top nine pass-catchers from a year ago return, led by Justin Jefferson and his 54 catches for 875 yards.




LSU has the chance to have one of the best defenses in the country, and Orgeron identified three key areas for improvement at SEC Media Days: defending the run, getting pressure on the quarterback without blitzing and defending the deep ball.

Above all else, Orgeron is especially bullish about the potential of his secondary.





Two of the team’s top defensive linemen, Rashard Lawrence and Breiden Fehoko, are back at end while sophomore Tyler Shelvin and freshman Siaki Ika clog the middle at nose tackle. Shelvin and Ika both top 340 pounds and should help the Tigers stuff the run.

Needless to say, the defense has no shortage of talent.





Other topics covered include LSU’s progression under Eaux, new-look LSU offense, Biggest game, Impact player, Biggest question mark, Breakout player, Top 2020 NFL draft prospect, Fantasy sleeper and Over/under projection.