*** NCAA Football Preview - L-S-U Tigers ***

From The My Sportsbook

By Pat Taggart, College Football Staff Writer

2003 SEASON IN REVIEW: For years, Tennessee and Florida were the class of the SEC. While those programs are certainly still formidable, LSU is coming off an unforgettable 2003 season which culminated with the BCS Championship Title and a split of the National Championship with USC. The Tigers began the season with five consecutive victories, including four by 28 or more points. Then came the team's only loss of the campaign, a heartbreaking 19-7 setback at home to the inconsistent Gators. At the time, it was thought that the 12-point defeat ended LSU's chances to win the national title. Fortunately, the team did not buy into that view, as it closed out the season with eight straight triumphs, including a 21-14 triumph over Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. The Tigers were completely dominant on most occasions, as a 17-14 victory over Ole Miss late in November represented one of the lone scares.

2004 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: There is no question that LSU will sorely miss Matt Mauck and Michael Clayton, the team's star quarterback and wide receiver from a year ago. Still, there is enough talent in place to light up the scoreboard. Expect opponents to get a heavy dose of tailback Justin Vincent, as the sensational sophomore ran for 1,001 yards and 10 scores on only 154 carries a year ago. He will clearly get more touches in 2004, and that is bad news for the opposition. While Vincent is firmly entrenched, the position of starting quarterback is still up for grabs. Marcus Randall has some experience under center, but he has not given the coaching staff enough reason to feel comfortable handing him the reins. The most exciting quarterback on the roster is redshirt freshman JaMarcus Russell (6-5, 236 pounds), as he has the size and ability to be a star. Whoever lines up under center, expect Skyler Green to be the target of many passes. Green caught 48 passes a year ago and will be much more important to the offense now that the sensational Clayton is gone. Up front, three players return to anchor the group, including all-world center Ben Wilkerson.

DEFENSE: LSU might have had the best defensive front in the nation a year ago, but standouts such as Chad Lavalais and Marquise Hill are gone. The unit was completely decimated following the Sugar Bowl win, as Marcus Spears is back to provide a devastating pass rush. Spears turned down NFL millions to make another run at a title, and he is likely to improve on his six sacks from a year ago. While the line will be solid, the strength of the defense will be the defensive backfield, as Corey Webster and Travis Daniels are back to man the corners. Considering that many SEC teams possess talented quarterbacks and receivers, the presence of two strong corners who don't have to constantly rely on safety help is key. A safety, LaRon Landry is the leading returning tackler from a year ago. Lionel Turner and Cameron Vaughn will be extremely effective at linebacker, hopefully this year's LSU defense as special as last year's.

SPECIAL TEAMS: At 6-5 and 224 pounds, freshman punter Patrick Fisher has a big leg and the body to make a stop if necessary. Chris Jackson saw some action as a placekicker a year ago and figures to come back much more confident. As for the return game, Skyler Green will often have his hands on the ball. Green is small at 5-9 but is lightning quick.

OUTLOOK: There is no question that LSU will be in contention for the SEC title once again, but the questions at quarterback may give a slight edge to Georgia with regard to league supremacy. If the Tigers do find a way to win the SEC and go to a BCS bowl, don't be surprised to see Vincent as a finalist for the Heisman.