#2 LSU
I was all set to write my LSU preview today and name them co number one with Alabama, but then came the 12pm presser out of LSU announcing that Heisman hopeful Tyrann Mathieu has been removed from the team after violating team polices. This changes everything as Mathieu AKA Honey Badger was a game changer and was the difference in a couple of LSU victories in 2011. Alabama is now my solid number one team in my SEC Power Poll.
Let's move on now and breakdown LSU without Mathieu. They will still be a force on defence, but with Mathieu leaving one DB spot and Mo Claiborne now in the NFL puts it's all on Eric Reid to hold together for the LSU secondary. Up front LSU has the best D-Line in all of college football with Barkevious Mingo, Sam Montgomery, and Bennie Logan nuff said. I'm not super impressed with their linebackers, but LSU defence will still be in the top 10 for total defence in 2012.
Offence was a real struggle for LSU in 2011 finishing the season 86th in total offence. They have a ton of depth at running back full of big bruising runners who they switch out as the game goes on. The big question is can the 2012 passing attack lead by Zack Mettenberger impove from last years embarrassing numbers? How embarrassing you might ask how about 106th out of 120 in passing offence ouch. Mettenberger is a big 6'5" QB who used to play for Georgia, but was arrested and kicked out, but we've seen a guy get kicked out of one SEC school and go to another SEC school and win it all (Cam Newton). LSU will improve on last year 106th finish in passing, but is 80th or 60th good enough to get past defences like Alabama? The biggest weapon might still be Brad Wing the LSU kicker who is undoubtedly the best in the SEC.
Returning starters (13)
offence: 7
defence: 4
ST: 2
Predictions and Schedule
- North Texas W
- Washington W
- Idaho W
- @ Auburn W
- Towson W
- @ Florida W
- South Carolina ? W
- @ Texas A&M W
- Alabama ??? L
- Mississippi State W
- Ole Miss W
- @ Arkansas ? W
I think LSU will go 11-1 with two other swing games --> South Carolina and @ Arkansas where if their not careful they could slip up and lose. A week ago I didn't see anyway LSU would lose more than a game, but I think Tyrann Mathieu means that much to LSU. He was so much more to them than just a lock down corner, he would find away to get the ball and make a play. Time after time last year Mathieu was the spark that got the Tigers going example: The SEC Championship Game VS Georgia. Still their season is the November 3rd match up with Alabama which is a night game on the bayou and anything can happen.
-Patrick Pierce
Follow me on Twitter @PatrickP13
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