LSU Tigers
2013 was supposed to a rebirthing year for LSU. In a sense, it was because the overall talent of the offense was much improved, but they still ended with the same fate as they did in 2012: a 10-3 record. The failure of the defense balanced out the offense’s success. Now, the defense did not truly fail, but they were not the same dominant group that they were in 2012. The voids left by Eric Reid, Kevin Minter, Barkevious Mingo, and others were tough to fill and the impact was noticeable. Despite not improving on their record, a few signs from 2013 were promising for the future.
Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, who’s first year with the team was 2013, overhauled the offense into a scoring machine. LSU’s offense averaged 75 yards and five points more in 2013 than 2012 because of Cameron. Although, the most important part of his work was behind the scenes. He coached Zach Mettenberger into a much better quarterback than he was before, which was important for the new success that the offense had.
Top Newcomers
Leonard Fournette, Running Back: Fournette was the top of his recruiting class not just as a running back, but overall. His blend of size, speed, and power is a rarity. Fournette could very well see the most carries on the team in 2014 as a freshman. Even if he does not, he will be an incredible spell back, much like Derrick Henry last season.
Malachi Dupre, Wide Receiver: Dupre’s size and catch radius will make him a useful piece on day one. He has a knack for making absurd receptions in heavy traffic. No matter who is under center, Dupre will be the quarterback’s best friend.
Top Returning Players
La’El Collins, Left Tackle: Few linemen in college football are as punishing as Collins. He is not the quickest on his feet, but if he gets a hold of the defender in front of him, said defender is essentially taken out of the play entirely.
Tre’Davious White, Cornerback: Though only a freshman last season, White showed promise. His couple of interceptions and handful of defended passes was more than enough production from a freshman. After another offseason of development, White is going to be a stud. (Note: Jalen Mills would have been the player here if he had not been suspended indefinitely.)
Position Breakdown
Quarterback: Even with the season as close as it is, it is still unclear as to who the starter will be. Anthony Jennings flashed impressive ability when Mettenberger was injured last year, but freshman Brandon Harris has been phenomenal throughout spring workouts and such. Either way, LSU will fair well.
Running Back: Typically when a team loses a player that becomes a second round pick, he is tough to replace. Fortunately, that is not the case with Jeremy Hill. Fournette and Terrence McGee will be a duo that has no problem replicating or outperforming what Hill did last season. The duo will be one of the best in the country. Also, fullback Connor Neighbors is a solid blocker as well as a receiving threat.
Wide Receiver: Simply put, LSU will not be able to immediately replace Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. The two were college football’s most talented receiving tandem in 2013. That said, Travin Duval and Malachi Dupre make for a good young core of the receiving group.
Tight End: Dillon Gordon and Travis Dickson will be back as the starting tight ends, but tight ends are not a key component to LSU’s offense. Last season, tight ends only caught 12 passes for LSU and it is unlikely that that changes.
Offensive Tackle: Collins will have no issue holding down the left side of the line, but right tackle Travelle Hawkins is only a sophomore. Then again, Hawkins played well for a freshman. His footwork ought to have been developed this offseason, but he has solid physical tools.
Offensive Guard: Trai Turner will be replaced by first year starting senior Fehoko Fanaika. Considering Fanaika was older than Turner, it is unsettling that he had not been in a starting role until now. He will be the weak link of the line. On the other side, Vadal Alexander is a reputable guard that will complete an incredible left side of an offensive line.
Center: At this point, Elliott Porter is underrated. Aside from Auburn’s Reese Dismukes, he is the best center in the conference. He was and will be a major component for LSU’s rushing attack.
Defensive End: As compared to LSU’s recent duo of Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, Jermauria Rasco and Danielle Hunter are a disappointing set of pass rushers. Combined, the two only had 7 sacks last season and both look somewhat maxed out.
Defensive Tackle: Both of LSU’s defensive tackles in 2014 will be first year starters. Quentin Thomas and Christian LaCouture are both defensive end converts still somewhat learning defensive tackle. As expected, the two will not be up to par with the duo of last year in Anthony Johnson and Ego Ferguson.
Linebacker: Though they lost a lot of players at most every other defensive position, LSU only lost one starting linebacker. DJ Welter and Kwon Alexander are returning top four tacklers on the team. Louis Lamar is slated to start at the other linebacking position, but star recruit Clifton Garrett is a darkhorse candidate for the job.
Defensive Back: Only one of LSU’s 2013 defensive backs left for the pros, but LSU lost two talented defensive backs. Safety Craig Loston took his talent to the NFL, but cornerback Jalen Mills was indefinitely suspended for a second degree battery charge. At safety, LSU will roll with Corey Thompson, who played well until injury last season, and senior Ronald Martin, who started across from Loston. In place of Mills, Jalen Collins or Richard Robinson will take over at cornerback alongside White.
Biggest Strength
Though LSU’s passing offense will take a bit of a step back, their rushing assault will be phenomenal. Fournette will be a threat from week one. As the year goes on, defenses will learn to respect Fournette more and more as they bring more players into the box. The other running back, McGee, is quite the talent as well. McGee was not the starter last season, but he was productive when he got the ball.
Along with the talent at the running back position, LSU has a solid offensive line, more specifically the left side. Collins, Alexander, and Porter will make for a trio that will open up massive rushing lanes and move piles. The right side of the line is a huge question mark, but even then, Porter is still a key piece to running to the right and Neighbors is a wonderful lead fullback. LSU is going to need their rushing offense to sneak themselves into the top 25 if LSU wants to be taken seriously.
Biggest Weakness
In just two years, LSU has gone from arguably the country’s best defensive line to one of the worst in the SEC West. The two defensive tackles lack experience and are defensive end converts, not true defensive tackles. Defenses will be able to gut LSU’s interior like a fish.
Likewise, their edge players are underwhelming as pass rushers. They are already maxed out athletically and lack any sort of suddenness needed from edge rushers. On top of that, their technique and creativity is mediocre. Aside from not producing themselves, their poor play makes the job of the defensive backs much more difficult. LSU’s entire defensive line is a mess and will cause issues for the defense as a whole.
LSU Tigers 2014 Schedule | 8/30 | vs Wisconsin |
| 9/6 | vs Sam Houston State |
| 9/13 | vs ULM |
| 9/20 | vs Mississippi State |
| 9/27 | vs New Mexico State |
| 10/4 | @ Auburn |
| 10/11 | @ Florida |
| 10/18 | vs Kentucky |
| 10/25 | vs Ole Miss |
| 11/8 | vs Alabama |
| 11/15 | @ Arkansas |
| 11/27 | @ Texas A&M |