LSU 2016 Preview
LSU did not have a real bad year. They lost 3 straight SEC games after starting the year 7-0. Two
of those losses were road games vs two of the best teams in the nation (Alabama and Ole Miss.)
The loss to Arkansas, another good team, was in a real bad spot for the Tigers after having their
dream-season crushed by the Tide in prior week and sandwiched between 2 SEC contenders.
This year all pieces are in place for the Tigers to win it all or else for coach Les Miles. They are
loaded with 97% (ranked #3) of offensive production and 80% of tackles returning (ranked # 14)
Only Tennessee are close to LSU in term of returning power, and the Tigers do not have to face
the Volunteers unless and until the SEC-Champs. In all, LSU return 18 starters from 10-3 squad.
LSU should have an edge in all units except at the QB. Maybe not this year, however.
Last year 5 SEC West opponents which had better QBs (Ala./Ark./Miss St/Ole Miss/A&M) but
4 of them are gone this year. The lone returner is QB Chad Kelly of Ole Miss.
This year 8 of 9 LSU's opponents (8 SEC and Wisconsin) are all breaking in new QBs or returning
QBs with lower QBR than LSU QB Brandon Harris. That is a huge edge for the Tigers.
LSU lost 2 starters on each side of the ball: Tackles Jerald Hawkins and Vadal Alexander (combined
for 83 starts,) leading tackler LB Deion Jones (100 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 5 sacks) and Safety Jalen Mills
(30 tackles, 3 PBU in 7 games.) All 4 players were drafted plus CB Rashard Robinson who did not
play in 2015 due to off-field issues.
The #43 offense at 32.8 ppg should be stronger with RB L. Fournette (1953 Rush yds.) leading
the way with a full complement of all WRs and RBs return. OC Cam Cameron in his 4th year with
the Tigers should be able to improve QB Brandon Harris in his 2nd year as full time starting QB.
Defense regressed significantly from #4 (17.5 ppg) in 2014 to #41 (24.3 ppg) under DC Kevin
Steele's lone year with the Tigers. In place of departed Steele, HC Les Miles probably has made
the best hiring in luring DC Dave Aranda from Wisconsin. He will return the Tiger's defense
back to be the dominant defense in previous years. It will be interesting and kind of scary to see
what DC Aranda can do with so much talent at LSU.
Facing the #1 difficult schedule in the nation (W/L method) this year, the Tigers do have their
number one nemesis, and probably one of few teams capable of beating them, Alabama at Home.
If LSU don't get a win this year Les Miles will probably never win against Nick Saban from now on.
Besides that Alabama game, LSU should win all of their home games, against Mizzu and two
Mississippi teams. LSU have tough road games, going into the Swamp to play last year SEC-East
winner Florida, a much improved Aggies, and a tough Hogs team that always seems to give
LSU trouble. A trap game at Jordan-Hare vs the other Tigers is awaiting but LSU should get out
with a win against an unsettled Auburn.
Predicting LSU will trip up once but that might not derail them from winning the SEC-West and
possibly the SEC.