2007 record: 12-2, 6-2 (1st in SEC West)
2007 bowl: Beat Ohio State 38-24 in BCS National Championship Game
2007 final AP/coaches' ranking: 1/1
Coach: Les Miles (34-6, 3 years; 62-27 overall)
Offensive coordinator: Gary Crowton (2nd year)
Co-defensive coordinators: Doug Mallory (1st year); Bradley Dale Pevito (1st year)
Returning offensive starters: 7
Returning defensive starters: 5
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Stadium: Tiger Stadium (grass, 92,400)
Last league title: 2007
2008 schedule: [view]
2007 statistics: [view]

Offensive: Former Tigers quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, one of the most tantalizing prospects every recruited by LSU, had it all in his hands. Then he dropped the ball. LSU tired of Perrilloux’s off-field troubles and booted him from the team (he has landed at Division I-AA Jacksonville State). That would seem a major trouble spot. But LSU has proven it can thrive with a caretaker at quarterback. The job will go to either Andrew Hatch, a former walk-on transfer from Harvard, or heralded recruit Jarrett Lee. Regardless of who wins the position, there’s an abundance of weapons at their disposal. Junior running backs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams are versatile and speedy. There’s experience at receiver with junior Brandon LaFell and senior Demetrius Byrd, along with junior tight end Richard Dickson, who had a pair of touchdown catches against Ohio State in the BCS Championship Game. The offensive line could be terrific, particularly on the left side, where junior tackle Ciron Black and senior guard Herman Johnson might comprise the nation’s best tandem. 

Defensive: Here is all you need to know about LSU’s defensive talent pool. The Tigers lost Glenn Dorsey to the NFL. He was a seminal performer, maybe the second coming of Warren Sapp, an interior lineman good enough to receive Heisman Trophy consideration. And yet, even in Dorsey’s absence, LSU still has the nation’s best defensive line. It’s an eye-popping collection of size, speed and explosiveness, which officially went over the top when senior defensive end Kirston Pittman was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Senior defensive end Tyson Jackson is the best NFL prospect. Junior defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois has the largest upside. And senior defensive tackle Charles Alexander might have the most incentive, as he rebounds from a season-ending injury. That doesn’t even mention senior Marlon Favorite and junior Al Woods, who surely will contribute mightily. The linebacking corps is looking for a leader, and senior Darry Beckwith is an obvious candidate. The secondary is generally young, but potential All-SEC talents may emerge in sophomore cornerback Jai Eugene and sophomore strong safety Chad Jones. 

Specialists: Senior place-kicker Colt David scored an SEC-record 147 points last season, including 26 field goals. The Tigers must replace punter Patrick Fisher (44.5 yards per kick), but seem settled in the return game with ultra-fast Trindon Holliday on kickoffs and Jones taking back punts.

Coaching: We may never know the details of how close Les Miles was in jumping to his alma mater, Michigan. But regardless of what happened (or didn’t happen), Miles is now entrenched at LSU, where he has successfully followed in the footsteps of Nick Saban. No longer does Miles have to hear about winning with Saban’s players. Miles, even the gambler, is his own man and he kept the ship sailing during a somewhat schizophrenic championship season.

Heisman Hopefuls: None this time around. LSU will need to win with multiple contributions from players who may not grace the All-American team.

Game of the year Sept. 20 at Auburn Once again, it will be a mega-game in the SEC West. In the last four meetings, the teams have been separated by just 14 points.

Overview: At first glance, Perrilloux’s departure looked disastrous. But in the long run, it may help LSU. Potential off-field trouble has been averted, and Miles can focus on building for the future. LSU doesn’t need a superstar at quarterback. There is enough skill-position talent and the defense looks extra-nasty, even without Dorsey and linebacker Ali Highsmith. It won’t be the same LSU we saw last season, but overlooking the Tigers would be a huge mistake for SEC opponents.

MORE FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL

College football Section Front

Tebow 'can't say for sure' he'll stay at Florida USC's Carroll: Sanchez questionable vs. ASU Pelini: No proof that Cornhusker spit on Daniel Extra Points: Five things we learned Saturday Heisman Hopefuls: Bradford, McCoy set for collision Walters: More at stake in OU-Texas than bragging rights Wait is over for No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 5 Texas No. 17 Cowboys seek respect against No. 3 Tigers Take a bow Vandy; Take a seat JoePa Projections for all 34 bowl games College football Section Front   Add College football headlines to your news reader: