#1 In Preseason Top 10 Countdown

#1 Ranked Team Going into 2012

  It is almost here. The start of the 2012 season is just a couple weeks out. And we are finally to my #1 team in my preseason top ten countdown.

 The LSU Tigers are on top of them all... but history has shown us that starting #1 doesn't mean you have the best chance at finishing #1. Some would argue that Alabama deserves this spot, but remember, the Tide lost more players to the draft than any other team out there.

  Sure, LSU has to depend on a new QB, but that hasn't stopped any teams the last three years from winning the big game. Everybody in the media last season said this LSU team was the the best team and most complete team they had ever seen. So why don't they deserve that kind of attention going into this season when they have had to replace the least of anybody in the SEC.

 LSU finished the season allowing an average of 11.3 points a game. The offense finished 17th, scoring over 35 points a game. This is a team that has all the pieces, but may take some time to figure out where those pieces go or if they even fit what Les Miles wants to do. Zach Mettenberger will be the starter at QB going into week one. He hasn't proven anything yet, and for at least the first few weeks he shouldn't have too much to prove. His biggest focus has to be to just manage the game. He isn't a playmaker yet. If he can make the throws that he has to make and make good decisions, he will be the right man for the job.

 The other part that may make it a smoother transition for Mettenberger is that there are some very good weapons around him. Russel Shepard returns for his senior season hoping to have a bigger impact than the previous season. In fact, we didn't really get the chance to see LSU's wide receivers make much happen since LSU's offense was more well known for the rushing attack.....so this may be interesting to see LSU depend on the pass much more than they ever did in 2011.

 

 For the defense.....well it's good. It's very good, but they did suffer a loss in the last week. Tyrann Mathieu was dismissed from the team for violating team rules. That is a big loss to a very talented defense that depended on him to make big plays when they needed them. He scored touchdowns in three games when the Tigers were losing. They were game changing plays. Replacing him will not be easy, but again, maybe they don't have to have somebody as good. Maybe all they need is somebody who can manage that position. Don't get beat, play your spot and hold your own may be all they need. The rest of the defense can hold its own. Don't get me wrong, you lose a Heisman Trophy type player, you are going to feel it. But I think LSU has the depth to compensate.

 

  Les Miles will have them ready. And in case any of you missed what he had put on their SEC Championship Rings last season.....it says something like this, ' SEC CHAMPS' other side '#2 Overall'. You think that doesn't leave a sour taste in the players mouth?

LSU's schedule starts out slow, which is great for the offense. This gives Mettenberger some time to develope and iron out the wrinkles. 

North Texas

Washington

Idaho

@Auburn

Towson

@Florida

South Carolina

@Texas A&M

Alabama

Mississippi State

Ole Miss

@Arkansas

There are some very interesting matchups. South Carolina jumps out at me a little bit. Go ahead and put that game on upset alert. Finishing up with Arkansas is another game I would be concerned with if I was a Tiger fan. LSU should be pretty sharp by then, or really banged up. Toughest stretch? @Florida through Alabama.

  One other obstacle stands in the way. There has been one.....ONLY ONE.... team to start and end the season ranked #1. That team was the 1999 Florida State Seminoles. No other team has done what Bobby Bowden and the Seminoles did that season. That all being said, there hasn't been as good of chance for any team to do that until now. LSU has a great defense, even without Tyrran Mathieu. The offense has very few questions, but they are important ones. Will Mettenberger be the passer they need? Can Russel Shepard find his groove and get the touches he has to have to make big plays?

  That's it for my Preseason Top 10 Countdown. Look back at my 2-10 teams, and let's get ready for some football. Next week I am calling BLITZ WEEK. I will be hitting your questions and I will release my 'Dark Horse' picks for the BCS Title Game. Get your questions in and check back next week. jeremy.cf2d@yahoo.com