The sixth in a series leading up to fall camps brings us to Cajun Country.
LSU Tigers 10-3 (6-2) in 2012
Synopsis: The Tigers lost several starters and key depth to graduation, the NFL Draft, and a few misguided underclassmen who were not drafted. Adding in running back Jeremy Hill's indefinite suspension and fellow RB Alfred Blue recovering from ACL injury means Les Miles will be looking to fill several holes on both sides of the ball. In 2012, LSU lost to rivals Alabama and Florida followed up by a disappointing loss to Clemson in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. New offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has a big task ahead of him.
Key Losses: DE Barkevious Mingo, FS Eric Reid, ILB Kevin Minter, DT Bennie Logan, DE Sam Montgomery, CB Tharold Simon, DE Lavar Edwards, RB Spencer Ware, OT Alex Hurst, OG Josh Dworaczyk, C P.J. Lonergan, OT Chris Faulk, RB Michael Ford, WR Russell Sheppard, P Brad Wing
Key Returners: QB Zach Mettenberger, WR Odell Beckham Jr., OT La'El Collins, OT Vadal Alexander, DT Anthony Johnson, CB Jalen Mills, S Craig Loston
Newcomers: OC Cam Cameron, DE Frank Herron, DB Tre'Davious White, OL Ethan Pocic, ATH Kendell Beckwith
via first-draft-blog.typepad.com
The Schedule:
8/31/13 vs. TCU Arlington, Texas (Cowboys Stadium) - This should be an entertaining game - Win
9/7/13 vs. UAB (Baton Rouge, LA) - Win
9/14/13 vs. Kent State (Baton Rouge, LA) - I am not going to predict an upset here but LSU better take the Golden Flashes serious (11-3 in 2012). 5'8" running back and All-American kick returner Dri Archer is worth watching - closer then you might think Win
9/21/13 vs. Auburn (Baton Rouge, LA) - Win
9/28/13 at Georgia (Athens, GA) - Here is where depth begins to be an issue for the Tigers - Loss
10/5/13 at Mississippi State (Starkville, MS) - Win
10/12/13 vs. Florida (Baton Rouge, LA) - Miles doesn't like playing the Gators every year. I wonder why - Loss
10/19/13 at Ole Miss (Oxford, MS) - Not quite ready for Prime Time, Rebs - Win
10/26/13 vs. Furman (Baton Rouge, LA) - Win
11/2/13 bye
11/9/13 at Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL) - Loss
11/16/13 bye
11/23/13 vs. Texas A&M (Baton Rouge, LA) - A Toss Up but home field advantage gets the edge - Win
11/30/13 vs. Arkansas (Baton Rouge, LA) - Win
Let's go Bowling! Yes, Sir! But not a big one.