LSU 2016 Preview
By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
LSU experienced extreme highs and lows last season. The only program I can compare it too is Texas A&M the past two years. The Aggies started 5-0 before the wheels fell off in 2014 and 2015.
The Tigers got off to a 7-0 start before losing three consecutive games. They were ranked as high as 5th in the nation and finished the season 16th in the AP Poll. A 9-3 season is good at most programs but not in Baton Rouge.
Coach Les Miles was nearly fired at the end of the season. I think it was crazy that it was even discussed or considered but that goes to show the boosters have almost unrealistic expectations.
The Tigers are led by superstar running back Leonard Fournette. He combines the rare combination of size and speed at 6’1 and 230 pounds. He was named the 2013 USA Today High School Football Offensive Player of the Year. Fournette was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2014 according to 247sport.com, ESPN and CBS Sports.
Last season he lived up to the hype as a true sophomore rushing for 1,953 yards, 22 touchdowns and averaged 6.5 yards per carry. The season opener against McNeese State was cancelled so Fournette would have definitely rushed for over 2,000 yards if he played in 12 regular season games.
He was the frontrunner to win the Heisman Trophy until the Alabama game. The Crimson Tide held him to just 31 yards on 19 carries to begin the losing streak.
The Tigers biggest weak link was at quarterback, which seems to always be the case. I’ve never seen a major program consistently struggle at the most important position on the field. Brandon Harris passed for just 2,165 yards, 13 TD’s, 6 interceptions and completed 53.8% of his passes.
Coming into the season as a junior I think he should be drastically better. He has a year of experience and should develop confidence. He’s the key to having a special year so the Bayou Bengals need him to step up.
LSU has new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and he wants to use the 3-4 alignment as much as possible. With the great athletes they have I think this is a smart move. They have some stars that will make an impact like safety Jamal Adams, Jr., LB Kendall Beckwith and DT Christian LaCouture.
The season kicks off against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. This is easily the toughest non-conference game on the schedule and even though it’s considered a neutral site Wisconsin has home field advantage.
The next tough game is October 8th at Florida. They will struggle playing at The Swamp in a hostile environment. I predict the Gators to win this game.
The most important game is November 5th at home against Alabama. The Tigers have lost their last five games against Bama; starting with the 2012 BCS Championship. Miles has to show he can beat Nick Saban again in order to keep his job. I expect LSU to win this game.
Ole Miss will take a step back this year so I don’t think the division is as tough as it has been the past 2-3 years.
LSU should finish the regular season 11-1 and play in the SEC Championship game. I think the Tigers are the best team in the nation and I think they’ll be playing for a national championship.
