CFI Countdown: #6 LSU Tigers

2008 Record: 8-5 (SEC 3-5)
Bowl Game: Won Chick-fil-A Bowl vs. Georgia Tech 38-3
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Stadium: Tiger Stadium (94,000)
Head Coach: Les Miles
Overall: 70-32 (9th season)
@ LSU: 42-11 (5th season)
Link to LSU Football Page

We saw two different packs of LSU Tigers last season. One group went 8-5 in the regular season, including 3-5 in SEC play. That’s quite a drop-off from Les Miles’ first three seasons in the Bayou when the Bengals totaled 34 wins and won a BCS Title. Then there was the group that showed up for the Chick-fil-A Bowl and took it to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Which group will we see in 2009?

When the Tigers Have the Ball

Offensive Coordinator: Gary Crowton (3rd season)
Scheme: Multiple Sets
Starters Returning: Seven
Key Losses: WR Demetrius Byrd, OG Herman Johnson, C Brett Helms, FB Quinn Johnson

One of the major reasons LSU failed to reach their pre-season expectations was the inconsistent to poor play they received from the quarterback position. Neither Jarrett Lee nor Jordan Jefferson was ready for primetime as freshmen, although Jefferson impressed in the bowl game and appears to be primed for a breakout season. Jefferson still has progress to make as a passer, but his ability to run the football brings an added dimension to the offense. The most talented signal caller on the roster figures to be true freshman Russell Shepard, who is expected to take the field at some point this season. No matter who lines up at quarterback, LSU will be riding Chuck the Truck, senior tailback Charles Scott. He is a bruising between-the-tackles runner who figures to carry the workload in deep backfield. Fellow senior Keiland Williams provides quality depth and could start for many programs, while champion sprinter Trindon Holliday serves as the ultimate change of pace back and junior Richard Murphy is a very talented fourth stringer. They will be doing a lot of their running behind left tackle Ciron Black, one of the best in the nation, who returns to lead a very strong front five, although Brett Helms must be replaced at center. If the quarterback play is up to par, there’s more than enough talent at receiver for the Tigers to put up big numbers offensively. Brandon LaFell is arguably the top senior wide receiver, while junior Terrance Toliver hasn’t even begun to scratch the surface of his talent. Senior Chris Mitchell is a solid backup, with freshmen Chris Tolliver and Rueben Randle ones to watch. Somewhat overlooked is senior tight end Ed Dickson, who figures to play a key role in both the rushing and passing attacks.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) WR Brandon LaFell (SR), 2) RB Charles Scott (SR), 3) Terrence Toliver (JR)

When the Other Team Has the Ball

Defensive Coordinator: John Chavis (1st season)
Scheme: Multiple 4-3
Starters Returning: Six
Key Losses: DE Tyson Jackson, DT Marlon Favorite, LB Darry Beckwith, DT Ricky Jean-Francois, S Curtis Taylor

Not many teams have the type of quality or quantity that the Tigers do in the defensive backfield. Cornerback Chris Hawkins is a solid senior and sophomore Patrick Peterson possesses All-American type potential. The same could be said for junior free safety Chad Jones and sophomore strong safety Karnell Hatcher. Jones just oozes with talent with his great size/speed combo and there are high hopes for Hatcher, as well as fellow sophomore Ron Brooks. Senior Danny McCray expects to see a lot of playing time in a reserve role, just as he has the past two seasons. The top backup corner is Jai Eugene, who started last season as a sophomore. They lose a lot up front, but the cupboard isn’t empty. Senior end Rahim Alem came off the bench in 2008 and was a productive pass rusher—this season he will be asked to play a bigger role. Senior tackle Charles Alexander also provides experience, while Al Woods, also a senior, is still waiting to fulfill his potential. Woods is one of the more talented interior linemen but has been merely a tease to this point. Several young players will compete for playing time behind the starters. There is no lack of experience at linebacker where seniors Perry Riley and Jacob Cutrera, as well as junior Kelvin Sheppard all return. Former safety senior Harry Coleman will see time as a backup backer and in a new hybrid position the Tigers are developing. Defensive coordinator John Chavis was a good hire and should play a role in improving the defense in 2009.

Top Pro Prospects: 1) CB Patrick Peterson (SO), 2) FS Chad Jones (JR), 3) DE Raheem Alem (SR)

The Schedule

With Vanderbilt the only 2008 bowl team on the September docket, many of the cubs should be ready to play like Tigers when the heart of the schedule rolls around. They begin October with a trip to Georgia followed by home games against Florida and Auburn. In November they must take on SEC West favorites Alabama and Ole Miss—both on the road—making a West crown and trip to the SEC Championship game a tall task.

Pivotal Point

As a whole they must play to their potential, and nowhere is that more important than the quarterback position. Sophomores Lee and Jefferson, as well as freshman Shepard were all highly recruited. Not only did Lee and Jefferson fail to reach the productivity level of many of their predecessors, their mistakes were often the difference between winning and losing in 2008. Lee in particular made numerous costly errors, including seven interceptions returned for touchdowns—simply an astounding number. Lee owns a big time arm and Jefferson brings athleticism—each should be capable of doing the job in the SEC… if they can hold off Shepard.

CFI Final Analysis

It’s unfair to put all the blame on the quarterback play for last year’s disappointing five-loss season. Too often if appeared the defense thought all they had to do was show up and the opposition would roll over. How else do you explain allowing 31 points or more five times, including 51 by Florida and 52 by Georgia? They gave up more than 30 points three times in 2007, but only once in regulation. If the defense can bounce back under Chavis it will take heat off the quarterback and put the Bayou Bengals right in the mix along with ‘Bama and Ole Miss for the West crown.

College Football Insiders Top 25 Countdown:
The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams
#25 West Virginia Mounainteers
#24 Tennessee Volunteers
#23 Clemson Tigers
#22 Pittsburgh Panthers
#21 Michigan St. Spartans
#20 Utah Utes
#19 Oregon Ducks
#18 Florida St. Seminoles
#17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
#16 Boise St. Broncos
#15 North Carolina Tar Heels
#14 Penn St. Nittany Lions
#13 Mississippi Rebels
#12 Oklahoma St. Cowboys
#11 California Golden Bears
#10 Iowa Hawkeyes
#9 Virginia Tech Hokies
#8 Georgia Bulldogs
#7 USC Trojans

Photos Courtesy of SEC Sports Media, Steve Franz/LSU Sports Information

Player Profile: Ricky Jean-Francois LSU DT

Pros: He has good size and long arms, which allow him to play with leverage and makes it difficult for offensive linemen to push him around in one-on-one situations. He is able to disrupt running plays by pushing his man back and also by getting his arms on backs in the backfield. The former Bayou Bengal also has the initial burst to get penetration. He shows great anticipation of the snap count and often gets in the backfield before the quarterback has time to realize he's gotten the snap. Jean-Francois also shows good ups to deflect passes and block kicks. He possesses the upside to improve.

Cons: Despite flashes of brilliance, he was never extremely productive and his college career was considered a disappointment. He looks much more athletic than he really is. He doesn’t have any extremely strong aspect to his game other than special teams—he is not a great run stuffer and will likely never be a premiere pass rusher. Durability and character are huge concerns after he missed several games due to both—Jean-Francois missed the entire 2007 regular season due to a suspension and sat out two games last season because of an injury (groin). There is no doubt he needed another year in college but he might have been worried that he wouldn’t have started because LSU’s defensive line is so stacked.

Scouts Take: Jean-Francois was supposed to take the place of the great LSU Tiger Glenn Dorsey, but he never came close after his MVP performance in the National Championship game against Ohio State. His performance on the biggest of all stages made scouts salivate with anticipation, but not too many were impressed with his play as a junior. He was often invisible during the 2008 season. He will convince a team to spend a middle-round pick on him because of the potential upside that earned him the nickname “The Freak”. He could possibly play defensive end in a 3-4, which adds to his value, but he must work on his quickness and learn to contain his area. A boom or bust prospect who could be worth the risk depending on how far he slides come draft weekend.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

BREAKING NEWS: HATCH UNDER CENTER

Who knew replacing Matt Flynn (pictured), seventh round pick and third string hopeful for the Green Bay Packers, would be more difficult than replacing former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell?

Next Level Scouting Inc., reports that Andrew Hatch is the favorite to be the starting quarterback for LSU following a closed scrimmage earlier this week. The 6'4 junior transferred to LSU from Harvard prior to the 2007 season. Hatch appeared in one game before suffering a shoulder ailment. He was granted a medical red-shirt.

Originally, he was slated to attend BYU to play for then Cougars head coach Gary Crowton, who moved on to Oregon before joining Miles at LSU as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator.

At Harvard, Hatch saw action with the junior varsity team as a freshman, before heading off for a two-year Mormon mission in Chile. While in South America, the Provo, Utah native injured his knee playing soccer before returning to the States.

Hatch, who has competed with freshman Jarrett Lee for the starting role, is considered equally adept at running and throwing the football. Although Lee has the better arm, Hatch’s overall skills with the ball are considered superior at this point.

The heir apparent was supposed to be highly touted Ryan Perrilloux, but he was dismissed from the team in the offseason.

The Tigers are scheduled to host Appalachian State, Saturday, August 30th.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Black Friday: No. 1 LSU Falls to Arkansas in 3OT

By BRETT MARTEL
AP Sports Writer

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - LSU's national title hopes were crushed by a Heisman-worthy performance.

Darren McFadden rushed for three touchdowns and threw for another to lift Arkansas to a 50-48, three-overtime victory over the top-ranked Tigers on Friday.

Peyton Hillis also scored three TDs, the last in the third overtime. Felix Jones ran for the critical 2-point conversion to make it 50-42 Razorbacks (8-4, 4-4 SEC).

LSU (10-2, 6-2) responded when Matt Flynn found Brandon LaFell for a 9-yard TD, but Matterral Richardson intercepted the 2-point conversion attempt, and Arkansas' bench emptied onto the field in triumph.

McFadden, last year's Heisman Trophy runner-up, rushed for 206 yards 32 carries and now has 1,725 yards rushing this season. No doubt there are West Virginia and Ohio State fans who'd vote for McFadden for Heisman if they could.

By knocking off LSU, which was in first place in the BCS standings, Arkansas boosted the national championship hopes of West Virginia and Ohio State.

McFadden wasn't the only running back LSU had trouble wrapping up.

Hillis and Jones each ran for 89 yards as Arkansas finished with a 385 yards on the ground against one of the best run defenses in the country.

It's the second time this season the Tigers have fallen while at No. 1 and it's probably too late in the season now for them to get another chance.

The winner of tomorrow night's game between No. 2 Kansas and No. 3 Missouri will likely take over the top spot in the rankings and the BCS standings. No. 4 West Virginia, which was third in the BCS standings, has a chance to sneak up to at least No. 2 in each with a win over Connecticut.

As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes are done and waiting it out. They were fifth in the last BCS standings.

Flynn finished 209 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also ran for another score in the first overtime, when LSU could have emerged victorious with a stop on fourth-and-10.

But Casey Dick found Hillis open for a 12-yard game to keep the Razorbacks alive, then later found Hillis again for a 9-yard tying TD.

Jacob Hester rushed for 126 yards and two TDs for LSU, which had to rally from a seven-point deficits three times in the second half, and convert two fourth-down plays on its last drive in regulation, just to force overtime.

But in the end, Arkansas and embattled coach Houston Nutt walked away holding the ``Golden Boot,'' a trophy shaped like the states of Arkansas and Louisiana.

Nutt, who will have his team in a bowl game, may not be back with the Hogs next season after growing unrest in Fayatteville, Ark., and a slow start to the season. Arkansas officials have yet to confirm that, however, and firing Nutt may be a less popular move now.

LSU had already clinched the SEC West Division and will move on to the conference title game in Atlanta on Dec. 1, but will do so feeling a little hollow after letting a chance at a national title slip away. Winning the SEC title will put LSU in New Orleans in January, but for the Sugar Bowl, not the BCS Championship game they wanted to be in a week later.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: University of Arkansas

No. 3 LSU tops Saban and No. 17 Alabama, 41-34

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Maybe now those folks at LSU can get over Nick Saban and relish what they have: a living-on-the-edge team that's still in the thick of the national championship race after another heart-stopping victory.

Les Miles' Cardiac Tigers did it again Saturday night, scoring two touchdowns in the final three minutes to rally No. 3 LSU to a 41-34 win over No. 17 Alabama, which should serve as payback for the coach who won a title in Cajun Country but is now considered a turncoat by the purple and gold.

LSU (8-1, 5-1 Southeastern Conference) pulled this out in typical fashion, going down to the wire in their fourth straight game.

Alabama (6-3, 4-2) went ahead on a 61-yard punt return by Javier Arenas with 7 1/2 minutes left, and the Crimson Tide was in position to clinch it when the Tigers faced fourth-and-4 at the Bama 32.

No problem for this team that went 5-for-5 on fourth-down conversions in a win over Florida that started this remarkable run.

Matt Flynn tossed a pass over the middle to Early Doucet, who shook away from one defender, faked out another and went all the way to the end zone for the tying score with 2:49 remaining.

Alabama got it back, but safety Chad Jones burst up the middle to sack John Parker Wilson and knock the ball away. It rolled along the turf until LSU's Curtis Taylor fell on it at the Tide 4.

Two plays later, Jacob Hester dove over from the 1 with 1:26 left and LSU was still in the title race.

LSU beat Florida and Auburn on its final possession and lost to Kentucky the same way. This time, the Tigers actually gave themselves a little breathing room, allowing Matt Flynn to simply kneel for the final two plays.

Saban, who led LSU to a share of the national championship in 2004 before leaving for the NFL, walked to midfield to shake hands with the coach who replaced him. Miles has faced constant criticism that he's not that great a coach, that he's simply winning with the enormous talent Saban left behind.

It must be noted, however, the guy who made the biggest play was recruited by Miles; Jones is a true freshman from Baton Rouge.

The game fully delivered on its buildup, the two teams going at each other like heavyweights throwing nothing but bombs. There were numerous big plays and amazing swings in momentum, but LSU came through when it mattered.

Flynn, whose three first-half interceptions helped Alabama get back in the game from an early 17-3 deficit, calmly drove the Tigers 84 yards in 10 plays for the tying touchdown.

Then the touted LSU defense came up with not just a stop, but a turnover.

Wilson completed only 14 of 40 passes for Alabama, but it seemed as though every one was a game-changer. He threw three touchdowns, hooking up with DJ Hall on a 67-yarder and hitting Keith Brown for scores of 29 and 14 yards.

Alabama, with two linemen and its top running back suspended over textbook issues, couldn't muster a running game. The Tide finished with just 20 yards on the ground and were outgained 475-254 overall.

After squandering its two-touchdown lead and falling behind, LSU finally responded with Flynn's 61-yard touchdown pass to Demetrius Byrd in the final minute of the third quarter.

That was just the warmup for another down-to-the-wire finish.

The Tigers - well, their fans at least - had this one circled on the calendar ever since Saban returned to the SEC West just two years after leaving Baton Rouge to coach the Miami Dolphins.

Feeling betrayed, the LSU faithful couldn't wait to get back at the $4 Million Man, the annual salary that Alabama doled out to lure Saban away from the NFL.

After the clock struck zero, ending the four-hour-plus marathon, it seemed as though all was forgiven. Saban lingered on the field to shake hands with his former players.

Courtesy: NCAAFootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

No. 5 LSU escapes No. 18 Auburn on last-second TD

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -- Matt Flynn threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Demetrius Byrd with a second left to lift fifth-ranked LSU to a 30-24 victory over No. 18 Auburn on Saturday night, keeping LSU's national title hopes alive and well.

With South Florida losing earlier in the week, LSU is certain to move up to at least third in the BCS standings, behind only Ohio State and possibly Boston College, which was idle this weekend.

Flynn finished with 319 yards passing and three touchdowns

Auburn's Brandon Cox, taking hits in the pocket but rolling out effectively when necessary, turned in a gutty performance, passing for 199 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

His last scoring pass, a 3-yard touchdown strike to Rodgeriqus Smith, gave Auburn a 24-23 lead with 3:21 to go.

But Auburn, following a game-long pattern of keeping the ball away from LSU returner Trindon Holliday, squibbed the kickoff, giving LSU the ball on its 42.

Flynn scrambled for 19 yards during the final drive, then took one more shot at the end zone as the clock wound down instead of getting the ball in the middle of the field to set up a potential game-winning field goal. He floated pass perfectly to the back of the end zone, where Byrd emerged from behind a defender and made a sliding catch, sending Tiger Stadium into a frenzy.

LSU extended its winning streak in Death Valley to 18 games. If that streak had been snapped, it would have been fitting if Auburn was the team to do it. Auburn came in on a three-game winning streak that included impressive road wins over No. 14 Florida and Arkansas.

LSU's Jacob Hester gave LSU a 20-17 lead, diving for the pylon on early in the fourth quarter after catching a swing-pass on third-and-goal for the 5. He led a patient rushing attack that amassed 169 yards, all but 40 in the second half.

Auburn led 17-7 at halftime after getting touchdowns on Cox's 17-yard pass to Montez Billings and Carl Stewart's dive over the pile, which was set up by LSU backup quarterback Ryan Perrilloux's fumble.

Flynn led LSU back with help from his best receiver, Early Doucet, back from a groin injury that had caused him to miss most of the last five games. Doucet made several clutch catches, finishing with seven receptions for 93 yards.

Source: ncaafootball; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Top-ranked LSU returns to site of 'Bluegrass Miracle'

By JEFFREY McMURRAY
Associated Press Writer

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - From the miracle of 2002 to the massacre of 2006, Louisiana State has found no shortage of ways to beat Kentucky.

It's fitting that the Tigers (6-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference), who suit up for a game as the nation's top-ranked team for just the second time since 1959, will debut their new ranking in Lexington. That's the site of arguably the most famous play in school history.

The Wildcats have lost four in a row in the series dating back to 1999, but the last time these teams met at Commonwealth Stadium, Kentucky's fans stormed the field, thinking Kentucky had prevailed.

Turned out it was a false alarm as Devery Henderson caught a tipped pass as time expired for a 75-yard, game-winning touchdown. It's still known in Baton Rouge as the ``Bluegrass Miracle.''

``I've seen that play so much,'' said Henderson, now with the New Orleans Saints. ``I mean after it happened, I saw it every day for two weeks straight, every day. I didn't get tired of seeing it.''

The No. 17 Wildcats (5-1, 1-1) and their fans did get tired of it, but more of a concern for them is last year's matchup, when they headed to Baton Rouge and were pounded 49-0.

Both teams went onto win bowl games - the first for Kentucky since 1984 - but that thumping was easily the low point.

``Clearly we're better equipped now than we were when we played them last year,'' Kentucky coach Rich Brooks said. ``I don't think there's a question about that. We're a much better football team, but we haven't seen a team yet this year that is going to give us the problems this team will.''

The Tigers are the only team in the nation to surrender fewer than 200 yards a game (197). They also average just 9.33 points allowed per game, second nationally. That adds up to a No. 1 ranking, although coach Les Miles tends to downplay such things.

``I am complimented by that but I don't make much of it,'' Miles said. ``Frankly, it is like being ahead at halftime. It is one of the scores that you don't care about. It is at the end of the game and end of the season that you care about.''

The Wildcats haven't played the nation's No. 1-ranked team since losing to Tennessee in 1998 or beaten one since Mississippi in 1964.

Kentucky certainly has the offense to chip into some of LSU's defensive eye-popping stats, including one of the nation's top quarterbacks, Andre Woodson. However, the Wildcats' offense relies on its balance, and top rusher Rafael Little may be sidelined with a deep thigh bruise.

``They do a lot of things well,'' LSU receiver Jared Mitchell said. ``It's going to be tough for us to get in a groove. It's going to be interesting to see how we start off.''

That's an even bigger focus for the Wildcats, who relied on fourth quarter comebacks to beat Arkansas and Louisville - teams that don't boast near the defensive of LSU. Going against the Tigers' defensive front, including Glenn Dorsey, whom Brooks calls ``a man among boys,'' Kentucky's players would prefer not to be forced to claw their way back.

``You can't get down in the first half and expect to come back in the second half and beat a team like that,'' Kentucky receiver Keenan Burton said. ``They know how to prepare, and they definitely know how to play.''

This matchup could have featured two top-10 teams instead of one, but Kentucky stumbled last week in a 38-23 loss to South Carolina. Unless the Wildcats right the ship quickly, one loss could easily turn into three in a row, as defending national champion Florida comes to Lexington next.

LSU beat the Gators in a classic comeback battle last week, in which Miles attempted five fourth-down conversions, including a fake field goal.

Along with that trickery, LSU features a two-quarterback system, using both veteran Matt Flynn and youngster Ryan Perrilloux. Brooks says they're both talented, but neither one individually presents as much of a threat as last year's starter, JaMarcus Russell, picked first overall by the Oakland Raiders in the NFL Draft.

On the other side of the ball, the Tigers will be trying to stop Woodson, probably the SEC's best pocket-passer, a week after stopping Tim Tebow, the best dual-threat. If they do, the question might be: What quarterback can't they stop?

``When it comes to LSU, you have to play a perfect game,'' Kentucky center Eric Scott said.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo: SEC Sports Media

No. 1 LSU edges No. 9 Florida, 28-24

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -- Gambling at every opportunity, LSU managed to hold on to its No. 1 ranking.

Florida's hopes of another national title appear to be over after a remarkable Saturday night in Death Valley.

The Tigers barely converted a pair of fourth-down runs before Jacob Hester powered over from the 2-yard line with 1:09 remaining, completing a stunning comeback that gave LSU a 28-24 victory over the No. 9 Gators.

Tim Tebow shredded the nation's top-ranked defense for three quarters, giving Florida a 24-14 lead with 15 minutes remaining. He threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another.

But LSU kept rolling the dice and coming up with winners. The Tigers scored two touchdowns on fourth-down plays and another after pulling off a fake field goal. Then, on the game's decisive drive, they finally hit the jackpot.

Hester bulled his way into the end zone for LSU's first lead of the game. When the Tigers knocked down Tebow's final long pass in the end zone, the record crowd of 92,910 let out its biggest roar of all.

The Tigers are still No. 1. And, with second-ranked Southern California losing, there's no doubt about it.

Coach Les Miles should head straight to one of those casinos on the Mississippi River after this one.

Backup quarterback Ryan Perilloux scored on a fourth-and-goal run from the 1 in the second quarter. Starting quarterback Matt Flynn pulled off a fake field goal that led to Keiland Williams' 4-yard TD run in the third quarter. And Flynn tossed a 4-yard scoring pass to Demetrius Byrd on fourth-and-goal with 10:15 remaining.

But the Tigers weren't done. Not by a longest of long shots.

First, with 7 minutes left and the ball on their side of midfield, LSU passed up a punt and went for it needing nearly 2 yards. Hester took the handoff and put his head down. The chains came on after he was tackled. First down by about the length of the football.

Then, with LSU facing fourth-and-1 at the Florida 6, Miles passed up a chip-shot field goal that might have forced overtime, apparently deciding that this was the night all the cards were going his way. Also, Colt David already had missed two attempts.

Hester got the ball again and dove forward. The chains came out again. Another first down with less than a yard to spare.

Finally, facing third-and-goal from just outside the 2, the Tigers did things the easy way. Hester took another handoff on virtually the same play that had worked twice before, falling into the end zone with his 23rd carry of the night.

Flynn leaped into the air and pumped his right fist. Touchdown, LSU.

Hester, who finished with 106 bruising yards, was shaken up on the winning score. But he finally got up and trotted off the field to another rousing ovation, the capper on another magical night at Tiger Stadium.

LSU improved to 30-2 at home over the last five years.

Tebow got the ball across midfield on the final possession. But his final, desperate heave was batted down in the back of the end zone.

Facing a defense that had two shutouts and was allowing less than 175 yards per game, Tebow passed for 158 yards and rushed for 75. But the Gators had two crucial turnovers in the second half, which allowed LSU to get back into the game after twice falling behind by 10 points.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

LSU keeps it down home on road to No. 1

By PAUL NEWBERRY
AP National Writer

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - When it came time for Glenn Dorsey to decide on a place to play college football, there was little doubt he would pick the school just up the road from his tiny hometown.

He wasn't alone, either.

Most of the top players from bayou country were eager to don the purple and gold of LSU.

``I believe the whole list of top 10 players from the state came here that year,'' remembered Dorsey, a defensive tackle who grew up in Gonzales, an outlet mall stop along the interstate and about a half-hour drive from the LSU campus. ``That's all we talked about. We all wanted to come here.''

While the Tigers (5-0) are No. 1 in The Associated Press rankings for the first time since 1959, they are hardly some out-of-the-woodwork program such as South Florida or Rutgers.

The Tigers, who host defending national champion Florida on Saturday night, have been on quite a roll since Nick Saban arrived at the beginning of the decade, his interest piqued by a study he came across during his days as an NFL assistant that showed Louisiana produced more pro players per capita than any other state.

Indeed, there was an astounding number of top high school talent coming out of all those cities and hamlets with French-sounding names, but many of them fled to other states for their college careers. Peyton Manning wound up at Tennessee. Warrick Dunn chose Florida State. Ed Reed picked Miami.

Saban believed he could build quite a program simply by keeping those sort of players at home. He turned out to be right on the mark, quickly building a consistent top 10 contender and claiming the BCS championship in just his fourth year on the job (it was a shared title, as Southern Cal was voted No. 1 in the AP poll).

While Saban moved on to the NFL's Miami Dolphins after the 2004 season, successor Les Miles was able to keep the pipeline flowing. The Tigers reached the Southeastern Conference championship game in 2005 and finished No. 3 in the rankings last season, wiping out Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.

This season looks like more of the same, even though LSU had four players go in the first-round of the NFL draft in April.

``We have a situation now where we get a lot of young recruits who want to come because they see we're doing good things,'' said Dorsey, who could have been the fifth first-rounder of 2007 but decided to return for his senior season. ``Once you start to get it rolling, everyone wants to be a part of it.''

That success is evident on the field - and in the draft. Over the past five years, 26 LSU players have been selected by NFL teams, 18 of them Louisiana natives.

``It goes back to having great high school football,'' said safety Craig Steltz, who is from New Orleans. ``Most teams try to keep their players from within the state. Louisiana has done a great job of getting its top players to attend their schools.''

Steltz is being diplomatic when he uses a plural to describe Louisiana's top-level programs. Tulane, Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana Tech technically compete in the same division, but they are worlds apart when it comes to going against the Tigers in the recruiting battle.

This is an LSU state, pure and simple, which provides a definite advantage compared to other top SEC programs.

There is plenty of high school talent in Alabama, for instance, but they must be divvied up among two fierce rivals, Auburn and Saban's latest team, the Alabama Crimson Tide. Florida has longed banged heads with Florida State and Miami in recruiting, and now must contend with rising programs at South Florida and Central Florida. Border rivals Georgia, Tennessee and South Carolina often have their eyes on the same players.

But LSU has largely walled off its talent-rich state, and even managed to poach off neighboring Texas and Mississippi.

If the commitments list is any indication, LSU is heading for another big recruiting year. Rivals.com says 16 players already are planning to sign with the Tigers next spring, nine of them from Louisiana. The list includes top prospects Matt Branch of Monroe, DeAngelo Peterson and Clay Peterson of Baton Rouge, and Brandon Taylor of Franklinton.

This year's roster is filled with homegrown talent. The top three rushers - Jacob Hester, Keiland Williams and Trindon Holliday - are from Louisiana. So is second-leading receiver Early Doucet and backup quarterback Ryan Perrilloux, who provides a running alternative to Texas-born starter Matt Flynn.

``We have some great athletes here, some great leaders here,'' Flynn said. ``When you have success, you start to get some big-time recruits. That's the main thing. Everyone has a really strong belief in this program.''

On the defensive side, Louisiana natives Dorsey and Steltz team with linebacker Ali Highsmith of Miami to form one of the country's stingiest groups. The Tigers have given up just 32 points all season, shutting out Mississippi State and Tennessee.

``They make offenses do what they want,'' Florida quarterback Tim Tebow said. ``They kind of just push offenses into position, so they can get big boys making plays up front.''

It's quite a change from the program that Saban inherited in 2000. The Tigers were the ones getting pushed around through most of the 1990s under Mike Archer, Curley Hallman and Gerry DiNardo, managing only three winning seasons in the 10-year period.

Saban quickly turned things around. LSU went 8-4 his debut season and captured a surprising SEC championship in Year 2 - its first conference title since 1988. The Tigers are 75-20 this decade, including a 43-15 mark in one of the nation's toughest football leagues.

Tiger Stadium, the 92,400-seat home field that once got so loud it registered as an earthquake in the school's Geology Department, is again living up to its fearsome nickname: ``Death Valley.''

Just imagine how crazy it's going to be when Florida (4-1) comes to town for LSU's first game as a No. 1-ranked team in nearly a half-century, on a Saturday night in Baton Rouge no less.

Gators coach Urban Meyer knows what his players are up against on the other side of the line.

``They keep plugging guys in there who are NFL players,'' he said. ``We're playing one of the most, if not the most, talented team in America. I haven't seen any more talented.''

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

45-0: FINAL SCORE DOES NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY

BY WALTER ANARUK
NFL DRAFT BIBLE
SEC SCOUT
In the first SEC match-up of the 2007 NCAA football season, the score belies what happened in the game. The Louisiana St. Tigers topped the Mississippi State Bulldogs 45-0. While the Tigers did finally take control midway through the third quarter, Mississippi State’s defense played exceptionally well for most of the game. If not for the poor job of protecting the football by the MSU offense, LSU might not have scored a touchdown the entire first half. It took four interceptions from Mississippi State quarterback Michael Henig for the Tigers to squeeze out two touchdowns before halftime.

The LSU offense looks nothing like the top scoring unit it was last season. Some of that can probably be attributed to the loss of offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher. Nevertheless, a SEC team ranked second in the country needs to be able to run the ball. Quarterback Matt Flynn was the leading rusher at the half with 29 yards on four carries. While he did not get many passing attempts, his passing efficiency was solid (seven of ten for 67 yards at the half).

Part of the LSU scoring problems came from inspired play by the Bulldogs defense. However, penalties put the Tigers offense in long yardage situations way too often. There were far too many false starts, including one from wide receiver Early Doucet. While crowd noise can claim a few of the penalties, wide receivers should be watching the snap rather than listening for the snap count and chronic false starts indicate a lack of mental focus. LSU’s offense cannot continue to make those kinds of mental errors – not if they are going to win the SEC this season.

Mississippi State’s defense played with tremendous heart. The unit took excellent pursuit angles and employed solid gap control to neutralize the Tigers’ team speed. Late in the second quarter, the Bulldogs switched from a 4-3 alignment to a 3-4 and 3-5 look and became very aggressive. At one point, the defense forced LSU into a 3rd and 28, pushing their heels to the goal line, nearly earning a safety.

However, Mississippi State’s offense looked sluggish against LSU’s lightning quick defense. LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey repeatedly shed double teams and disrupted the running and passing games. Henig was 5-of-10 for 37 yards with four interceptions by the half, adding two more picks by the end of the game. Mississippi State’s running backs combined for 30 yards by halftime – only one yard more than Flynn had.

The most obvious and glaring problem for Mississippi State was their offense’s utter failure to capitalize on the play of their defense. Henig made poor decisions with the football. He could easily have had six interceptions by halftime. On two other errant passes, there were defenders in the vicinity and not a Bulldog receiver in sight.

State’s running back Anthony Dixon is 6’1”, 240 pounds and is touted as the Bulldogs thumper. However, Dixon is not fast enough to turn the corner on the LSU defense. Dixon was hyped before the season for his speed and size. However, he runs with a poor pad level neutralizing the advantage his size should have given him on LSU’s smaller, faster defenders. Dixon runs upright, which allowed LSU’s defenders to bring the contact to him instead of vice versa. He outweighs every linebacker on the LSU roster, however his technique does nothing to levy his size advantage.

Mississippi State linebacker/defensive end Titus Brown was both an assent and a liability. Brown’s speed and explosiveness enabled him to blow by defenders into the backfield where he earned a sack and numerous quarterback hurries. However, Brown’s eagerness to get up field, resulted in some LSU opportunities.

Here is an example: Early in the game, Brown pushed up into the backfield where he was supposed to play containment. But trying to pursue and make a play, Brown pinched inside allowing a long run to break outside of his containment. Brown was excellent most of the game but has to stay in position when it is not his turn to attack.

By the end of the third quarter, LSU wore the Mississippi State defense down. The Bulldog’s stop unit played with tremendous fire all game long but their offensive woes kept the tiring defense on the field too much. LSU alternated a punishing running game between the tackles featuring big back Jacob Hester, with a speed game employing a running back by platoon approach to attack the edges.

After a quick strike at the start of the third quarter, LSU rolled up 21 more points to finish off the Dawgs. Flynn finished the game 12-of-19 for 128 yards and two touchdowns. Doucet hauled in nine passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, while safety Craig Steltz had a career day, hauling in three of the six interceptions.

The Bayou Bengals may look exceptional in the box score, but Mississippi State’s unranked defense gave the Tigers a much tougher game than the stats illustrate. To keep their lofty ranking, LSU must find their offensive stride. Their defense and special teams look fast and aggressive. However, without the slew of Mississippi State turnovers to help the LSU offense, the scoreboard might have told quite a different story.

* CLICK HERE TO HEAR MORE FROM WALTER ANARUK: http://www.fieldposition.com/

THE CFI TOP 25 COUNTDOWN: #3 LSU TIGERS

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CO-FOUNDER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS



2006 RECORD: 11-2; SEC: 6-2
Won Sugar Bowl vs. Notre Dame 41-14
LOCATION: Baton Rouge, La.
STADIUM: Tiger (92,400)
HEAD COACH: Les Miles
OVERALL: 50-25 (6 seasons)
AT LSU: 22-4 (2 seasons)

It was amazing that the Tigers not only failed to win the Southeastern Conference last season, they did not even make it to the championship game with the Arkansas Razorbacks representing the West Division. Nick Saban did not leave the cupboard bare and new headman Les Miles appears to be adding some talent of his own. Miles was 11-2 in each of his first two seasons, however if he fails to win the conference title this year the moaning and groaning will be loud in Cajun Country.

WHEN THE CATS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Gary Crowton (1st Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: JaMarcus Russell, Dwayne Bowe, Craig Davis, Justin Vincent, Brian Johnson, Alley Broussard (Quit Team)

Remember when Peyton Manning left Tennessee and the Vols won it all, well the same thing can happen at LSU. Like Tee Martin, Matt Flynn is not nearly the pro prospect his predecessor was, nevertheless he is an excellent college player who is more than capable of winning games and leading the way. His go-to guy will be speedy senior Early Doucet, who can stretch the field and he excels after the catch, a nearly impossible one-on-one cover. With two receivers gone and playing in the NFL, they will need sophomore Brandon LaFell to step up opposite Doucet. Another key component that will make Flynn’s life easier is an improved running game, with a pair of highly touted sophomores in Keiland Williams and Charlie Scott ready to break out. They each bring size and speed to the table, which is why they were both productive in limited duty as freshmen. The line returns four starters and as a group -- they should be better for the experience they gained last season. Guard Herman Johnson and tackle Ciron Black form a mammoth left side (676 pounds).

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Early Doucet (SR), 2) Herman Johnson (JR), 3) Ciron Black (SO), 4) Jacob Hester (SR), 5) Will Arnold (SR), 6) Brandon LaFell (SO), 7) Richard Dickson (SO), 8) Keiland Williams (SO), 9) Charles Scott (SO), 10) Matt Flynn (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM THE HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Bo Pelini (3rd Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: LaRon Landry, Jessie Daniels, Daniel Francis, Chase Pittman

Very few teams can rival the type of talent the Tigers possess along their defensive line. All-American Glenn Dorsey would have been a first round pick had he declared, however much to the dismay of SEC offensive lineman, Dorsey is back for another season of domination, as he will command double teams all season long. That could spell trouble as Tyson Jackson is a stout end who can also get to the quarterback, while Marlon Favorite and Al Woods, among others, expect to play bigger roles this season. All four could eventually be first round picks in the NFL sometime over the next few seasons. Ali Highsmith and Darry Beckwith are their top two backers, the overlooked but solid portion of this defense. Corners Chevis Jackson and Jonathan Zenon form one of the top pairs in the country, with safety the most unproven position on the team. Not a starter, senior Craig Steltz has some starting experience, but it will be impossible to replace all that LaRon Landry could do.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Glenn Dorsey (SR), 2) Marlon Favorite (JR), 3) Tyson Jackson (JR), 4) Ali Highsmith (SR), 5) Darry Beckwith (JR), 6) Chevis Jackson (SR), 7) Jonathan Zenon (SR), 8) Al Woods (SO), 9) Craig Steltz (SR), 10) Charles Alexander (JR)

THE SCHEDULE

At Alabama: almost as if fate was the schedule maker, the Tigers season could come down to their trip to Tuscaloosa to face ex-coach Nick Saban, who just a few seasons ago brought a National Championship to Cajun Country. With Virginia Tech, as well as South Carolina, Florida, Auburn and Arkansas all coming to Louisiana, the Crimson Tide are easily LSU’s toughest road foe. The only thing worse for Coach Miles than falling short of another SEC title is if Saban’s squad is the reason why, while everyone in the state dreads the thought of the Tide toppling their Tigers. Bama is a sleeper in the SEC and an upset of LSU could be the springboard they are looking for.

PIVOTAL POINT

Less sizzle, more steak. The Tigers were among America’s flashiest teams last season, especially on offense. No one could match JaMarcus Russell’s freakish abilities, flicking the ball around the field with utter ease, with a relay team running routes and getting open for him. Flynn is not nearly as exciting as Russell was, as their passing game will not be nearly as high octane as it was in 2006, but it will be steady with even fewer mistakes. In addition, expect a much more physical offensive brand of football this season, with Flynn doing his job as a game manager, just as he did two years ago against Miami in the Peach Bowl.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

How talented were the Tigers last season? Well…how many teams do you know that could lose their quarterback, who just happened to be the number one overall pick in the draft, as well as two first round picks at the receiver position and a safety who was selected in the top ten AND comeback as a consensus top five team in America? Miles has a great record here, but has something to prove under pressure. Each year they lost an early season game, seemingly taking them out of the national title picture before they took off. Furthermore, they lost their biggest game over the last two years, when an underdog Georgia team pulled off the upset, 34-14, in the SEC Championship game in 2005. It is BCS Championship game or bust for the Bayou Bengals.

Check back tomorrow to see who is #2 in CFI’s Top 25 Countdown