|
|
|
OREGON
STATE |
WON
22-21 |
ARKANSAS
STATE |
WON
53-3 |
at
Auburn |
LOST
9-10 |
MISSISSIPPI
STATE |
WON
51-0 |
at
Georgia |
LOST
16-45 |
at
Florida |
WON
24-21 |
TROY |
WON
24-20 |
VANDERBILT |
WON
24-7 |
ALABAMA |
WON
26-10 |
MISSISSIPPI |
WON
27-24 |
at
Arkansas |
WON
43-14 |
CAPITAL
ONE BOWL |
vs.
Iowa |
LOST
25-30 |
|
2004 Final Rankings
AP-16, Coaches-16, BCS-11
|
2005
Outlook |
The
pomp and circumstance of Les Mile's
hiring and another solid recruiting
year has Tiger fans thinking championship,
but those thoughts are a bit premature.
A new coach and the need for redemption
will generate excitement in Baton
Rouge, though, and the Tigers will
be a favorite to be in Atlanta come
December. On paper, the offense looks
as good as any east of Los Angeles.
However, no one suspected the last
group could underachieve as much as
it did in big games during its title
defense (nine points at Auburn, 16
at Georgia). Recruiting "titles"
rarely translate to BCS titles, so
for all of the Tigers' weapons, it
will take an imaginative game-plan
by Miles to make use of that talent.
With
lowered expectations, the defense
should surprise people, though it
won't win as many games again without
Saban around. Success nevertheless,
will be more a matter of executing
in the clutch, something they couldn't
do in the final minute against Auburn
or Iowa. The schedule is favorable
with only one real road test (Alabama).
A deep talent-pool ensures that more
than two losses will be shocking.
A perfect run through the SEC though,
would be just as great a surprise.
The
burden classically falls on Russell
to recognize and/or find his/the team's
enormous talent, and then play with
a composure that belies his age. The
offense will outscore its 2004 counterpart
but not without at least one game
where Russell & Co. look lost.
This means comebacks are in the cards.
Defensively, the group must gel quickly
and learn to swarm, since individually,
they can't count on a Lionel Turner
again for 100+ tackles. Fortunately,
the o-line and backs will control
the clock so the defense should again
be on the field for the fewest plays
in the conference.
Saban,
like Les Miles, came in from a state
school that, at the time, wasn't even
that state's best team, only to soon
lead the Tigers to prominence. Miles
proved he, too, could make an overmatched
Oklahoma State team competitive amongst
the big boys. Now, like Saban, he
is suddenly one of the big boys. File
this one under 'you'd better watch
just what you wish for'
he'll
find out just how hot the coaching
seat gets in the SEC. But when it's
all over, fans will again be delighted
with the exciting, top-ten team their
new coach puts on the field. Laissez
les bon temps roulette
in the
red stick.
Projected
2005 record: 9-2
|
|
LOUISIANA
STATE
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 3.5 |
DL
- 4.5 |
RB
- 5 |
LB
- 4 |
WR
- 5 |
DB
- 4 |
OL
- 4.5 |
.. |
|
RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
JaMarcus Russell, 144-73-4, 1053 yds.,
9 TD
Rushing: Alley Broussard, 142
att., 867 yds., 10 TD
Receiving: Craig Davis, 43
rec., 659 yds., 1 TD
Scoring: Alley Broussard, 10
TD, 60 pts.
Punting: Chris Jackson, 50
punts, 40.0 avg.
Kicking: Chris Jackson, 11-17
FG, 15-20 PAT, 48 pts.
Tackles: LaRon Landry, 92 tot.,
53 solo
Sacks: Kyle Williams, Claude
Wroten, 6 each
Interceptions: LaRon Landry,
4 for 51 yds.
Kickoff Returns: Skyler Green,
11 ret., 22.6 avg., 0 TD
Punt Returns: Skyler Green,
25 ret., 9.7 avg., 1 TD
|
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DT
Claude Wroten |
|
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LOUISIANA
STATE
|
|
|
OFFENSE
- 10 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 7 |
|
KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Marcus Randall-QB, Ben Wilkerson-C |
DEFENSE:
Marcus
Spears-DE, Lionel Turner-MLB, Corey
Webster-CB, Travis Daniels-CB, Brian
West-DE |
|
|
|
2005
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
Versatile RS sophomore JaMarcus Russell
was supposed to confuse opposing SEC defenses.
Instead, it was the Tigers who shook their
heads at his spotty QB play. Russell's strong
arm, 6'6" size and 4.7 speed are undermined
by a lack of poise and leadership; his finest
moments have all been in coming off the
bench. Now, though, he'll become "the
guy" for 60 minutes only by embracing
his own athleticism. Too often, Russell
sits in the pocket to prove he can win with
his arm, rather than exploiting coverage
zones with timely runs. Admire Russell for
trying not to lose games as an inexperienced
freshman. However, his dismal -41yds rushing
reflect a willingness to take avoidable
sacks. With a great line and a fresh offense,
Russell will flourish, even as he's pressured
by back-ups Matt Flynn and incoming freshman
phenom Ryan Perrilloux. Flynn can air it
out (9.9 yds/att) but is hampered by inexperience.
All-everything Perrilloux put up over 5,000yds
of offense as a dual-threat blue-chipper
and stirred controversy with his declaration
that LSU coaches were worried about the
current quarterbacks' consistency. With
all of the Tigers' weapons and new coaching,
the steadiest QB wins this position battle.
That will initially be the game-tested Russell,
whose mastery of a new system could take
him to SEC stardom.
Running
Back
The backfield remains an embarrassment of
riches, only with a reshuffled depth chart.
Junior Alley Broussard rose from afterthought
to record-setter with an uncanny ability
to find the endzone. His bruising style
brands him the go-to guy in the red-zone
(five one-yard TDs), but his 74yd TD scamper
in the bowl shows he's anything but a one-dimensional
back. Flexible senior Joseph Addai won't
have to worry about that label either. He's
equally adept at gaining big chunks on the
ground or through the air. The team's third
leading receiver makes an ideal third-down
back with a knack for the big grab in the
clutch (three 20+yd TD rec. in November).
Junior Justin Vincent, a hero on their national
championship squad, must earn back playing
time by returning his yards-per-carry to
those astronomical numbers that led the
Tigers in 2003. Broussard's durability though,
will keep him the feature back. The Tigers
will be most successful with Vincent providing
him an explosive breather as Addai creates
match-up problems with linebackers unable
to cover this speedster. Blocking specialist
FB Kevin Steltz is solid, plus, Broussard
doesn't need much help. All of the backs
are multiple dimensional, which mean this
unit will not be stopped often, if at all.
Receiver
The underused receiving corps should be
drooling at the chance to play for the offensive-minded
Miles. He will open things up and give this
deep and talented group a chance to make
plays. No one does that better than junior
Dwayne Bowe. A monster at 6'4", Bowe
believes he has a chance for six on every
pass. He's deadly on jump balls and as the
bowl proved, he's earned Russell's trust
as the featured guy. Senior Skyler Green
should be 100% again and will find any seam
underneath with his unparalleled speed.
Craig Davis remains the unsung hero. Without
the physical stats or blue-chip pedigree,
Davis simply led the team in yards and receptions
as a prototypical possession receiver. The
wild cards are sophomores Xavier Carter
and Early Doucet. Each is a burner who showed
flashes of brilliance in limited action.
A year under their belts will improve their
route-running to develop this explosive
duo by late-season. (Doucet will blossom
first as Carter splits time with track.)
Tight
End
Keith Zinger and David Jones know their
roles; block and let the speedsters catch
the ball. The collective unit has the most
depth and talent in the SEC; solid QB play
will make them the most productive.
Offensive
Line
As on the d-line, a wealth of experience
and depth returns, minus a critical leader.
Senior Rudy Niswanger slides over to center
in place of NFL-bound Ben Wilkerson and
will develop a rapport with Russell in a
hurry. Niswanger started at four different
spots on the line, but versatility must
become virtuosity as he takes charge in
the middle. Expect the academic all-American
to quickly pick up the mental aspects and,
after a team-high 22 pancakes, he'll attract
all-SEC attention. It will be many all-America
honors, however, for senior LT Andrew Whitworth
(NC.net second-teamer). A starter in every
game he's played, Whitworth could be the
first Tiger ever to start 50 games, a testament
to extraordinary physical talent and consistency
(team high 793 plays, only one sack allowed).
Senior Nate Livings will likely move to
RT to form a scary pair. The guards have
taken fewer snaps, but have game-experience
and solid technique, so that won't be a
weak link. This Saban-recruited huge line,
averaging 6'5", 310, will continue
to be the SEC's best run-blockers and can
only improve on their SEC-high of 33 sacks
allowed.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
After an added year experience, its time
for the recently-hyped recruiting classes
to shine. Even with a new coach, offensive
coordinator Jimbo Fisher remains, providing
continuity for Russell as Les Miles preaches
a more explosive offense. Everything is
in place to dominate. For opposing defenses,
they must harass Russell into turnovers
or else they will pick their poison. In
rhythm, the offense will be impossible to
stop with its depth. Broussard can bang
away inside, Addai provides a check-down
option and at any time, the stable of thoroughbred
receivers can run by helpless safeties.
And, what about when they look like they
will run (two backs), only to employ the
backs into a four- or five-man spread? Look
out
Yet, these weapons are only dangerous
if Miles takes off the reins that Saban
held so tightly. Given freedom, Russell
will take shots deep and scramble when plays
break down. There is no way to defend that.
By not rotating QBs, Russell can provide/develop
a much-needed identity, his own and the
team's. Only with his improved poise will
LSU match its championship-year offensive
output.
|
|
OT
Andrew Whitworth
|
|
|
LOUISIANA
STATE 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
JaMarcus
Russell-So (6-5, 222) |
Matt
Flynn-So (6-2, 220) |
FB |
Jacob
Hester-So (6-0, 240) |
Kevin
Steltz-Sr (5-11, 260) |
RB |
Alley
Broussard-Jr (6-1, 220) |
Joseph
Addai-Sr (5-11, 210)
Justin Vincent-Jr (5-11, 200) |
WR |
Skyler
Green-Sr (5-10, 180) |
Craig
Davis-Jr (6-2, 195)
Xavier Carter-So (6-3, 190) |
WR |
Dwayne
Bowe-Jr (6-3, 202) |
Early
Doucet-So (6-1, 210)
Amp Hill-So (6-3, 200) |
TE |
David
Jones-Sr (6-4, 260) |
Keith
Zinger-Jr (6-5, 260) |
OT |
Andrew
Whitworth-Sr (6-7, 310) |
Ryan
Miller-Fr (6-6, 320) |
OG |
Brett
Helms-Fr (6-4, 300) |
Terrell
McGill-Sr (6-4, 325) |
C |
Rudy
Niswanger-Sr (6-5, 290) |
Ryan
Miller-Fr (6-6, 320) |
OG |
Brian
Johnson-Jr (6-4, 307) |
Will
Arnold-So (6-4, 320) |
OT |
Nate
Livings-Sr (6-5, 313) |
Herman
Johnson-Fr (6-7, 350) |
K |
Chris
Jackson-Jr (5-11, 175) |
Ryan
Gaudet-Jr (5-10, 165) |
|
|
2005
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
No shoes will be tougher to fill than those
of DE Marcus Spears. Even after superb seasons
by DTs Claude Wroten (NC.net second-team
all-American) and Kyle Williams, these seniors
must prove they can control the line without
the scary Spears attracting double-teams.
The two already rose to the challenge of
Chad Lavalais' departure by each finishing
in the nation's top 20 in sacks while plugging
holes for the country's third stingiest
defense. These 6'3" stalwarts in the
middle won't let altered blocking schemes
prevent them from pressuring opposing QBs
- they disrupt early and often. All they
need is solid play from senior Melvin Oliver
and junior Brian West. Oliver's first-step
is reminiscent of Spears' and gives the
Tigers a quick, experienced edge-rusher
often occupying two opposing linemen. By
mid-season, he'll be among the SEC leaders
in hurries, too. Teams will test the undersized
West (270lbs), but he plays as tough as
anyone. With speedy Kirston Pittman and
a host of talented sophs waiting in the
wings, the line will generate pressure without
blitzing and again serve as the defense's
cornerstone.
Linebacker
This is the area of greatest concern. WLB
Cameron Vaughn will fly around the football,
but little else is certain, despite having
a senior-laden group. E.J. Kuale should
shift to MLB but will find difficulty in
replacing the savvy Lionel Turner. A true
strong-side LB, Kuale needs to master the
defensive calls or Bo Pellini will have
to throw sophomore Luke Sanders into the
SEC fire. Sanders matches Vaughn's physicality
and can make up for inexperience with his
intangibles and work-ethic. He's not a star
yet, but he'll get a chance to start with
anything less than spectacular play from
Kuale. Senior Kenneth Hollis can be a run-stopper
at SLB but hasn't shown much else. Like
Sanders, sophomore Ali Highsmith should
therefore capitalize. His (4.5-sec 40) speed
and ability to wrap up tackles will be a
huge addition once he's comfortable in Pellini's
scheme. They won't hold opponents under
100yds on the ground again, and the pressure
moves to the safeties to cover-up inevitable
mistakes for a unit with far too many question
marks.
Defensive
Back
The Tigers may have the nation's toughest
and most talented safety tandem but could
still be vulnerable in the secondary. Junior
FS LaRon Landry is a stud whose athleticism
even surprised Tiger coaches. Near the top
of the SEC in tackles, he is the quintessential
teammate. Landry led all SEC DBs in assisted
tackles and, with his preternatural awareness,
will be in on every play. A student of the
game, Landry quarterbacks the defense so
junior SS Jesse Daniels can roam and punish
anyone with his LB physique. Fortunately,
Daniels can also cover like a corner, which
he may/will have to do with a thin group
at CB. Ronnie Prude's clearance for another
season was a huge boost, but he doesn't
have the speed to be left on an island.
Mario Stevenson's rapid depth chart ascension
means his grasp of the position is catching
up to his athleticism, but highly-regarded
recruit Chris Hawkins will still step up
right away. Expect fewer big plays from
Landry and fewer turnovers as he and Daniels
'baby sit' the corners.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
Statistically, Saban's recent Tiger defenses
will be unrealistic to try to match. Bo
Pellini is a gifted defensive mind; however,
installing a new scheme with so many seniors
is a huge hurdle. They won't likely be among
the nation's best again, but there should
be little drop-off in points-allowed if
the group bears down in the red-zone. Unbelievably,
the Tigers were among the top three in the
SEC in every other defensive category but
were second worst in the red zone (84.4%).
Better conditioning will strengthen the
Tigers at the end of long drives and will
lessen the brunt of critical personnel losses.
The speed and size is still there, and with
an improved offense, they're solid enough
to give LSU a chance to win any game.
|
|
DB
LaRon Landry
|
|
|
LOUISIANA
STATE 2005 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Chase
Pittman-Jr (6-4, 260) |
Ryan
Willis-Jr (6-5, 265) |
DT |
Claude
Wroten-Sr (6-3, 315) |
Charles
Alexander-Fr (6-3, 295) |
DT |
Kyle
Williams-Sr (6-3, 288) |
Glenn
Dorsey-So (6-2, 300) |
DE |
Melvin
Oliver-Sr (6-3, 290) |
Kirston
Pittman-Jr (6-3, 238) |
SLB |
E.J.
Kuale-Sr (6-2, 225) |
Luke
Sanders-So (6-4, 230) |
MLB |
Ken
Hollis-Sr (6-0, 235) |
Quinn
Johnson-Sr (6-3, 230) |
WLB |
Cameron
Vaughn-Sr (6-4, 225) |
Ali
Highsmith-So (6-1, 225) |
CB |
Ronnie
Prude-Sr (5-11, 176) |
Chevis
Jackson-So (6-0, 185) |
CB |
Sammy
Joseph-Jr (5-11, 179) |
Mario
Stevenson-Sr (6-2, 195) |
SS |
Jessie
Daniels-Jr (5-11, 200) |
Craig
Steltz-So (6-2, 195) |
FS |
LaRon
Landry-Jr (6-2, 187) |
Nick
Child-Jr (6-0, 165) |
P |
Chris
Jackson-Jr (5-11, 180) |
Patrick
Fisher-Jr (6-0, 240) |
|
|
|
2005
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
Unlike at QB, the position battle at kicker was
won on the field. Junior Chris Jackson's leg in
key November games (51yd FG vs. Miss, 53yd long
vs. Arkansas) cemented the job, but walk-on Ryan
Gaudet is a sound back-up. A full-season for Jackson
will improve consistency so the Tigers don't have
a repeat of last year's porous 80% conversions
on PATs.
Punter
Junior Patrick Fisher was no where near his high
school numbers of 48yds per kick, but, with that
leg and a year of facing SEC rushes, he'll improve
the Tigers' punting mediocrity and relieve Jackson
of his kicking double-duty.
Return
Game
If Skyler Green's fully healed from his ankle-injury,
he's amongst the most dangerous return man in
I-A ball. Even hurt, he still scored on a 65yd
return and should see more time on kick returns
with improved depth at wide-receiver. Fellow senior
(5'6") Shyrone Carey adds another playmaker.
To completely control field position, Miles expects
this young, hungry group to repeat as the SEC's
best kickoff coverage unit.
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QB
According the USA Today Offensive Player of the
Year Ryan Perrilloux, he will enter school and will
beat out both Russell and Flynn, and then subsequently
pass for over 2000 yards this fall. For now, it
appears JaMarcus Russell has won the job this spring,
but new head coach Les Miles has refused to name
a starter until Ryan gets to Baton Rouge. Miles
has been very tight-lipped when asked about his
QB(s). Despite this, Russell danced with the first
group in the spring game completing 17 of 30 passes
for 223 yards and four TDs. Mike Flynn was on par
in terms of statistics. At 6-5 and 248 pounds, Russell
is much more agile than people might think. His
ability to improvise has received some praise from
coaches. We'll be very surprised if Russell is not
starting on September 3. RB
Justin Vincent still shows top-flight ability,
but has yet to regain the form from his impressive
freshman championship season. Reserve fullback
Shawn Jordan, facing charges involving steroids,
has been suspended from the team.
TE
All-SEC selection David Jones missed spring drills
after undergoing shoulder surgery in the off-season.
In his place have been Keith Zinger and Mit Cole.
Former center Doug Planchard has spent most of
spring here.
WR
Skyler Green should be 100 percent at the start
of fall practice. Speedster Xavier Carter has
been racking up the receptions this spring and
is set to play a primary role. Carter is a member
of the LSU track team and shattered the school
record in the 200 meters. Miami-native Amp Hill
is back after tearing knee ligaments as a true
freshman. He finally appears to be healthy for
the first time in two years and is poised to become
an active part of the offense. He logged four
catches and a TD in the spring game.
DL
NT Kyle Williams has become a leader this spring.
Expect great things to happen with the senior.
Making the biggest strides up front was highly
touted 2003 recruit Kirston Pittman at DE, who
snared the Most Improved Award on defense. But
who replaces Marcus Spears? The likely candidate
is Chase Pittman, a Texas-transfer who had to
sit out last fall. His abilities were highlighted
in the spring scrimmages.
LB
SLB Cameron Vaughn has emerged as the leader of
this group. Vaughn is highly thought of by the
coaching staff. Kenny Hollis will assume the Mike
position. It took the JUCO-transfer some time
to adapt under Bo Pelini. It's become clear; Hollis
is one of this team's best playmakers. "Will"
is up for grabs at this point between Sanders
and Highsmith, with E.J. Kuale being the favorite.
But Kuale has apparently had trouble picking up
the system (after coming over from junior college,
much like Hollis).
DB
Senior Ronnie Prude is one corner, but the other
spot is open. Chevis Jackson got a hard look,
but coaches are so far hesitant about naming a
starter.
SPECIAL
TEAMS
Although Chris Jackson currently holds both punting
and kicking duties, Patrick Fisher is pushing
for time as a punter. Much of Fisher's playing
time had to do with the fact Jackson is playing
third base for the LSU baseball team. Skyler Green
and Early Doucet have been named the starters
for returning kicks.
NOTES
Jimbo Fisher looks like he is allowed to open
up the offense more, as opposed to life under
Nick Saban. Under new defensive coordinator Bo
Pelini, the DL has been using a five-man front
(utilizing a nose guard), which was not a function
under Saban. Also, there seem to be fewer players
rotated between snaps on defense. |
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