12/9/08
Losing five of their last six SEC contests – something that hadn’t happened in nine years – will have many (fans) asking, “Will the Tigers bounce back, or will they continue to slowly slide due to the trials and tribulations at quarterback?” That is the $64 question in Red Stick, for this is still a complete team loaded with leadership and upperclassmen. Perrilloux’ departure will still be felt in ’09…that is, unless committed recruit and No.1 dual-threat QB prospect Russell Shepard becomes the Tyrell Pryor of the new class or promising frosh Jordan Jefferson continues to demonstrate the skills that won the Tigers a big Chick-fil-A bowl victory. Otherwise, it will continue to be QB rotations that happen because of problems, not to keep defenses guessing (ala Florida with Leak and Tebow, Arkansas with Dick and McFadden, etc.) The talent positions come back in force, save any possible early NFL Draft entries, so competently getting the ball into their collective hands is all that has to occur, especially lightning bolt Holliday’s. The other mass exodus is along the defensive line, the Tiger’s bread-and-butter for securing stopping results. Like on offense, the coffers are loaded with DL candidates, each awaiting his chance to become the next Glenn Dorsey. A defensive turnaround (the Tigers ranked a very un-LSU-like 36th for total defense in ‘08) will actually go further toward bringing the Bayou Bangles back to the top of the SEC West; the back seven will have their work cut out. Colt David (and punter Brady Dalfrey) give way to Josh Jasper, another variable worth noting since David meant most every drive could end with some points. The temperature of Les Miles’s proverbial coaching chair could get pretty hot if LSU again finishes tied for the fifth-worst conference record. Starting this low to eventually climb will keep these Tigers hungry.