Twice this decade, LSU has been the best team in college football.
How have the Tigers done it? By running the football and playing great defense. So, while their is so much attention given to true freshman quarterback Russell Shepard and true frosh wide out Rueben Randle, remember this: LSU's season will be decided by key issues up front.
They are: can the Tigers generate consistent pass rush? Rahim Alem was able to do it last year. Alem had 8 quarterback sacks. Tyson Jackson contributed 4.5 but after that LSU's heat on the passer was somewhat non existent. At media day, new defensive coordinator John Chavis said he would like to rotate 5 or 6 defensive tackles, and as many defensive ends.
I don't know, frankly, if Chavis has the depth, right now, to do that.
On offense, LSU can ill afford an injury to left tackle Ciron Black. Black could be a first round pick in next spring's NFL draft. Guard Lyle Hitt returns. At center PJ Lonergan and T-Bob Hebert are battling for the starting spot. Joseph Barksdale is the starter at right tackle.
Think about it. When LSU beat Ohio State for the title in January of 2008, the Tigers did it with a crushing running game, and heat on Ohio State quarterback Joe Germaine.
Four years earlier, Oklahoma's Jason White didn't have time to look downfield. Meantime, LSU was running the ball effectively on the way to a 21-14 win.
When LSU wins, the Tigers do it up front. And against this year's schedule: at Georgia, Alabama, and Ole Miss, winning up front is a must.
So, speculate all you want about Shepard. I will watch the battle in the trenches. It is there that LSU became one of the dominant teams in this decade of college football.