2010 LSU Tigers Preview Odds

LSU Tigers

9-4, 5-8 ATS, 2nd Place in SEC West

Odds to Win 2010 BCS Championship: +3500
Odds to Win SEC 10/1
at Bookmaker Sportsbook

The 2009 LSU Tigers rode a strong defense to keep them alive in several close games. The team went 5-3 in games decided by nine points or less. However, the offense was weak, and now the Tigers need to find new stars at running back and wide receiver. HC Les Miles has a lot of talent to evaluate this offseason.

Offensive Outlook: The Tigers’ 9-3 regular season record came despite a very poor offensive output. LSU produced 304.7 yards per game, putting them at 111th in the nation. The 97th ranked passing offense gained 181.8 yards per game. Quarterback Jordon Jefferson, now a junior, threw for 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions last year. He will lose the services of the now graduated Brandon LaFell, who caught 11 of those tuddies. Terance Toliver should become Jefferson’s new favorite target, as Toliver accounted for 735 yards last season. The Tigers also take a huge hit at running back, as leading rushers Charles Scott and Keiland Williams have graduated. Chris Ford has impressed the coaching staff in the offseason, and is likely to become a big part of the ground attack.

Defensive Outlook: The 2009 Tigers defense really did its job. They allowed just 16.2 points and 327.3 yards per game, good for 11th and 26th in the nation respectively. Eight players recorded at least one interception. LSU was very young last year at defensive back and will return 12 of the 13 that were available. The key for the defense of the Bayou Bengals will be how well the offense can function. It would also help the 'D' out quite a bit if the woeful offense could string together some first downs to keep it off the field.

The Final Word: With several revolving doors at offense, it will once again be up to the defense to give the Tigers chances to win. If Ford can take over at running back and a few wide receivers can step up to assist Toliver, the Tigers have the potential to go far. However, expect LSU to take a small step backward this year before they move to the top of the SEC again.

2010 LSU Tigers Prediction: 8-4, 2nd place in SEC West

2010 LSU Tigers Schedule
9/4 vs. North Carolina (N)
9/11 @ Vanderbilt
9/18 Mississippi State
9/25 West Virginia
10/2 Tennessee
10/9 @ Florida
10/16 McNeese State
10/23 @ Auburn
11/6 Alabama
11/13 Louisiana-Monroe
11/20 Mississippi
11/27 @ Arkansas