LSU Looks To Defend National Title With New QB

Baton Rouge, LA (AHN) - Louisiana State University became the first school to win two BCS national championships when it knocked off Ohio State 38-24 in the 2007 title game.

The Tigers (12-2 overall and 6-2 in the Southeastern Conference) also became the first team to win the title with a pair of defeats.

To repeat, not only as the nation's No. 1 team but as SEC champions as well, the Bayou Bengals will surely ride the strength of its offensive and defensive fronts.

The Tigers will have to overhaul their backfield, linebacking corps and secondary, however.

The Tigers lost All-America defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey, but four first-and second-teamers return, led by highly-regarded ends Kirston Pittman and Tyson Jackson.

They could be the best duo in the country, as Pittman, granted a sixth-year of eligibility, had 13.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks last year.

Three other All-SEC players -- linebacker Ali Highsmith, cornerback Chevis Jackson and safety Craig Steltz -- all have to be replaced.

LSU will rebuild the back of the defense around preseason All-SEC linebacker Darry Beckwith.

The offense lost two key players in leading rusher Jacob Hester and starting quarterback Matt Flynn.

While replacing Flynn seems daunting in the wake of backup Ryan Perrilloux's dismissal from the team and subsequent transfer, the Tigers appear to have as much depth at running back as any team in the nation.

Keiland Williams, Charles Scott and Richard Murphy all showed explosive ability while rushing for at least 300 yards apiece last year.

The receivers are also among the country's most talented, even with the loss of Early Doucet. Brandon LaFell and speedy deep threat Demetrius Boyd combined for 85 catches, 1,277 yards and 11 TDs last season.

A big, experienced line could be LSU's strength on offense.

Four starters and eight of the first 10 on the two-deep chart return, led by all-star candidates Herman Johnson (6-7, 351, left guard) and Ciron Black (6-5,314, left tackle).

Senior Colt David was All-SEC place-kicker last year as was punter Patrick Fisher, though he graduated.

The Tigers begin the season against head coach Les Miles' alma mater - Appalachian State. Not a gimme, given that program's win over mighty Michigan last season, but the overall non-conference schedule doesn't appear difficult.

The Tigers key SEC games are road games at Auburn and Florida and home dates with Georgia and Alabama.

Two losses this season likely won't bring another BCS title, but LSU may have the talent to reload and win it all again.