Running backs, offensive line lead offense into 2008

Football Preview

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By James Moroney

With less than two weeks to go before the LSU season opener against Appalachian State, a lot of Tiger fans must be wondering what the offense will look like with such a large question mark behind center. Yes, there were some questions last year going into the season about the inexperience at quarterback, but Matt Flynn had a solid start under his belt, and the main question was whether or not he could hold off the super-talented Ryan Perrilloux.

Now, both of them are gone and the same questions are coming up again. Rest assured LSU fans, the team will move on and be successful no matter who ends up the starting quarterback. Will there be some bumps and early mistakes? Yes. Will LSU drop 48 points and almost 600 yards of offense on the number one ranked defense? No. Will LSU be able to compete for an SEC championship this season? You better believe it.

Quarterback

Most people believe that it is a two-man race between Andrew Hatch and Jarrett Lee, and that’s probably what it is. You will definitely see one of those two guys, probably Hatch, get the start on August 30. Hatch is considered the more mobile of the two potential starters, but his arm strength leaves questions about his ability to stretch the field on offense. Lee definitely has the better arm but showed questionable decision making in the spring game and also seemed to get nervous under pressure.

Jordan Jefferson is talented and probably has more physical tools than either of the two other quarterbacks, but he is a true freshman and still has a lot to learn. Jefferson will see the field this year but not as the starter.

Look for both Hatch and Lee to split the snaps in the first two or three games before the coaches decide who they like best. I would have to believe that Lee has the upper hand to win the starting job if he can consistently show the ability to make the correct reads and keep his poise under pressure in the pocket. Neither of these guys will replace Matt Flynn from last year, but the good thing is that they don’t have to.

Grade: C+

Offensive Line

LSU returns four starters from last year’s offensive line and should have a solid replacement at right tackle in Joseph Barksdale. Ciron Black and Herman Johnson anchor the left side of the line and both of them will be first day picks in the 2009 NFL draft. Lyle Hitt joins Barksdale on the right side of the line, and Brett Helms returns as the second best center in the SEC behind Jonathon Luigs of Arkansas.

This group could be the best group on the offensive side of the ball and has the potential to be the best line in the nation if they can play consistently, which plagued them at times last season.

While the starters are fantastic, there is little experience in the two-deep. Ryan Miller was the only one who saw playing time last year at guard and center. There is talent, no doubt, but injuries could pose a problem down the stretch. If everyone stays healthy, look for LSU to dominate at the line of scrimmage.

Grade: A-

Running Backs

If the offensive line isn’t the best group, the running backs definitely are. Charles Scott, Keiland Williams and Richard Murphy return to form one of the most talented and athletic backfields in the country. No, LSU won’t get a lot of face time on ESPN for their running backs, but I guarantee that there isn’t a coach in the country who would complain if they had all three of these guys to carry the rock.

Charles Scott will probably be the starter, but look for Coach Miles to split the carries and go with the hot hand. Williams might be the most talented of the three with his combination of size and speed, but he had problems putting the ball on the ground in the Spring Game, which could keep him off the field. Murphy will get the label of “speed back,” and anyone who saw him run over Stefoin Francois in the Spring Game knows how scary that label will be for opposing defenses.

Quinn Johnson will clear the way for these guys at the fullback position. You might not hear his name mentioned much in interviews or highlights, but you will hear him. Just listen for the “pop” at the line of scrimmage that sounds like a jet plane breaking the sound barrier and you will know that Johnson just flattened a linebacker. The wild card of the bunch will be like Trindon Holliday.

He is the perfect change of pace back to compliment the hard hitting running of the other three backs. He won’t get 15 touches a game, but he will make the most of the ones he gets. LSU has the perfect combination of speed and power to allow Gary Crowton to run numerous formations and be successful.

Grade: A

Receivers

The x-factor for the LSU offense this season will be the wide receivers. The quarterbacks will struggle; the offensive line and running backs will dominate; the success of the offense will depend on the production of the wide receivers. Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd have the athleticism to play at the next level, but one of them will have to step up and be the number one, go-to guy.

Terrance Tolliver and Jared Mitchell will compete for the third and fourth receivers and should be solid in those spots. If either LaFell or Byrd assumes the leadership role of the unit, this could be a special group of receivers and one of the best in LSU history. If neither one step up, then there could be a learning curve for the passing game that could hurt LSU in their biggest games.

At tight end, Richard Dickson is the perfect safety outlet for the new quarterbacks and will probably break the LSU single season record for receptions for a tight end (34). He showed flashes of his athleticism and reliability in the national championship game. Look for him to become a star of the offense this season and a first team All-SEC selection.

Originally Published: Issue 701 - August 19, 2008

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