This is really no surprise. LSU was dominant last year, and didn’t really enjoy quality quarterback play. A fact that was repeatedly exposed by Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide during January’s BCS Championship match-up, and their abuse of former LSU QB, Jordan Jefferson.
Even after the 21 point victory over LSU, the coaches see last year’s runner-up, as this year’s favorite.
LSU will be led by junior QB, Zach Mettenberger, a transfer who watched most of last season, and was once upon a time, the “future” for the University of Georgia’s football program. After making a serious error in judgement, Mettenberger found himself on the outs with the Georgia staff, and was no longer welcome on the team. After choosing LSU as a replacement, “Mett” has focused his restless energy into becoming a guiding force for the LSU offense. For the first time in a long time, LSU fans may enjoy a season without quarterback controversy. But then–Les Miles is still the head coach.
The USA Today Coaches Poll features familiarity, including Alabama at #2, and USC at #3. The Trojans have come off of their post-season ban, and will be eligible to pursue former glory in their second year under head coach Lane Kiffin, and highly touted QB, Matt Barkley. Oklahoma and Oregon round out the top 5.
With the conference shuffle, it’ll be interesting to see how the season plays out, though I’ll offer my early, and very bankable predictions now. The team winning the Alabama v. LSU match-up will play the team winning the Oregon v. USC match-up for the BCS National Championship. I’m rolling with a USC v. LSU January battle. A match-up that is long over due.
