Great expectations

Like a brand new car owner, LSU head coach Ed Orgeron is set to roll out his latest version of the Tigers to the NCAA football world.
And just like a brand new car owner, Orgeron has high hopes for his brand new version of a sports car; hopes that his Tigers are ready to make a legitimate run at an FBS Championship appearance.
The expectations for LSU could not be greater. Outside of a few camp injuries, the Tigers field one of the most anticipated teams in a while. In fact, the pundits at the Associated Press have enough faith in LSU to make them the pre-season No. 6 team in the country.
One of the biggest reasons for the excitement that surrounds Baton Rouge and beyond is the updated engine that is the offense. After bringing in former New Orleans Saints coach Joe Brady as the passing game coordinator, Orgeron has veered into another direction in terms of playbook design.
This year, according to Orgeron, the Tigers will forgo the old three yards and a cloud of dust mentality that had Tiger fans frustrated for the past several years. Instead, Orgeron promises a more stealthier, sleeker spread package.
With that, Orgeron also promises better use of the tight ends and the middle of the field in the passing game. That offense will need someone who can lead the Tigers with not only their play, but with the calming presence in the huddle. That someone will have to make the right throws and get back up from any type of punishment he may face.
Fortunately for LSU, they have that person on the roster. A guy by the name of Joe Burrow.
Last year Burrow showed his moxie in leading the Tigers to a 10 win season. This year his moxie may just lead LSU to a national title.
The two biggest obstacles in the way offensively will be the play of the wide receivers and offensive line. Burrow had proven that he can make the great throws, now the wide outs must prove they can catch them. As for the offensive line, they must improve from last season; a season in which they allowed Burrow to get hit way too often.
Despite losing a number of talented players on the defensive side of the ball, LSU will still have the talent to become one of the top rated defensive teams in the country. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and the defensive coaching staff always put together tremendous game plans to confuse and deter opposing offenses.
The largest question looming for the Tigers on defense will be the depth in the secondary. Outside of Kristian Fulton, Grant Delpit and freshman Derek Stingley, LSU is eager to find out who can give them the big time presence in the secondary.
One area that most people do not talk about when it comes to previewing a season is the kicking game. In 2018, Cole Tracy had one of the most prolific seasons as a kicker in LSU history.
Duplicating that will be tough for any person coming in. Orgeron and the Tigers think that they may have found that other diamond in the rough with incoming freshman Cade York. The McKinney High product booted a 59-yard field goal in the Under Armor All-American game.
A tough schedule awaits the LSU this season. The Tigers must face five of the top six teams in the pre-season coaches poll. Three of the team LSU plays- Georgia Southern, Texas and Utah State- all won 10 or more games last year.
The first test of the season comes in week two when the Tigers travel to Texas. One good thing for LSU- they get Florida and Auburn and Texas A&M at home. If the Tigers can pick up 11 wins in the regular season, they may get into the playoffs.