Fall 2013 Football Preview - The Daily Reveille

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Friday, August 30, 2013 • FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

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ith a sputtering offense returning and a defense ravaged by attrition, LSU faces uncertainty for the first time in recent history. The Daily Reveille hopes to answer these questions inside this in-depth preview of the 2013 football season.

Anthony “Freak” Johnson & Ego Ferguson’s strong bond, p.8 2013 projected starting lineup, p.10

The answer to the loss of Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, p. 7

The Daily Reveille

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Friday, August 30, 2013

Linebackers make for strong support of D-line Trey Labat Sports Contributor

Last year, the LSU defensive line sported the most depth and talent of any group on the field.

This year, it’s the linebackers’ turn.

Despite losing leading tackler Kevin Minter to the NFL draft in May, several returning linebackers will lead the Tigers’ defense this year, including senior Lamin Barrow, who was chosen to inherit the symbolic No. 18 jersey, and junior defensive tackle Anthony “Freak” Johnson.

After starting the 2012-13 season as a relative unknown with no playing time, Barrow quickly dismissed doubts about his ability.

He finished last season second on the team in tackles while leading the linebacker corps in pass breakups, highlighting his skills in pass coverage.

Junior linebacker D.J. Welter comes into the season unheralded, much like Barrow did a year ago.

But Welter came out of the spring with the starting position in the middle, replacing Minter. Welter is still the expected starter going into the first game against TCU. “Seeing D.J. finally get his shot is really cool,” Barrow said.

“He put his work in and now he’s getting his time on the field. Last year, it was kind of the same for me, so it’s definitely good to see.”

Welter, Barrow and fellow senior linebacker Tahj Jones are the expected starters, and they believe the experience they have playing together in defensive coordinator John Chavis’ system for so long gives them a leg up on the field.

“We’ve played together for so long ... we know the plays so well, it’s second nature at this point,” Welter said. “We can communicate without even talking.”

Barrow agreed with the sentiment.

“Eye contact is really all we need to know what [one another] is thinking, it is definitely an advantage for us,” Barrow said.

With an unusually inexperienced defensive line, the linebackers have stepped to the forefront to quell any growing pains.

“Any time one of us doesn’t fill a gap, there is always a linebacker there to cover for us,” said junior defensive tackle Ego Ferguson. “Our linebackers are the fastest group I’ve ever played with.”

Coach Les Miles agreed with Ferguson following the third scrimmage of fall practice, saying the linebackers are “fast, hard hitting and might be the most athletic group at that position since we’ve been here.”

Backing up the veteran group is a talented batch of young linebackers who saw playing time in key situations last season.

Sophomore linebacker Kwon

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Alexander played in only seven games last season, but before breaking his ankle against Florida in October, he had cemented himself as a starting outside linebacker.

“Losing my season like that, man, it was tough,” Alexander said. “But I feel like this season I’m coming back stronger, I’ve adjusted to the speed of the game and I think I’ve ascended from the level I played at [last season].”

Sophomores Lamar Louis and Deion Jones both saw playing time last season. Louis will compete for playing time at the mic with Welter and will be included in the linebacker rotation.

Rounding out the linebackers will be true freshmen Kendell Beckwith and Duke Riley. Both impressed the coaching staff during fall practice and bring a unique skill to the defense.

With the veteran group supplemented by the young talent Miles has brought in, any growing pains from having an inexperienced defensive line should be minimized.

Contact Trey Labat at tlabat@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @treylabat_TDR

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Friday, August 30, 2013

page 3

Mettenberger, Jennings could split time under Cameron Lawrence Barreca Sports Writer

LSU fans shouldn’t have a difficult time remembering the two-quarterback system used during the 13-0 regular season run in 2011.

It was a heavily criticized offensive attack, finally concluding with a controversial BCS National Championship that saw senior Jordan Jefferson struggle to move the ball past the 50-yard line while senior passer Jarrett Lee watched from the sidelines as the Tigers fell to Alabama.

According to new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, fans won’t see a similar system when senior signal caller Zach Mettenberger and freshman backup Anthony Jennings take the field for the first time Aug. 31 against TCU. He wants his quarterback to know he’s running the show.

“You want a quarterback to feel like he’s really in control of the offense,” Cameron said. “That’s how they grab a hold of it and really do their best.”

The Tigers aren’t expected to run a dual-quarterback system in 2013, but if Cameron’s history says anything, it’s that Jennings won’t find a permanent home on the bench.

Over the course of his almost five seasons as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator, Cameron had two backup quarterback options with body types

similar to Jennings’.

Ohio State Heisman Trophywinner Troy Smith and Virginia Tech standout Tyrod Taylor were both the No. 2 option at one point behind reigning Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco in Baltimore, and both found time on the field in Cameron’s system.

In 2008, Cameron’s first season with the Ravens, Smith logged eight snaps in close-game scenarios with the majority of his plays coming in the first or second quarter.

Taylor was also called upon during Cameron’s time, including two separate instances against Cleveland, taking one snap on first down and eight inside the red zone.

In total, 70 percent of packages involving either Taylor or Smith resulted in a quarterback run, largely used to change the pace of the offense and to keep defenders guessing.

The idea of a dual-threat quarterback forced opposing teams to defend against a number of threats, and 80 percent of the packages featuring Taylor or Smith resulted in a positive gain, including a passing touchdown.

So the moral of the story remains: LSU’s new offensive coordinator doesn’t touch a two-quarterback system, but he certainly likes to give an athletic backup option the opportunity to make an impact with the first team.

Cameron has already made his share of references to his time with

the Ravens, even comparing Mettenberger’s throwing ability to that of Flacco.

That being said, he has yet to reveal how he intends to use the mobile Jennings — if he intends to use him at all.

“Strategically, if we were going to [use Jennings], I wouldn’t talk about it anyway,” Cameron said.

He also said he intends to run a spread offense in 2013, especially utilizing the roles of the fullback and the running game as a whole.

Whether it’s Mettenberger or Jennings under center, Cameron’s play-calling will be directly related to each passer’s skill set.

“Right now, we’re trying to teach [Jennings] the system in case something were to happen and he were to have to play,” he said. “We will tailor what we call for what [each quarterback does] best.”

Regardless of if or when Jennings is called upon, the freshman will be ready to jump in for Mettenberger.

“I don’t come to college just to sit on the bench,” Jennings said. “I was prepared to play in any game that I needed to, and I’ll be prepared to play this season.”

Contact Lawrence Barreca at lbarreca@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @LawBarreca_TDR

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LSU RBs ready for new offensive style Nic Cotten Sports Contributor

Since 2012, the LSU backfield has seen a knee injury, two players leave for the NFL and a latenight punch that led to a starter’s suspension.

Though coach Les Miles has yet to name a starter for the season opener against TCU, the Tigers have a group of experienced, talented running backs for senior fullback J.C. Copeland to make holes for.

Sophomore running back Jeremy Hill usurped the starting position last season after his 12 -yard and two-touchdown breakout performance against South Carolina. He appeared to be the starter for the 2013 season before being suspended for his role in an April Tigerland fight.

Hill pled guilty to misdemeanor simple battery in July, and he received community service and extended probation. Miles reinstated Hill on Aug. after his team voted to allow him back onto the field.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that it’s bigger than me,” Hill said.

“The program is bigger than me, and I can’t make selfish decisions.”

Junior offensive lineman La’el Collins said it was great to have his old high school teammate back and that Hill has been constantly improving.

“Jeremy is a totally different guy from high school,” Collins said. “He can read the defense, pass block and do the little things right. All he needs is a crease and he is gone.”

The Daily Reveille

Friday, August 30, 2013

Senior running back Alfred Blue had two straight 100-yard rushing games before injuring his knee against Idaho. Blue said he has worked on his mental toughness to be able to bounce back from his injury. “ hysically, I’m 100 percent,” Blue said. “I’m just going out there and trusting my knee is back together and nothing is going to happen. I feel good when I carry the ball and get hit a couple of times.”

Sophomore linebacker Deion Jones said Blue is the most difficult of the LSU running backs to tackle because he is faster and shiftier than the other runners.

The arrival of new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron means the running backs will be more involved in the passing game, including being split out wide in five wide-receiver sets, Blue said.

“But we are going to run the ball, you can believe that,” he said.

Junior running back enny Hilliard was “lighter and faster” at the end of the summer, Miles said, and Hilliard endorsed his weight loss as a way to become more explosive.

Hilliard, who has assumed the power back role in Miles’ offense, scored six touchdowns last year a decline from his eight in 2011. “ ou’ve got to catch the ball and protect the quarterback,” Hilliard said. “ ou’ve seen Ray Rice catch a few balls and that’s something Cam [Cameron] can bring to the offense.”

Contact Nic Cotten at ncotten@lsureveille.com

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Friday, August 30, 2013

Collins to step in as O-line anchor

TAYLOR BALKOM / The Daily Reveille

La’el Collins (70), now back at his natural left tackle position, is a veteran among a green offensive line.

whatever. Players like him, they can help you a lot.”

As for his award-studded past, Collins believes it’s just water under the bridge now.

“I don’t really feel any pressure,” Collins said. “It is a big role to fill at the left tackle

position and there are a lot of expectations.”

Fortunately, he’s a big man.

Contact Cole Travis at ctravis@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @ColeTravis33

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When the time came to get serious about playing America’s game, eighth grader La’el Collins sought out Guy Mistretta, coach of local powerhouse Redemptorist High School.

During Redemptorist’s spring practice, Collins approached Mistretta during a break to introduce himself and ask about joining the team. When asked where he was going to school, Collins simply responded, “Capitol.”

“I thought he meant high school,” Mistretta said. “He said, ‘No, coach. I’m at Capitol Middle.’ Holy smokes. I thought he was a senior in high school.”

While Collins possessed jaw-dropping natural ability, he struggled with the finer points of the game, which held him out of varsity competition during his first year at Redemptorist.

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for varsity [when he arrived],” Mistretta said.

Once Collins made varsity, the awards started rolling in. He was named first team All-State for class 3A three years in a row.

He earned a five-star ranking from every major recruiting service and was named the No. 1 offensive prospect in Louisiana his senior year.

Players of Collins’ pedigree often drag out the recruiting process, but after attending LSU’s summer camp following his sophomore season, his coach could tell it would be a race for second place.

“La’el loved hanging out [at LSU],” Mistretta said. “At the same time that year, we had Avery Peterson on our team, so they were hanging out with him and [former LSU cornerback and current Arizona Cardinal] Patrick [Peterson] a lot. ... They were really sold on LSU from an early age.”

Collins committed in September of his junior season, making him the first member of a signing class that was exceptional even by LSU’s standards. By all accounts, he never seriously considered anywhere else.

As a college freshman,

Collins played sparingly, getting into seven games in a mop-up role. He thought the experience taught him to trust the coaching staff in personnel matters. “[Playing time] was never a disappointment thing for me because I know the coaches are going to do a great job being able to put someone there that can fill that position and play that role,” Collins said.

Expectations grew for Collins in his second year at LSU when he was penciled in to start at left guard. He embraced the new challenge, and when starting left tackle Chris Faulk was lost to a major knee injury, he wanted nothing to do with his former position because he was “loving playing inside.”

The opening at left tackle also worried his former coach.

“I was really concerned they were going to move him then, once the season had gotten underway,” Mistretta said. “I would’ve hated that for him. SEC play is no time to be learning a new position.”

After taking every offensive snap at guard last season, Collins will return to his rightful place at left tackle this year as the most experienced member of the line.

His time at guard not only made him a better player, but a model for younger players.

“He’s been in the big time games, so he can teach you a lot,” said freshman offensive lineman Ethan Pocic. “He can help you with the playbook, on the field or

page 5

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The Daily Reveille

Friday, August 30, 2013

Veteran receivers work on individual issues in offseason including a 56-yard reception.

But Beckham also had receiving woes early in the year.

The 2012 campaign brought The junior consistently had a slew of new talent to the LSU trouble reeling in passes, includpassing game that gave the squad ing a two-drop game against improved weapons to comple- Washington.

He isn’t expecting the ment an already-dynamic rushing dropped passes to be an issue in attack.

Now that senior quarterback 2013.

“I worked on a lot of top-end Zach Mettenberger has had a year and a half to jell with his receiv- of the routes and a lot of catching corps, many are expecting a ing,” Beckham said. “I did a lot more consistent passing attack in of catching. The natural catching ability that I have now is more 2013.

“We’re not kids anymore,” focused.”

Landry became a consistent Mettenberger said. “We underweapon for the stand that our Tigers, combinroles are different now and we just ‘I did a lot of catching ing for 29 catches trust each other. [in the offseason]. The for 320 yards and three touchdowns Hopefully we can go out onto the natural catching ability in the final four field this year and that I have now is more games of the regular season. show everybody focused.’

He said he in the country had one major what we’ve been thing to improve working on this Odell Beckham Jr. on before the offseason.” junior receiver 2013 season beJunior receivgins. ers Jarvis Landry “Just being a student of the and Odell Beckham Jr. had their own shares of highs and lows a game,” he said. “Having the ability to take and correlate what I season ago.

Beckham torched Towson saw on the film and the correcand Arkansas, combining for 240 tions that the coaches made and yards and two touchdowns in the put it into my game on the field.”

In addition to the two vetertwo games. He also had a solid showing against Florida, catch- ans, three other receiving options ing four passes for 78 yards, are expected to play a major role

Lawrence Barreca Sports Writer

when the Tigers open up against TCU in Dallas.

Redshirt freshman Travin Dural, who suffered a seasonending knee injury last year, impressed during fall practices, and he is expected to grab the No. 3 spot in the receiving corp.

Junior college transfer Quantavius Leslie will be fighting for playing time, but the 6-foot-4inch, 175-pound receiver could be a valuable option when stretching the field for the bigarmed Mettenberger.

At tight end, Tigers fans will be hoping to see an improvement with a new offensive coordinator and a young weapon at the position.

Freshman DeSean Smith’s 6-foot-4-inch, 222-pound frame shined at LSU’s fall practices, and he could very well become a primary threat in the middle of the field for the Tigers offense.

Last season, starting tight end Chase Clement had five receptions for 51 yards. Smith will look to be a much more intimidating threat than Clement in the passing game while also proving to be a solid blocker in the vaunted Tigers rushing attack.

“My blocking is getting so much better just learning from these older guys,” Smith said.

“The veterans are taking out a lot of time just to teach me the little things and things that can help me on the field.”

Contact Lawrence Barreca at lbarreca@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @LawBarreca_TDR

2012 Wide Receiver Statistics Jarvis Landry, junior • 56 receptions (team leader) • 573 receiving yards • 5 touchdowns

Odell Beckham Jr., junior • 43 receptions • 713 receiving yards (team leader) • 2 touchdowns

Kadron Boone, senior • 26 receptions • 348 receiving yards • 4 touchdowns

The Daily Reveille

page 7

“When you look at last year, starting experience after recordeverybody says we lost too much ing three starts in 2012. He leads depth,” said LSU junior defensive the unit with 42 tackles and four Sometimes, everything has tackle Anthony sacks in his first to fall apart so it can be put back Johnson. “But at two seasons and is JORDAN ALLEN together. the end of the day, listed on multiple The LSU football team lost LSU is D-line U preseason AllJunior all four starters along the defen- and it always will defensive end American teams. sive line and its No. 3 defensive be. ... The tradiThe New Or• eight 6 6 end from last season, which has tion never dies • eight 254 l s leans native said left the Tigers scrambling to fill here. We just want he isn’t worried • est onroe the holes. to keep pushing about the added High School But no matter how many this defensive line attention he’s re( est onroe a ) NFL-caliber linemen LSU to be as good as it ceived this season loses, players continue on can be.” because he’s used with the tradition of dominant Johnson is the only return- to playing this game as one of the defensive fronts. ing defensive lineman with any biggest guys on the field both in name and sheer stature.

“I’ve been playing since I was 12 years old and I’ve never worried about pressure, never worried about attention,” Johnson said. “I’ve always had it, I’ve always been the biggest person, but I’m just ready to do what I need to do.”

Junior defensive end Jordan Allen is the leading candidate to take the end opposite of junior Jermauria Rasco despite coming away from knee surgery that ended his season.

Allen and Rasco have the daunting task of replacing one of college football’s most dominating duos last season Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo but Allen thinks the THE DAILY REVEILLE ARCHIVES pressure of replacing such bigJordan Allen, Danielle Hunter and Mickey Johnson will look to replace Sam Montgomery name players is only motivation.

(99) and Barkevious Mingo (49) at the defensive end position.

“We have a tradition to

uphold,” Allen said. “[Defensive self-proclaimed change in attiwho line coach Brick Haley] said it tude. Anthony Johnson to us like this: ‘There’s a tradi- was Mickey Johnson’s roommate said Mickey is tion dating back to before you got for two years here.’ And he doesn’t want to let one of the strongest guys on the team, if not the that drop off while strongest. he’s here and DANIELLE HUNTER The new that’s something Sophomore batch of guys we have to take to defensive end coming into the heart.”

• eight 6 6 rotation will be According to • eight 241 l s looking to the vetdefensive coordierans for advice nator John Cha• orton anch and guidance, but vis, LSU will likeHigh School ly look to several it wasn’t too long (Katy, Texas) underclassmen to ago that players contribute in the like Rasco and two-deep rotation along the line. Anthony Johnson were the greenHe didn’t give specific names, but horns watching the senior studs the Tigers’ upperclassmen have dominate offensive lines. raved about the talent owing “The leadership role has into the program in recent years. changed a lot,” Rasco said. “It’s Sophomore defensive end different from looking up to Danielle Hunter Keke [Mingo], received a few Sam [MontgomMICKEY JOHNSON snaps in his freshery] and Bennie Sophomore [Logan] to you’re man campaign defensive tackle one of those guys and is expected to • eight 6 1 that you have to make a big impact • eight 3 7 l s teach the younger in 2013. At 6 feet guys. ... It’s just 6 inches and 241 • t aul s igh different with pounds, Hunter School inspired Johnson (Covington, La.) the younger guys looking up to me, to say, “I’m ‘The Anthony, Jordan Freak,’ but he’s a freak.”

Allen and Danielle.”

Redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Mickey Johnson Contact Mike Gegenheimer at has the potential to make it into mgegenheimer@lsureveille.com; the rotation in the interior line Twitter: @gegs1313_TDR after dropping weight and a

Friday, August 30, 2013

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page 8

Friday, August 30, 2013

Johnson, Ferguson friendship goes deeper than football Duo expected to lead young D-line Tyler Nunez Sports Writer

The war of football is, more often than not, won and lost in the trenches, where opposing linemen clash against each other with as much strength as they can muster for a combined 60 minutes that feel something like an eternity.

To overcome these obstacles and achieve victory, these brothers in arms must share a mutual trust, loyalty and understanding.

This should be no problem for LSU junior defensive tackles Ego Ferguson and Anthony “Freak” Johnson, roommates whose relationship far transcends the football field. “[Johnson and I] talk about everything from girls to football to anything you can imagine,” Ferguson said. “He is like a brother. When I play, I feel like I can’t let him down, and I have to make the play. He feels the same way. We keep each other motivated and when one is falling down, we pick the other up.”

The friendship began shortly after Johnson arrived on campus as a freshman in 2011. Ferguson, who had been redshirted the season prior, said the two just “fell into each other,” partly due to their similar backgrounds.

“I met Ego, and ever since then

he’s been my roll dog,” Johnson said.

“He’s been my big brother. I look up to him as a person.”

The development of their friendship runs almost completely parallel to their development as football players. That is no coincidence.

The roommates constantly push and compete with each other, both on and off the field. The more they bond, the more they want to see each other succeed.

“Life is a competition to us, and if you are not winning, you are losing,” Ferguson said. “We are trying to win everything ... We both already feel like we are the best defensive tackle in the country. We want to be the best duo in the country.”

While Johnson may show a statistical advantage on the football field at the midpoint of their college careers, Ferguson isn’t shy letting people know in what areas he is superior to the “Freak.”

“He won’t admit this, but I beat him in [NBA] 2K13 every day,” Ferguson said.

Now entering their third year, it seems the hard work and confidence has paid off.

The duo is expected to line up next to each other in 2013 as LSU’s starting defensive tackles. Both referred to it as “a dream come true.”

“It is a great opportunity to play with my brother,” Johnson said. “... Both of us have waited for our chance to show our coaches and the world what we have to offer, so I can’t wait to play next to him.”

THE DAILY REVEILLE ARCHIVES

Sophomore defensive tackle Ego Ferguson eyes junior running back Alfred Blue during the 2013 National L Club Spring Football Game.

The two have emerged as coleaders on defense and have taken over the responsibilities of teaching younger and less experienced defensive linemen the ropes.

Despite the duo being thrust into this role with relatively little experience, defensive coordinator John Chavis and fellow defensive linemen indicated the duo has handled the situation well in the offseason.

“They are definitely good team

leaders,” said sophomore defensive end Danielle Hunter. “They are players that most of the team looks up to.

Whatever they do, the whole team follows.”

Neither has any intention of letting graduation or professional football get in the way of their relationship.

But right now, these two comrades are too focused on the task at hand to concern themselves with future plans. They have a game in

Dallas to prepare for and some lofty expectations to fulfill.

“I just want the world to know that I have his back on and off the field and vice versa,” Johnson said.

“We want to keep this tradition [of dominant LSU defensive lines] going and play great football.”

Contact Tyler Nunez at tnunez@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @NunezTDR

The Daily Reveille

Friday, August 30, 2013

Reveille web exclusive

page 9

Follow The Daily Reveille for up-to-the-minute LSU sports coverage at lsureveille.com or on Twitter at @TDR_sports

Pick up a copy of the Reveille on Tuesday for a recap of the TCU game.

RICHARD REDMANN / The Daily Reveille

Now with a year under his belt, senior Zach Mettenberger’s veteran leadership and accuracy is needed if the Tigers wish to have success.

Mett’s consistency is key for Tigers THE SMARTEST MORAN JAMES MORAN Sports Columnist

If LSU is going to have a successful 2013 season, it needs Zach Mettenberger to step up and deliver.

But Les Miles and the Tigers don’t need a Herculean effort from a Mettsiah to carry them to the promised land; they simply need their senior quarterback to play consistently competent football.

Mettenberger doesn’t need 4,000 passing yards and 35 touchdowns for this team to win games. That’s convenient, because even with Cam Cameron directing the offense, I don’t think the Tigers are built to play that way.

Cameron will make the Tigers’ offensive attack slightly more agressive, but a Milescoached team will always rely on a run-first offense. I don’t care how many times Les uses the word “balance” in his pressers.

And that’s exactly the way LSU should play. Jeremy Hill and Alfred Blue have the makings of a dynamic running back tandem, assuming both can stay on the field, and even with the loss of Josh Williford to a concussion, the Tigers should still boast one of the most physical offensive lines in the country.

If Mettenberger plays consistently well, the offense should be good enough to win football games because I don’t believe the defense will fall off as far as some others do. It’s a relatively inexperienced group, but the talent is there.

A young defense can thrive when put in a position to succeed, but also has a tendency to make mistakes.

Tiger fans don’t need to look

back any further than 2011 for an example. A number of talented sophomore and juniors littered the 2011 roster, much like this one. That defense performed brilliantly, and accompanied by a productive offense, led LSU to an undefeated regular season.

That defense dominanted every game until the BCS National Championship Game. The offense was worse than anemic that day, and then the defense made crucial mistakes.

Mettenberger had a season of peaks and valleys last season, and to avoid overexposing this LSU defense, he needs to eliminate the lows. For example, last season Mettenberger went 11-for-25 for 158 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, wasting a dominant defensive effort in a 14-6 loss at Florida.

That can’t happen if they want to beat the elite teams in the Southeastern Conference.

I don’t think this defense will be as dominant as that unit, but I believe the offense will be better than the 2011 version if Mettenberger is efficient throwing the football. The key will be hitting enough big passes to open up room for the running game without turning the ball over too many times.

This team is not complete enough to hoist the Crystal Ball if Mettenberger performs like a Jarrett Lee-esque game manager, but if he plays more in the range of Matt Flynn in 2007 or Matt Mauck in 2003, this talented team has a shot.

James Moran is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Beacon, NY.

Contact James Moran at jmoran@lsureveille.com; Twitter: @James_Moran92

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page 10

TDR picks LSU’s starting lineup

Friday, August 30, 2013

For live updates from LSU’s game against TCU, follow our writers as they tweet from Dallas: @Rome_Chandler, @cassarayall, @gegs1313_TDR

Running Back:

RB Alfred Blue Fullback: J.C. Copeland FB

Wide Receiver: Jarvis Landry

Quarterback: Zach Mettenberger Right Tackle: Jerald Hawkins

WR

RT

Wide Receiver: Odell Beckham Jr.

Left Tackle: La’el Collins

QB

RG

C

LG

LT

WR

TE

Center: Tight End: Elliot Porter DeSean Smith Left Guard: Right Guard: Vadal Alexander Trai Turner

Defensive End: DE DT DT DE Defensive End: Jermauria Jordan Allen Rasco Defensive Tackle: Defensive Tackle: Anthony Johnson Ego Ferguson Cornerback: Cornerback: CB Jalen Mills Jalen Collins CB OLB Outside Linebacker: Lamin Barrow Safety:

MLB

Middle Linebacker: D.J. Welter

S Ronald Martin

OLB Outside Linebacker: Tahj Jones Safety: Craig Loston S

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Friday, August 30, 2013

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LSU’s young offensive line brings promise, chemistry Tommy Romanach Sports Contributor

TAYLOR BALKOM / The Daily Reveille

Sophomore Vadal Alexander (78) will look to fill the void left due to Josh Williford’s injury as he moves to left guard this season.

LSU’s offensive line heads into the 2013-14 season with youth across the table and questions still remaining after an injury sidelined senior left guard Josh Williford.

With Williford presumably gone for the season after a concussion, the Tigers will rely heavily on the performance of the line’s three returning starters, especially junior left tackle La’el Collins, who expressed optimism following Williford’s injury and emphasized the importance of not letting fears or second thoughts affect his and his teammates’ performance.

While Collins enters the season with formidable expectations after being selected for preseason first team All-Southeastern Conference honors, he said he concentrates on keeping his mind focused on the upcoming season and distancing himself from any kind of early praise.

“The preseason accolades are something that I don’t really pay attention to,” Collins said. “I turn everything toward my team because I work hard with those guys. I’m just trying to be the best teammate and best player I can be.”

Similar to the rest of the offense, the offensive line was forced to adjust in the new

system established by offensive line ready to work each week,” coordinator Cam Cameron. Cam- Turner said. “If you don’t have eron’s system, which ushers in that mindset that you’re a starter, an aggressive style with a wider then you’re not gonna get yourvariety of pass plays, includes ad- self better week by week. … I justments that the line has seam- believe anybody can step in and take somebody’s position.” lessly executed.

Perhaps the most intrigu“Our offensive line has ing battle is becontinued to do tween junior Elthe things well ‘Our offensive line Porter and they’ve always has continued to do liott freshman Ethan done well,” he said.

“Any- the things well they’ve Pocic to replace P.J. Lonergan at thing that we’ve always done well.’ center. Porter is tweaked or anythe favorite after thing that we’ve Cam Cameron getting a majority added, they’re LSU offensive coordinator of starting reps in open to getting done what we need to get done. practice, but the competition in There’s no resistance from any- practice has helped both players improve as the season’s inception one.”

Williford’s injury also brings nears. a change of position for sophoA sentiment echoed by all more adal Alexander. Alexan- the lineman is the tight chemisder, a right tackle in 2012, will try the line displays, promising to take over at left guard while bring focus and discipline when freshman Jerald Hawkins will the game, or season, is on the take Alexander’s place at right line. tackle.

“We are close, you know, The idea of responding to we always hang around each injury and quick change is noth- other. O-Line is one of the closest ing new to Alexander. As a fresh- groups on the team,” Alexander man in 2012, Alexander, along said. “On the field, it’s real easy with then-freshman right guard because off the field we’re close.

Trai Turner, stepped in midway … When one lineman messes up through the season after the loss on a play, all five of us made a of Chris Faulk and Alex Hurst, mistake on the play.” performing admirably through the rest of the season.

Contact Tommy Romanach at “I believe that we come tromanach@lsureveille.com to work as a whole offensive

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