Hopes could not have been higher around the LSU campus after the college football USA Today coaches’ poll was released, with LSU taking the  #1 spot.  Many fans and experts of the game theorized that the Tigers would once again be one of the top teams in the nation for the 2012 season and much of this praise was due to the play of their defense.  Led by Tyrann Mathieu, the LSU defense was 2^nd in the nation only to eventual National Champion Alabama in 2011 and was returning many key players including the nicknamed “Honey Badger”.  Last season Mathieu was outstanding in only his sophomore season compiling 4 touchdowns (2 from fumble returns, 2 on special teams), 2 interceptions and 6 forced fumbles.  Playing a combo cornerback/safety position, Mathieu was a menace for opposing offenses making plays both in the backfield, several yards down field and everywhere in between. 

However, breaking news out of LSU camp revealed that Mathieu is being released from the team for violating school and team rules.  Coach Les Miles was vague about what offense Mathieu had committed exactly but did wish the DB the best of luck, as he knows he has a “bright future”.  Sources close to Mathieu say that he is already pursuing other opportunities to play this season elsewhere in the FBS.

Fortunately for the Tigers the prefaced coaches’ poll was released before this event had occurred otherwise there is no doubt LSU would not be #1.  With USC and Alabama both looking as though they are ripe for national title runs this will no doubt greatly affect the Tigers odds.  However, this does prove a vital point in an era full of corruption and conspiracy regarding college football and that point is that if you violate league, team, school, etc. rules you will be caught and you will be penalized.  I find this to be a very admirable move by the LSU staff as they know they are letting go of one of last years Heisman Trophy finalists but you can bet that with the recruiting that the Tigers have done the past few seasons another Honey Badger could now have his opportunity to reek havoc in the SEC.

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6. Ole Miss: 3-9 overall (0-8 in SEC)

Coming off of a below average season which featured them going 2-10 overall and winless in the division, Ole Miss could be facing the same fate again in the 2012 season.  The Rebels did not finish in the top 80 of any major FBS statistical category and did not have a particularly strong recruiting class. Their lone conference victory could come at home against Vanderbilt who likewise is considered a low-level SEC program.

5. Mississippi State: 6-6 overall (2-6 in SEC)

Mississippi State fields a team that could compete for the conference championship in most divisions every year; however, they have the dubious honor of playing in the SEC West.  The defining games for the Bulldogs will come the second week vs. Auburn and 3 weeks later at home again to play the University of Tennessee.  Both of these conference foes have comparable match-ups down the board and should prove to be great indicators as to who will comprise the middle class of the SEC.

4. Auburn: 6-6 overall (3-5 in SEC)

Only one season removed from being BCS National Champions, the Auburn Tigers have most definitely fallen from grace.  They had a relatively decent year last season going 8-5 overall, though they lost one of the most important members from their championship team, running back Michael Dyer.  The Tigers opening game against Clemson will show just how ready Auburn is for the 2012 college football season.

3. Alabama: 10-2 overall (6-2 in SEC)

That’s right.  The defending National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide will not even finish second in their division.  There are two key reasons for this with the first being the exodus of players the Crimson Tide has lost to this year’s NFL Draft, as well as the ascension of the University of Arkansas. Alabama’s defense has been depleted as well as standout running back Trent Richardson and wide out Marquis Maze on the offensive side of the ball. 

2. Arkansas: 11-1 overall (7-1 in SEC)

The Arkansas Razorbacks are a team poised to finally establish their own SEC West legacy.  With 4 of the last 5 BCS National Championships being earned by SEC West programs, Arkansas appears ready to step into the national spotlight.  Returning most of their key players, there is no doubt that there are two games circled on the schedule of every Razorback fan.  Both of these games will be at home against Alabama in week 3, and LSU on the final weekend of the season.

1. LSU: 12-0 overall (8-0 in SEC)

Tasting defeat in the BCS National Championship last season to the rival Alabama Crimson Tide has left a bitter taste in the mouths of the LSU Tigers.  Returning many future first round draft picks on the defensive side of the ball as well as consistent offensive starters such as wide receivers Russell Shepard and Odell Beckham has LSU to be the favorite to win the SEC as well as the National Championship.  Perhaps their most critical ‘test’ will come on November 3^rd when they host Alabama; however, there is little doubt that LSU will have to finish the season strong as their last game comes on the road against a hungry Arkansas team.

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As the 2012 College Football Season gets closer, it is time to take a look at one of the BCS’ top teams and a program that is always in the National Championship discussion; the LSU Tigers.  Here are their top 5 players to look out for this upcoming season.

5. Odell Beckham, Wide Receiver:

Jumping onto the scene as a true freshman last season, Odell Beckham Jr. showed off his great potential throught the 2011 year.  Beckham was the Tigers’ second leading receiver last season and though his numbers weren’t oustanding he did assert himself as a go-to guy towards the end of the year.  Much of his lack of eye-popping numbers is due to the Tigers’ mediocore play at Quarterback last season, though Beckham did average 11.7 yards per catch.  Look for a big year from this true Sophomore next season.

4.Eric Reid, Safety:

After losing Morris Claiborne to the NFL Draft, LSU will not be dropping off much in production at the DB level.  As a sophomore last year, Reid tied with fellow Sophomore Tyrann Mathieu for the most tackles on the team at 76 and as well had a pair of interceptions and forced fumbles.  He is a hard hitting machine who will be the last line of defense for Les Miles and his defense this upcoming season.

3. Zach Mettenberger, Quarterback:

Coming into his first year as a starting quarterback, Mettenberger looks to revamp a LSU offense that has not finished better than ninth in passing in the SEC the past three seasons.  With receivers like Russell Sherpard and Odell Beckham, there are no excuses for this quarterback who is already in the pre-season heisman discussion; though unwarranted to this point.  Being the most important position in sports, quarterback, will have a lot of the blame, or praise, resting on Zach’s young shoulders.

2. Sam Montgomery, Defensive End:

For the better part of the last decade, LSU has always been known to have one of the most feared defensive lines in the entire nation.  Perhaps, the best player of these D-lineman this season is Sam Montgomery who led the team with 9 sacks last season and as well added 13.5 tackles for loss.  He seems to be the most NFL-ready prospect on a LSU team that is full of next level talent.  Look for Montgomery to have a great junior season and most likely be a high draft pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

1.Tyrann Mathieu, Cornerback:

Heisman finalist, and not even the best player at his position on his team.  That was Mathieu’s Sophomore season along with  76 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles and was devastating in the return game, scoring two touchdowns on punt returns.  Now that Tyrann is without a doubt the best corner on the LSU sideline, he will look to improve on already ridiculous numbers; and the scariest part is he still has two years of eligibility left and is without a doubt the most feared DB in the nation.

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