No. 10 LSU

Coach: Les Miles

Record: 42-11, 4 years; 70-32 in 8 seasons overall

Last season: 8-5, 3-5 SEC

Overview: One year after winning the BCS championship, LSU collapsed under the weight of poor early season quarterbacking and a mediocre defense. Following the season, coach Les Miles brought in new defensive coaches, including Brick Haley to coach the line and Ron Cooper for the secondary. Leading the staff will be John Chavis, the old warhorse from Tennessee.

Key returnees: WR Brandon LaFell, Sr.; OT Ciron Black, Sr.; RB Charles Scott, Sr.; DT Charles Alexander, Sr.; DE Rahim Alem, Sr.

Why LSU is dangerous: LSU has good offensive skill players, led by running back Charles Scott, who rushed for 1,174 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Brandon LaFell had 929 receiving yards and Trindon Holliday is a game-breaking return man. The Tigers have two veteran offensive linemen in Ciron Black and guard Lyle Hitt. LSU also has talent on defense, although it must be coached better.

Why LSU is vulnerable: Last season opponents had games of 27, 31, 31, 51 and 52 points against LSU. Also, the Tigers had problems at quarterback until freshman Jordan Jefferson emerged in the last two games.

Prediction: LSU has a tough schedule, but who doesn't in the SEC? The Tigers have road games against Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi and home games against Florida and Arkansas. If Jefferson continues to improve and the defense turns around, a berth in the SEC Championship Game is possible.

Schedule

Date=Opponent=Time

Sept. 5=at Washington=9:30 p.m.

Sept. 12=vs. Vanderbilt=6 p.m.#

Sept. 19=vs. La.-Lafayette=6 p.m.

Sept. 26=at Miss. State=TBA#

Oct. 3=at Georgia=TBA#

Oct. 10=vs. Florida=7 p.m.#

Oct. 24=vs. Auburn=7 p.m.#

Oct. 31=vs. Tulane=7 p.m.

Nov. 7=at Alabama=TBA#

Nov. 14=vs. La. Tech=7 p.m.

Nov. 21=at Mississippi=TBA#

Nov. 28=vs. Arkansas=7 p.m.#

#conference games