Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: LSU looked completely indestructible at the start of last season, as the club reeled off six consecutive victories to open the campaign. In fact, the first three wins came by a combined score of 137-7, including a 48-7 romp over a very good Virginia Tech squad. The Tigers bested Florida in week six by a 28-24 final and seemed to have a clear path to an SEC title. Unfortunately, a matchup with Kentucky on the road in week seven proved to be a stumbling block, as the Wildcats scored a 43-37 overtime victory in that clash. LSU rebounded to post four straight wins to improve to 10-1, including a pair of narrow decisions over Alabama and Auburn. Then, on November 23rd, LSU dropped another heart-breaking overtime decision, this time to Arkansas by a 50-48 final.

After beating Tennessee on December 1st, LSU waited anxiously to see where it would land in regard to the bowl selections. When the pairings were announced, Baton Rouge erupted in excitement to see the Tigers slated to face Ohio State for the BCS Championship. What was expected to be a close game was anything but that, as the Tigers handled the Buckeyes by a 38-24 final in a game that wasn't very close. The Tigers were national champs, and over half of the starting offense and defense either graduated or moved on to the NFL.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: Last season, Matt Flynn served as a steady guide under center for the Tigers. The hope was that experienced backup Ryan Perrilloux would step in as the full-time signal caller in 2008, but he was recently dismissed from the team because of several violations of team rules. While the team may be better off without Perrilloux from a focus standpoint, the fact is that the top two quarterbacks on the current depth chart, Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch, are inexperienced.

Whichever quarterback lines up under center, expect Brandon LaFell to lead the receivers in production. Last season as a sophomore, LaFell made 50 catches for 656 yards and four touchdowns.

Still, the passing game will take a backseat to what promises to be an outstanding ground attack. After all, of the five returning offensive starters, four are offensive linemen. Keiland Williams is an outstanding junior tailback who will get plenty of help from Charles Scott and Richard Murphy. Last season, LSU finished 11th nationally in scoring offense, generating 38.6 ppg. Reaching that figure seems unlikely, but the Tigers will still be formidable offensively.

DEFENSE: The LSU defensive line figures to be one of the top units in all of college football. Kirston Pittman and Tyson Jackson are standout defensive ends, and Pittman returns 7.5 sacks from a year ago. They are joined by tackles Marlon Favorite and Ricky Jean-Francois, versatile players who can stop the run and also provide an interior pass rush. Remember that Jean- Francois was unblockable in the national title game and figures to enter this 2008 season with a wealth of confidence.

The linebackers are paced by returning starter Darry Beckwith, who made 65 tackles a year ago. A rugged player, Beckwith has proven more than willing to play through injury and is undoubtedly a leader on the team.

The defensive backfield welcomes back just one starter, safety Curtis Taylor. He is also the only projected senior starter, so if there is an area of weakness for teams to attack, the corners could be the likely target.

According to Tyson Jackson, "We have a lot of talent and veterans returning, especially on defense. Middle linebacker Darry Beckwith is a senior but it all starts up front and we're pretty good on both the offensive and defensive lines. Our secondary lacks some game experience but they make great plays at practice, so I have a lot of confidence in them."

SPECIAL TEAMS: Colt David is a solid kicker who nailed 26-of-33 field goals in 2007, so head coach Les Miles does not have to worry about his ability. The punting duties will change this season, as Patrick Fisher has moved on, likely leaving the job to sophomore Josh Jasper. There are a wealth of athletes in the fold who are more than capable of being big-time kick and punt returners.

OUTLOOK: LSU ranked third nationally in total defense a year ago and scored plenty of points to complement the defensive unit. A decline in production has to be expected on both sides of the ball, as a wealth of talent has moved on.

Coach Miles still has a strong team to work with, but a repeat as national champs is unlikely despite a weak non-conference schedule.

"We're not defending," says Miles. "We're not dealing with rankings. This is a brand new year. We got a brand new team."