Bayou Bengals at a glance

2001 schedule Sept. 1 vs. Tulane Sept. 8 vs. Utah St. Sept. 15 vs. Auburn Sept. 29 at Tennessee Oct. 6 vs. Florida Oct. 13 at Kentucky Oct. 20 at Mississippi St. Oct. 27 vs. Mississippi Nov. 3 at Alabama Nov. 10 vs. Middle Tenn. St. Nov. 24 vs. Arkansas 2000 results (8-4, 5-3 SEC) Western Carolina W 58-0 Houston W 28-13 at Auburn L 34-17 UAB L 13-10 Tennessee W 38-31 at Florida L 41-9 Kentucky W 34-0 Mississippi St. W 45-38 Alabama W 30-28 at Mississippi W 20-9 at Arkansas L 14-3 vs. Georgia Tech W 28-14

Outside of QB Josh Booty, offensive linemen Louis Williams and Brandon Winey, along with CB Fred Booker, the Bayou Bengals return just about all of their key personnel from last season. Saban has also brought in a strong recruiting class that was ranked the consensus third-best in the country. Plus, a few selective juco transfers were brought into the fold.

OFFENSE
While there is plenty of offensive talent on hand, Saban has no backup signal caller who has taken a snap and lacks a depth on the offensive line. That's why it's critical that effective but injury-prone senior QB Rohan Davey remain at full strength the entire way. In the spring, he suffered a minor shoulder injury while diving for a loose ball during a scrimmage. One thing you can't question with Davey is his superior leadership skills and toughness. With the approach of a linebacker, he has commanded the respect of every player on the squad. Heading into the fall, redshirt freshman Marcus Randall figures as the backup.

As for the supporting cast, Davey has a reliable between-the-tackles RB in blue-chip sophomore LaBrandon Toefield, a 6-0, 224-pounder. Don't underestimate Toefield's breakaway potential. Against Tennessee last season he outraced the Vols' DBs to paydirt on a 74-yard TD scamper. Domanick Davis will serve as a backup RB while also seeing plenty of action in the defensive secondary. While junior Solomon Lee is penciled in as the starting FB, this position has basically been phased out. In fact, in short-yardage and goal-line situations, versatile senior TE Joe Domingeaux will likely shift to a FB position.

At wide receiver, LSU features one of the offensive stars of the SEC in junior Josh Reed. The former RB took the SEC by storm last season, his first at the wideout position. The 5-11, 200-pounder hauled in 65 receptions, averaging 17.3 yards per catch. He scored 10 TDs, with 400 of his yards coming after the catch. LSU has other talented weapons in 6-2, 196-pound senior Reggie Robinson and junior Jerel Myers. Among the freshmen, Michael Clayton could provide an impact. The 6-4, 185-pound former high school QB appears to have a bright future in the SEC.

If that's not enough for the opposition to worry about, LSU also has one of the elite tight ends in college football. Senior Robert Royal shows excellent pass-receiving skills, the speed to create mismatches and more-than-adequate blocking ability. Last season, he averaged 15.5 yards on 22 receptions. Look for that total to improve this season. Even with Domingeaux providing quality backup support to Royal, it may be tough to keep super-talented freshman Marcus Spears off the field. At 6-5 and 280 pounds, he could be a major force early in his college career.

Saban had to go with a patchwork line much of last season. This year, he will field a solid starting unit, but the lack of depth has to be a concern. One change will have Rob Sale moving from guard to center. Versatile junior John Young will be at LG, with 6-3, 316-pound senior Dwayne Pierce clearing the way from his RG spot. When the Bayou Bengals need critical yardage, Toefield will run behind Pierce, a destructive straight-ahead drive blocker. Rodney Reed, who earned Freshman All-American honors last season, is the left tackle, with Jason Baggett getting the nod over Brad Smalling for the starting RT job heading into fall practice. While Sale has been moved to center, if freshman Ben Wilkerson is as good as advertised a shift back to guard may be in the offing.

DEFENSE
Without question, the linebackers are the strength of LSU's defense. Junior MLB Trev Faulk and junior weakside LB Bradie James finished one-two on the tackle chart last season. Faulk, one of the toughest competitors in the nation, led the way with 113 stops (James had 110). With most teams, junior Jeremy Lawrence would be the headliner at LB. Playing in the shadow of Faulk and James, he gets high grades for his steady play on the strongside.

Jarvis Green battled injuries last year, but he still has totaled 16 career sacks from his DE spot. On the left side, the hope is that 6-6, 300-pound junior Kendrick Allen builds on the momentum from spring practice and has a breakout year. Muskingum Barnes, an overachieving 6-2, 265-pounder who does a solid job every week, is joined at DT by Chad Lavalais, a third team Freshman All-American last season. Looking to push his way onto the field will be gifted freshman Marquise Hill, who checks in at 6-7 and 290 pounds. Also available at DT is juco transfer Torran Williams.

In the secondary, the FS spot is in great shape with senior Ryan Clark. Last season, he recorded 99 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Lionel Thomas provides senior leadership at SS. But with the graduation loss of Fred Booker, the CB spots figure to be a worrisome area heading into fall practice. Remember, it was Booker who did such a great job when matched up in man coverage against speedy Georgia Tech wideout Kelly Campbell in the Peach Bowl. Right now, senior Robert Davis, who has some starting experience, and junior Norman LeJeune are being penciled in as the first-team CBs. Competition will come from sophomore Erin Damond and junior Demetrius Hookfin, who started seven games last season. And junior Domanick Davis will see action on both sides of the ball (as a backup RB and in nickel packages).

SPECIAL TEAMS
The punting situation is up in the air heading into the fall. Incumbent Donnie Jones struggled late last season, opening the door for senior Ryan Miles to compete for the job. Junior PK John Corbello will strive for more consistency. While he has the leg strength, Corbello hit on just 10-of-18 field goals last season.

Overview: I have always believed strongly that Nick Saban is one of the best in the business. Last season, he proved it again. But now everyone will expect LSU to win the SEC West. And every opponent will point to LSU as a key game on the schedule. QB Davey is a proven winner and a superior leader. Since no other LSU QBs have game experience, it's critical that Davey remain healthy. Toefield is a top-flight RB with an aggressive style that blends in breakaway ability. At WR, Reed is a consummate play-maker. Other options include Robinson and Myers as well as outstanding TE Royal. It will be interesting to see if freshmen such as WR Clayton and TE Spears provide an immediate impact. Both have a ton of ability.