by:  Carey Montz

The 2008 LSU defense looks to rebound from its worst performance statistically since 2001.  No easy task considering what LSU has to replace in 2008.  Gone from last year's national champions is All-American defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, safety Craig Steltz, linebackers Ali Highsmith and Luke Sanders, and cornerbacks Chevis Jackson and Jonathon Zenon.

Plenty of Tiger fans, including myself, was willing to help Bo Pelini pack his bags for Nebraska midway through the 2007 season.  But, what us spoiled LSU fans seemed to forget was that the 2007 defense suffered some major losses on the D-line that affected the team's play throughout the season.

First, let's start with Charles Alexander, who missed basically the entire season due to injury.  Then, there's Ricky Jean-Francois (RJF), who was suspended the entire regular season due to academic problems.  RJF would play in the SEC and BCS Title games and make a huge impact.  Oh, and let us not forget that Dorsey played much of the second half of the season hurt due to a bad back and bad knee.

The injuries, combined with what I felt was Pelini's inability to adapt to different personnel, was what hurt the defense last season. 

All that said, the season ended with LSU raising the crystal ball.  Okay, so let's move on to 2008.

No doubt that Dorsey leaves the biggest void on defense, but ironically, I think LSU's defensive line will be every bit as good as last season, if not better.  How can that be, you ask?

Well, as I stated above, Charles Alexander was out for the year.  RJF did not play until the final two games of the year.  And, Bo Pelini will not be roaming the LSU sidelines thinking about whom he is going to add to his coaching staff at Nebraska.

Okay, I joke about the last sentence.

In 2008, the defensive line will once again be LSU's strong point.  Tyson Jackson, a potential 1st round pick, comes back at right defensive end.  Kirston Pittman, who was granted a 6th year of eligibility, will start at left defensive end.  Prior to 2007, Pittman spent much of 2005 and 2006 on the bench with injuries.  When healthy, he has been a solid performer at the defensive end position for the Tigers.

Alexander and RJF will start at the defensive tackle positions.  Both men had strong 2006 campaigns serving as backups, and look to make a huge impact for LSU in 2008.

Behind this starting four is a number of able bodied backups, some of them are guys who saw a fair amount of playing time in 2007, the others are highly touted recruits vying for playing time in 2008. 

The depth on the defensive line is awesome.  I am not trying to speak like a homer, but it is the absolute truth.  One thing that Pelini did well was rotate a number of guys in and out, giving everyone good experience against quality competition.  The key backups who figure to get the most playing time are defensive tackles, Marlon Favorite and Al Woods, and defensive ends Tremaine Johnson and Rahim Alem.

Senior Mike (middle) linebacker Darry Beckwith looks to rebound from a subpar junior season to lead the LSU line-backing core.  Beckwith, along with Pittman, are the returning leaders at tackles for LSU.  Beckwith had 65 tackles a year ago, 6.5 for losses.

Perry Riley and Kelvin Sheppard will replace graduating seniors Ali Highsmith and Luke Sanders at the Buck and Will (outside) linebacker positions.  Sheppard is probably most known for being confused for former LSU QB Ryan Perrilloux.  The two shared jersey number 11 last year.  It confused many announcers as well as many LSU fans, often posing the question, "Why is Ryan Perrilloux playing special teams?"  Luckily, this season, we need not worry about that.

Riley and Sheppard both have to improve their game in 2008.  With the injuries accrued along the defensive line in 2007, the line backing core struggled at times.  If LSU looks to repeat as SEC, or even perhaps BCS champions, this is an area where improvement is extremely necessary.

The one area where the biggest questions arise for the 2008 LSU defense is the secondary. 

The only returning starter in the secondary is Curtis Taylor.  However, the talent is rich, but unproven among the rest.  Backing up Taylor will be Harry Coleman, who had a solid game against Ohio State.

Getting the start at strong safety will be sophomore Chad Jones.  Jones follows in the mold of a Laron Landry hard-hitting safety type.  Danny McCray will back up Jones.  McCray needs to improve in pass coverage to get valuable playing time.

Cornerback will be the crapshoot.  Jackson and Zenon were very good cover corners.  Unfortunately, the guys backing them up in 2007 were not. 

Looking to fill the void at corner is redshirt freshman Phelon Jones and true freshman Patrick Johnson.  Johnson was perhaps LSU’s most highly touted recruit back in February.

Overall, there are some question marks for the 2008 defense.  However, I do think the Tigers can improve in 2008. 

A healthy defensive line will go a long way in determining how good this defense can be.  And although LSU    lost some keys guys in the secondary, it think they too can be better, most notably at the safety position.  No disrespect to Craig Steltz, who was tremendous for LSU, but at times, was a liability in pass coverage.  I think better athletes at the safety positions will help the freshmen corners transition into their starting roles.

But if this team is to improve from last season, it most look no further than its most glaring statistic.  LSU ranked 101^st in red zone scoring defense last year, something that is absolutely unheard of at LSU. 

This defensive unit will be called upon this season to make some key plays, especially with the inexperience at the quarterback position.  It will be no small order, but this LSU defense must be up to the task for LSU to have the huge success that is expected of them.

by:  Carey Montz

Despite the loss of Ryan Perrilloux, the 2008 LSU offense will not be all that dissimilar from what it was in 2007. While Perrilloux was the only quarterback with any real experience (Andrew Hatch did see some mop-up duty a time or two last season), the rest of the offense is loaded with experience and talent at every other position.

Coming off of a national championship year is never easy—just ask the 2004 LSU football team. Doing so with little, to no experience at quarterback is even tougher. Again, cite the 2004 squad.

Andrew Hatch, the Harvard transfer, enters his junior year with the only in-game experience the quarterback position can boast of.

Jarrett Lee, the highly-touted recruit from Texas, enters his redshirt freshman year ready to compete for the starting job.

The positive thing is that both Hatch and Lee have the same amount of experience in offensive coordinator Gary Crowton's system. The other positive is that Perrilloux had the same amount of experience.

It remains to be seen whether Hatch or Lee, or both for that matter, will excel in Crowton's offense. However, one thing is certain—the skill players surrounding these guys are not without experience, or talent for that matter.

As much as I don't want to, I would be remiss not to mention the cliche that rings true with so many new quarterbacks. You know the one. All Hatch or Lee has to do is manage the game and not make mistakes.

I would not say it if it wasn't true. Granted, LSU's road schedule is tough, and at some point one of these guys will have to make a play somewhere. But for the most part, managing the game will be the main priority.

Who gets the start to open the season? Hatch would be the easy choice, but Lee will get every opportunity to become the starting quarterback once practice starts in August.

Either way, I expect both guys to rotate in and out of games, much like Matt Flynn and Perrilloux did a year ago.

I spoke of the other skill positions that look to aid in the maturing process of both of these young quarterbacks. Where LSU lacks in experience at quarterback, they more than make up for it at just about every other offensive position on the field.

To start, look no further than the guys who will be lining up in the backfield. The LSU rushing attack netted 3,000 yards rushing for the season in 2007, and all but one of the guys responsible returns in 2008. LSU will have to replace Jacob Hester, but the guys returning are more than capable.

Keiland Williams is LSU's leading returning rusher, having rushed for 513 yards and six TDs in 2007. Williams is a power rusher with a slashing-type mentality. He looks to round the corner more than take it up the gut, but when he gets the corner, watch out, because his speed is lights out.

A perfect contrast to Williams is Charles Scott. Scott is a straight-ahead runner who no doubt will be looked upon to pick up the tough yards that Hester did so many times last season. Both Scott and Williams showed versatility as well, combining for 21 receptions and three TDs a year ago.

The two guys who complement the guys listed above are Richard Murphy and Trindon Holliday. 

Murphy is perhaps LSU's most versatile running back. He can run between the tackles, split out as a wide receiver, and catch the ball out of the backfield. His talent did not go unnoticed in 2007, as he was used more and more as the year progressed. 

Holliday is not your prototypical running back. Standing at only 5'5'' and weighing in at 159 pounds, Holliday will be used primarily in end arounds and reverse plays. Expect a trick play or two with him as well, like the well known "hidden Holliday trick."

LSU's wide-receiving corps will once again be among the best in the SEC. While running the ball figures to be LSU's main focal point for 2008, this group of receivers will be ready to make plays when called upon.

Demetrius Byrd and Brandon LaFell combined for nearly 1,300 yards, 85 receptions, and 11 TDs in 2007. Terrance Toliver had a solid freshman campaign in 2007, hauling in three TDs and averaging 25 yards per catch. He and Byrd will look to make big plays down the field, while LaFell will be looked upon to make the tough catches over the middle.

A perfect safety valve for both Hatch and Lee will undoubtedly be TE Richard Dickson. LSU's best-known secret is no more, especially after his performance in the BCS National Championship Game.

However, with the speed on the ends, Dickson should still be able to find some very favorable matchups over the middle of the field in 2008.

Rounding up my look at the 2008 LSU offense is the men in the trenches. LT Ciron Black and LG Herman Johnson may be the fiercest left side LSU has seen in quite some time. Black has been a starter since his freshman season and should be a preseason All-America candidate. 

Brett Helms returns at center in 2008. His experience, leadership, and toughness will be key this season. Rounding up the right side of the offensive line is RG Lyle Hitt and RT Joseph Barksdale. Together these five guys look to pace another solid rushing attack and protect the two young, inexperienced quarterbacks.

The 2007 LSU offense was good. It was Gary Crowton's first year. The 2008 version could possibly be better. It won't be easy. But, as an LSU fan, it should be a fun year to watch on the offensive side of the ball.

Join me next time (whenever that may be) for a look at the 2008 LSU defense.

by:  Carey Montz

About this time every year, avid football fans across the country begin to yearn for the start of college football season.  With that comes another year of tailgating in the south.  The best tailgating in all the land hails in the south.

I posted this article a year ago, but in this dead sports time, I feel it needs to be revisited.

So, here we geaux again.  The Geaux Show in collaboration with Team KATT Tailgating has comprised a list of 10 must haves if you want to be considered a serious tailgater...

A TEAM KATT GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL TAILGATING SEASON

While the true die-hard college football fan is ready for the start of another football season as soon as the final whistle blows, the average college football enthusiast typically starts to fiend for college football about this time of the summer. 

Both the true die-hard and average fan wish college football was played year round, but most are intelligent enough to realize that football needs a break from time to time as well.  That being said, these same people start to get antsy and begin correlating their fall schedules in order to prepare for the start of football season, more importantly the tailgating season. 

This antsiness (made up word) primarily coincides with the beginning of summer.  We all find ways to cope with the football off-season. There are the NBA guys, us NASCAR guys, and the baseball purists (you know, those guys who don't mind watching a mid-summer's three game set between the Royals and Orioles). 

However, once summer is in full swing, we all become the little kid in the back of his parent's Suburban on a long vacation trip.  That little kid can remain quiet and find ways to occupy himself for much of the travel time, but once he can see the light at the end of the tunnel, he forgets about all things that kept him occupied for the other four hours and 23 minutes. 

So, what do we do to occupy ourselves for the other 45 minutes?  The married men are always given chores to do, but nothing that can truly divert our attention away from the soon to be football season. 

The single guy, other than the occasional one night fling, doesn't have the luxury, or curse depending on how you look at, of having that special someone giving him chores to occupy his time. 

Regardless, all men must find ways to get us through what are the dog days of summer.  So, after this long intro into what I feel will be a very productive meeting, I have compiled a list of 10 things that are essential for your football tailgate.  Thanks to me, I have filled your two months of waiting by providing a list of must haves which are guaranteed to make your tailgate spectacular.  Ensuring that all items on this list are in their upright and locked positions will make these next two months fly by.  Enjoy!!!

10.) Necessary Transportation. The rest of this list is basically irrelevant if your tailgate doesn't have the necessary logistics.  Chances are someone in your group either has a truck or an SUV.  If no one in your circle has either of these, stop reading this article.  Or, go out and buy yourself a truck, then continue reading.  Ideally, having two or more utility vehicles will do, but in reality, if you have at least one utility ride to handle the big stuff, you should be all right.

9.) Arrive Early. Tailgating is almost a national pastime in some parts of the country during the fall.  The lackadaisical tailgater may think its no big deal to arrive at his tailgate around lunchtime.  However, this simply does not apply to those truly serious about being a successful tailgater. 

You must always plan out with your friends what is the best time to arrive for tailgating.  There are certain criteria to consider as well.  Always consider the opponent.  If it is a big time SEC game, chances are people are going to arrive early.  If it is opening weekend, it doesn't matter who the opponent is, people have waited since November to tailgate once again, thus arriving early is key.  If it is midseason, and LSU is playing Middle Tennessee, arriving about an hour or so later than usual is sufficient.

8.) A Good Location. It is important to every tailgate to find a good location where much fun can be had.  You don't want to pick the wrong spot and be stuck tailgating next to a bunch of squares.  Also, you have to think about the intangibles. 

First, you want to set up a tailgate somewhere so that your vehicle will remain in the same zip code.  Next, always think about where your closest restrooms are located.  Lastly, you must pick out a spot where there is lots of action.  Having others around only makes tailgating that much more fun.

7.) Furniture and Appliances (chairs, tables, ice chests, radio, tv, etc). When you get to your tailgate spot, you gotta have a place to sit.  Investing in chairs and the like is a smart move.  Having tables to put food on is always a good thing.  Of course, you are going to need ice chests to keep the beer good and cold.  Lastly, you must have some form of medium. 

Also, you must think about what you will use to power said medium.  An inverter that can plug into a vehicle is good.  And you can always invest in a small generator.  Remember, you must have something for the generator to keep the noise and fumes down to a minimum.  Or spend the extra money for one of those quiet generators.

6.) EZ-UP Tents. This is essential to making any tailgate a success.  And not any old tent will do.  You have to go with the EZ-UP Tents.  Too many times over the years my friends and I have watched and laughed in amazement at people who show up to tailgate with either a screened in camping style tent or one of those tents that are in hundreds of pieces.  The EZ-UP is the only way to go.  If you don't already have one, or if your tent resembles a jigsaw puzzle, do yourself a favor and spend a few extra dollars on the aforementioned EZ-UP Tent.  And no, the folks at EZ-UP are not paying me.

5.) JJ Clancy. Some of you might be asking yourself what is a JJ Clancy?  Well, JJ can be anyone.  More specifically, JJ is the one friend that no tailgate can do without.  His entertainment quality is second to none.  He is the one guy who is ready to drop anything, regardless of importance, at the drop of a hat if it means tailgating success. 

He promises he will take care of the entertainment (television, ice chest radio, Direct TV, etc) but never has the proper equipment so that these amenities can be enjoyed (battery for said radio, and subscription service for the Direct TV).  He provides outlandish ideas without thinking how much money it might cost.  But from that enthusiasm, misguided as it might be, comes commitment.  If you tell him to be there at 6:00am to help set up, he is there. 

4.) Good Food and Good Beer. If you are going to take all the necessary steps so far, it would not be complete without a good food menu.  In my opinion, you are not serious about tailgating if you go out there with the idea that you will just grab a bite to eat from the student union.  That is designed for the folks who get out there at 2:00 in the afternoon and need to pass some time before heading to the stadium. 

That is just not good enough. 

A solid food menu only makes your tailgate more special.  And live on the edge a little.  Don't bring your little grill every week and cook some frozen hamburgers and hot dogs.  Keep the menu diverse.  There are plenty of things that are easy to prepare that don't require plenty of labor.  A good example of how to make your menu diverse is to base it around a central theme of your choice.  It makes it more fun.

Let's face it, we can compile another list of 10 reasons why beer is important at any tailgate.  Others might prefer to bring mixed drinks and such, but it doesn't get any simpler than beer.  Also, once you have arrived and your beer is iced down and you are ready to sit and relax, be sure to designate someone as your personal beer bitch. 

Finding someone gullible is the key.  The beer bitch is usually gullible and doesn't arrive at the tailgate as early as the others.  Also, he is the guy who comes with his beer, and then asks if he can bum room in someone's ice chest.  This has beer bitch written all over it.  Remember it.

3.) Recreational Activities - If you are following these steps to the tee, you must bring along some type of recreational activity.  If you have a good location with plenty of open room, you have to have a football.  It is considered illegal in some states to tailgate without a football.  Another thing to consider is holey board. 

When the beer starts to flow and people start to arrive, the holey board games get very intense.  Also, if you tailgate at the parade grounds at LSU and you get out there early, a pitching wedge and a nine iron along with about half a dozen golf balls is a good idea.  Practice your short game while waiting for the slackers to arrive.  If you are a sit down tailgater, a deck of cards is always a good idea.

2.) Good Friends - No doubt that a good time can be had at a tailgate with just a core group of friends.  But don't be afraid to let some of your friends invite some of their friends, no matter how much they mooch off of your food and beer.  As far as tailgating is concerned, we believe the more the merrier.  If the mooching continues after a while, then it is okay to kick their ass, but do it politely.  Then, politely tell them that if they want to join in on the fun, it is time to contribute. 

I got away from why I had this so high on the list.  You being there with all of your closest friends celebrating one common thing is a high like no other.  It's not like going to a party in college where everyone has their own separate agenda.  Everyone at a tailgate is there for the same reason.  It's a daylong event culminating with a football game at night.

1.)  Dedication - Everything listed above is irrelevant if you don't have No.1.  If you are going to tailgate seriously, certain sacrifices will have to be made.  For those of you responsible for hauling much of the equipment, you must accept the fact that your vehicle will smell like ass for the entire fall season and part of the winter. 

If you are going to tailgate with friends, make sure you tailgate with those friends who are as truly dedicated and psychotic as you.  This may hurt other friends’ feelings who want to arrive a bit later.  That is their problem.  If they want to arrive later and go somewhere else, oh well.  If they want to arrive later and join you, welcome them with open arms.  Also, be smart about your dedication. 

Budget for your tailgate.  Think about what needs to be done and start planning in the springtime. 

There you have it.  10 things that are essential to making any tailgate a success.  Please keep in mind that I am aware that there are other necessities, but I felt these were the most important.  Now, that I have laid the groundwork, go out there and do me proud.