There are eight starters back on offense, but this team will likely go only as far as inconsistent but talented QB Jordan Jefferson takes it. Last season Jefferson threw more interceptions (10) than touchdowns passes (seven) in 2010. In fact, he ran for as many scores as he passed for. If Jefferson struggles again, look for Miles to turn to former Georgia top recruit Zach Mettenberger. Spencer Ware replaces Ridley as the featured back. He didn’t get many carries last year but showed what he could offer with 102 yards rushing in the Cotton Bowl win over Texas A&M. LSU might have the best receiving duo in the nation in Russell Shepard and Reuben Randle. Look for Shepard to get the ball often as a runner as well, much like Florida used to do with Percy Harvin. Shepard rushed 32 times for 226 yards and two touchdowns in 2010. Four starters are back on the line.

The defense brings back seven starters. Peterson, the nation’s best defensive back last year, certainly will be missed, yet the secondary still should be one of the best in the nation. Morris Claiborne led the Tigers with five picks (third most in the SEC) and 11 pass breakups (second) last year and Tyrann Mathieu, as a nickelback, had 4½ sacks, forced five fumbles (he recovered three of them) and had two interceptions. The line should be one of the best in the SEC even with Nevis gone. Two starting linebackers are back.

LSU opens its season with a mammoth game vs. Oregon on Sept. 3. The Tigers’ over/under win total on Bodog is 9.5.

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