LSU got off to a rough start in 2004, losing to Auburn and Georgia before the first week of October had ended. But the Tigers rebounded, winning the remainder of their regular season games despite some close calls against weaker opponents. An explanation could be found in some indecision at the QB race, where senior Marcus Randall finally assumed the starting role for good. In his place for next fall is former Alabama High School Player of the Year JaMarcus Russell, with whom Randall shared (close to) equal time before the senior was permanently tapped. Although Russell is just a redshirt sophomore, the time for coddling is over. He will be the biggest key in proving whether LSU is worthy of this high ranking. When you dissect the amount of personnel returning and their collective abilities, this team could be down right devastating. The RB situation goes four-deep, and the receivers have a rich balance of youth combined with veteran experience. How any new recruit could squeeze into this already-deep receiver lineup is beyond us. Another big key is the return of this OL. Yes, All-SEC center Ben Wilkerson moves on, but the unit will still be full of juniors and seniors with plenty of reps under their belt. Defensively in this scheme is an array of your typical LSU front-line defenders that most of us have become accustomed to seeing when LSU won the national title just a year ago. Wroten, Williams and Oliver will continue the recent tradition of NFL-quality down linemen. Don't be surprised to see some rotation in their secondary positions this off-season - both cornerbacks will need replacing. Safeties Jessie Daniels and LaRon Landry will keep this unit from being labeled as "rebuilding". Some might be surprised to see this Bayou Bengal team ranked above other strong SEC programs. If LSU had a little luck on the road at Auburn, they may have been playing for the SEC title again in 2004. 17 solid starters back and stellar recruiting classes are enough to get this team at least one victory closer.