The past two seasons, NationalChamps.net has tabbed LSU as the top SEC team in terms of these national preseason rankings. So much talent still abounds from the recruiting success former head coach Nick Saban left his replacement Les Miles. The knock on Coach Miles is that he does not possess the decision-making ability to win a tough conference (much like he could not do at his former job with Oklahoma State in the Big 12 South) let alone win an SEC title. He again has the framework of talent capable of getting that conference crown. With the wealth of NFL-quality talent at WR the past two seasons, LSU has failed to take full advantage of this stellar unit. The deep list of snarlers has now been shortened, and prep superstar Early Doucet finally takes over the leading role. The QB issue seems to be more settled, though three different passers seem to be in the mix each spring as to who will be the starter. Nothing has changed - back ups Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux are still going to push JaMarcus Russell in the spring. The job belongs to Russell (3rd nationally in pass efficiency), although he has yet to show he can consistently win the big games. The best advice would be to ride the Russell mule for one more season. Despite the array of offensive talent, the Tigers have been about (and won with) defense. Whether defending the pass or the run, this group has proven to be one of the SEC's best. Other than the departure of FS LaRon Landry (Jim Thorpe Award semi-finalist) the jest of the group remains in tact, which favors the Tigers in the SEC West. JaMarcus Russell, this is your final shot to show the nation how far this team can go. Anything short of an SEC Championship appearance will cause Les Miles to squirm.