The evolution of Les Miles’ vision has been through the recruits of predecessor Nick Saban…until 2008. The new-look Tigers will get both the lauding and lumps that come with former top (dual-threat) recruit Ryan Perrilloux working out the kinks. The promise he showed in the SEC title game (20-30-1, 243 yards and one TD) has fans excited, and also nervous since it was only one game. The Reserve-native put up Tebow-like numbers in prep (26 passing and 21 rushing TDs his junior season, then 30 and 39, respectively, as a senior), but his struggles at times at this level so far mean teams will force him initially to beat them through the air (ala Tennessee). Like Tebow, spot duty as a reserve hopefully has him ready for those killer SEC defenses week in, week out. What they lose without Hester’s return is guaranteed yardage (lost only 15 yards on over 200 carries this year), but, as with Perrilloux, guys like Williams, LaFell, Scott and lightning-quick Holliday (made the USA 4x100m relay team, runs 4.27 in the 40) make every play a possible end zone run. The most turnover is on defense, with the DL looking to emerge as that side’s strongest unit...even without Nagurski-winner Dorsey. The back seven was always strong with Saban’s eye for pass defense, so in retaining only two of 2007’s starters and with new faces, stopping foe’s aerial assaults becomes the Tiger’s biggest challenge for the upcoming campaign. LSU was gashed in their two recent losses for 43 and 50 points, and, in also allowing ‘Bama 34 and lowly Mississippi 24, the Tiger’s young defense, along with the wide range of possible play from Perrilloux, will put the conference title back up for grabs. Colt David affords Miles confidence once his troops get inside the other team’s 30, and the return game should take back off. Expecting the same level of recent results would ultimately disappoint the purple-and-gold faithful, so setting the bar a bit lower next season would mean they could then rejoice if they exceed such modest expectations. These soon-to-be changes are very similar to those experienced by the (current) BCS champion Gators this past off-season, and the Bayou Bengals should be happy if they, too, only lose three after reshaping so much in this deep conference. Live it up this time around in New Orleans, for unless Perrilloux is spot-on from the get-go, it won’t be until (at least) 2009 that this team returns to their lofty perch.