5 bold predictions for the LSU football season

Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers helmet lays on the sidelines against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Depending on who you ask, LSU football is either going to return to national prominence or fall from grace in 2015. Here are five bold predictions for the upcoming season.

The LSU football team is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2014 campaign.

Their 8-5 record tied the worst season for the Tigers since Les Miles took over as head coach 10 years ago. It also exposed several glaring weaknesses. Most notable was the quarterback position, but struggles closing out games emerged to the forefront of LSU’s problems as well.

The season culminated with a loss to a Notre Dame team that was simply not very good. Longtime defensive coordinator John Chavis checked out at the end of the season, bolting for Texas A&M the first chance he got. And some pundits are even calling for Les Miles’ job (It wouldn’t be LSU football if the first sub-10 win season in five years didn’t land the head coach on the imaginary hot seat).

Will the Tigers be able to bounce back?

It depends who you ask.

ESPN’s Football Power Index, a measure of team strength meant to predict a team’s performance, has LSU football sitting at No. 5 in the country. Meanwhile, SEC Network analyst and former Tiger Booger McFarland has them finishing sixth in the SEC West.

One thing is certain, though; the team knows that eight wins is unacceptable.

“We feel we’re better than an 8-5 team,” senior lineman Vadal Alexander said at SEC Media Days. “We have a lot to improve.”

Linebacker Kendell Beckwith reiterated his teammate’s comments, stating that the subpar performance last year will only add fuel to the fire.

“We’re going to use that 8-5 record as motivation,” Beckwith said.

The Bayou Bengals return this season with a big chip on their shoulder. But will it lead to on-field success?

Here are five bold predictions for LSU football in 2015:

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