Top 25 teams: No. 7 Louisiana State Tigers

7. LOUISIANA STATE TIGERS

2008 record: 8-5

Returning starters offense/defense: 7/6

Strength: The Tigers have more stability at quarterback with sophomore Jordan Jefferson running the show, as evident in LSU’s 38-3 thrashing of Georgia Tech in the Peach Bowl. Senior running back Charles Scott and senior wide receiver Brian LaFell are experienced and explosive in the open field.

Weakness: Defense, at least it certainly was last season. Uncharacteristically, the Tigers ranked near the bottom in the SEC in scoring defense (9th, 24.2 ppg.), total defense (9th, 325.5), passing defense (11th, 215.4) and interceptions (12th, 8, 0 TDs). It’s no wonder head coach Les Miles changed defensive coordinators and brought in former longtime Tennessee coordinator John Chavis. One of Chavis’ first moves was to switch hard-hitting and leading tackler Harry Coleman from strong safety to linebacker. Only Charles Alexander returns as a starter on the defensive line. Pass-rushing specialist Rahim Alex (DE, 8 sacks in 2008) and Lazarius Levingston (shined in spring game with two sacks) should bolster the line.

Biggest star: Running back Charles Scott was first-team All-SEC (Coaches) in 2008. The 5-11, 233-pound back ran for 1,174 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. With Jefferson providing better quarterback play (passing and running), Scott figures to benefit with a more open attack, instead of opposing defenses focusing strictly on him.

Rising star: Mobile quarterback Jordan Jefferson started the last two games last season when Jarrett Lee was sidelined with an ankle injury. Jefferson took full advantage of the opportunity, leading the Tigers to victories at Arkansas and a convincing win over Georgia Tech in the Peach Bowl. Jefferson was named offensive MVP in the bowl game, passing for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also shined in the spring game, and has so far kept his starting spot away from freshman standout Russell Shepard, a heralded dual-threat quarterback who will be pushing for playing time this season.

Toughest game: There will be challenging road games at Georgia (Oct. 3) and at Alabama (Nov. 7), but there is no doubt the game that LSU fans have circled with red ink is Oct. 10 when the defending national champion Gators visit Tiger Stadium.