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LSU kicked off its spring practice on March 7, which will conclude with the National L-Club Spring Game on April 16. Without a doubt, the Tigers needed to have the best spring practice of any SEC team, for several reasons.
LSU is at the crossroads of “good” and “great.” The Tigers kicked off their season with a 7-0 record before losing three straight games in November, which put head coach Les Miles on the hot seat. Miles survived with a win in Week 14 and will return for his 12th season at LSU.
Here’s a look at what to watch for during the Tigers’ spring practice.
Miles needs to win big
For years, Miles had more job security than the majority of SEC coaches. It didn’t hurt that his alma matter, Michigan, went through several coaching hires during his tenure, which gave him even more leverage in negotiations with LSU.
But now that Jim Harbaugh is at Michigan, Miles’ name isn’t being linked to any major programs that would be able to sway him away from LSU. It didn’t help that the Tigers stumbled through the final month of the regular season and fell out of the SEC Championship Game picture.
Miles was in a situation where his team was good but far from the lofty preseason expectations of being a national contender. He’s always had his share of critics, but managed to win enough to enjoy the longest current tenure of any SEC coach.
However, Miles needs to do more than just win in 2016. He can’t skate by on his past accomplishments if he wants to keep his job past the upcoming season.
The Tigers have one of the nation’s most talented rosters and need to contend for a championship. This will be a huge spring practice session for Miles as he looks to take LSU back to national prominence.
This spring is all about setting a tone and working towards those high expectations.
Leonard Fournette’s spotlight is even brighter
Leonard Fournette began his college football career as the unanimous top player for the 2014 national recruiting class. During his first offseason, he drew comparisons to NFL All-Pro and former MVP Adrian Peterson. This was all before he even took a single rushing attempt in a college football game.
But, Fournette has lived up to hype as one of college football’s best running backs. In fact, he seemed like the unanimous Heisman favorite during his first seven games before a disappointing performance against Alabama that coincided with Derrick Henry’s 210-yard, 3-touchdown performance against LSU.
With Henry gone and Georgia’s Nick Chubb recovering from a knee injury, Fournette will be the most talked about SEC running back entering the 2016 season and should be a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Spring practice will provide fans with the first glimpse of what could be a historic season for Fournette.
A glimpse at Dave Aranda’s new defense
LSU hired former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda for the same position this offseason. Aranda is heralded as a rising young defensive guru, which could bring a boost to the Tigers’ defense. However, he will switch LSU’s scheme from a 4-3 base to a 3-4, which could provide growing pains.
The Tigers lack a nose tackle suited to play in a 3-4, but Aranda provided quick success at Wisconsin where there was far less former four-and five-star prospects than at LSU. The team should fill their position needs and make the proper adjustments as both spring practice and the season progresses.
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