Nelson Chenault – USA TODAY SPORTS
Since before the season began, all of the talk in the Southeastern Conference, more specifically the Western Division, has been about the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas A&M Aggies. After all, the Tide are the defending national champions and the Aggies have the defending Heisman Trophy winner in Johnny Manziel.
These two titans will meet on the gridiron on Saturday, in a game that will have many implications on a conference and national level.
Meanwhile, the LSU Tigers are busy handling their business and enjoying being out of the spotlight for once. Despite being ranked in the Top Ten nationally, there has been little focus on LSU because of Alabama and Texas A&M. However, the Tigers have gotten off to a great start in 2013.
LSU opened the season by topping a ranked team, the TCU Horned Frogs, at a neutral site in Dallas. Last week, LSU pounded UAB in their home opener.
In last week’s win, LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger set a school record with five touchdown passes. Mettenberger has looked solid in two games under new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, and Mettenberger has found a capable target in Odell Beckham, Jr., who has posted back-to-back 100-yard receiving games.
The Tigers also have a stable of four running backs who can move the ball on the ground. Jeremy Hill is back from suspension, and he, along with Kenny Hilliard, Alfred Blue and Terrence Magee, give Les Miles and his staff a group of runners that nearly any team in the country would love to have.
LSU is still filling holes on defense, but the talent is there. Miles and defensive coordinator John Chavis will scheme around their talent to make LSU a formidable foe for any opponent.
So, while everyone is seemingly focused on the Tide and the Aggies, they had better not overlook the LSU Tigers.
Tim Letcher is a contributing writer for www.RantSports.com and a member of the Football Writers Association of America. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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