Quarterbacks
Both quarterbacks looked great during their team camps.
Marcus Randall is more mobile than Derek Anderson, but less experienced.
Anderson is ready mentally, physically and is extremely comfortable with the
Beaver offense.
Running Backs
Each team has three running backs that will see playing time.
Each team has their starter, their third down back, and their bruiser. The
slight edge goes to LSU due to Justin Vincent's performance last year.
Offensive Line
Two All-American picks (Wilkeson and Whitworth) sit on the LSU
offensive line automatically give the Tigers an edge. Oregon State has two
all-conference selections (Nienhuis and Brock), but have two new guys that will
need to step up.
Wide Receivers
Yes, Skyler Green is a playmaker, but so is Mike Hass.
Each team is young at this position and will rely on their youth to provide them
with plays. We will have to wait and see which team's players step up.
Tight Ends
Oregon State has one of the better squad of tight ends in the
country. Joe Newton will play in the NFL while Dan Haines is one of the
more athletic players on the team. Pat Loney is an excellent blocker and
while Jim Hanchett adds even more depth. LSU's tight-ends are great at
blocking, but not much else.
Defensive Line
Bill Swancutt is one of the best ends in the country.
Marcus Spears is becoming one of the best ends in the country. Both teams had to
reload due to players departing for the NFL.
Linebackers
Jonathan Pollard and Trent Bray will be all-conference
selections. Keith Ellison beat out a very good player in Chaz Scott while
the talented Derrick Doggett and Kevin Davidson add quality depth. LSU is
also very good good with Lionel Turner anchoring the backers, but OSU has more
depth adn experience.
Secondary
Both teams have great cornerbacks up for postseason awards.
Both teams have hard hitting safeties with a nose for the ball and both teams
returned three of four starters from last year.
Special Teams
Flaky kicking for LSU and unproven kicking for OSU. A
highly touted freshman punter and a highly touted JC punter. LSU has
better coverage and a more explosive kick returner in Green.
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