"The last three picks to win the conference have been wrong," LSU coach Les Miles said. "We enjoy the compliment of being talented, but that doesn't necessarily make you a great team. We're going to work on being a great team."

If the Tigers do that, Miles is confident they'll have the opportunity to make good on those predictions.

"I think every player on the team understands what we're going to ask of them," Miles said. "That's how championships are won. It's a question that you answer over time. It's not something that you can be awarded. There's no (preseason) ranking that makes a difference."

Those preseason rankings are the result of last year's 11-2 finish, including a No. 3 ranking in the final poll and an impressive 41-14 victory in the Sugar Bowl. They are also based on the return of 15 starters, including eight starters on a defense that finished in the top four nationally in total defense, scoring defense and passing defense.

"We're just as talented as we were last year," All-America defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey said.

Even though the defense is loaded with three first-team All-SEC selections -- Dorsey, linebacker Ali Highsmith and cornerback Chevis Jackson -- the primary focus of preseason practice is quarterback Matt Flynn, who must replace JaMarcus Russell, the top pick in the 2007 NFL Draft who could have been a senior this year.

Flynn is a senior who started and earned MVP honors in LSU's 2005 Peach Bowl blowout of Miami, but he's still got a lot to prove as the Tigers' full-time starter.

Flynn will be playing for a new offensive coordinator in Gary Crowton, who replaced Jimbo Fisher when Fisher left for Florida State.

"There will be some period of adjustment," Miles said. "But I think it will be minimal with Matt Flynn. He has really competed for the opportunity to play, and now it's his turn."

The Tigers also lost two wide receivers selected in the first round of the draft. They return senior receiver Early Doucet and several talented backs and receivers who must now step into important roles on the offense.

"We've got a lot of young guys ready to come up and play big-time football," Dorsey said.

THE TIGERS WILL SUCCEED IF: The defense, the running game and the kicking game all provide a solid foundation for new starting quarterback Matt Flynn. The offense must adapt to a new offensive system but Flynn doesn't have to carry the offense to be successful. He just has to be solid and make good use of the offense and the weapons surrounding him. As a whole, the Tigers need to apply the cliche "one game at a time" and not worry about winning a national championship in September.

THE TIGERS WILL FAIL IF: The Tigers have plenty of leaders but they still face the temptations and potential distractions that come with high expectations. Injuries at receiver and safety could be a problem and backup QB Ryan Perriloux, who was suspended in the spring, is a question mark behind Flynn.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's going to be fine. Matt (Flynn) is a poised veteran. He knows how to handle tough situations. Like you saw in the Miami game, he can come in and get the job done. He's a great passer and a great leader. We're sad to see JaMarcus go, but that's how it goes sometimes. Matt Flynn is a great quarterback and he'll get the job done." -- WR Early Doucet on new starting quarterback Matt Flynn, who must replace JaMarcus Russell, the top pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: DT Glenn Dorsey -- Dorsey might be the most important player in the SEC. He appeared to be a certain first-round draft choice after the 2006 season but returned for his senior season for one more shot at a national championship and a chance to improve his overall game and draft stock. Dorsey has the ability to hold his ground in the middle and make plays in the backfield as a run stopper and pass rusher. "We did everything possible to block him with one, two, offensive linemen, tight end at times, running back," Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said. "Kind of reminded me a lot (of) Warren Sapp, the kid I coached at the University of Miami. Plays low to the ground, quick off the line of scrimmage, always going north and south. He'll be one of the better players in the country."

BREAKOUT STAR: WR Early Doucet -- Doucet is already an accomplished player but spent the 2006 season in the shadow of two first-round draft choices, Dewayne Bowe and Craig Davis. Now that Bowe and Davis have moved on to the NFL, Doucet becomes LSU's go-to receiver and one of its primary team leaders. If the spring was any indication, Doucet is ready to become one of the SEC's most productive receivers.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: RB Richard Murphy -- Murphy won't be the only talented back in LSU's stable but he might be the fastest. LSU has plenty of size and force at tailback, but Murphy might be the Tigers' best bet to break big plays.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense -- QB Matt Flynn, RB Keiland Williams, FB Jacob Hester, Z-WR Early Doucet, X-WR Brandon LaFell, TE Keith Zinger, LT Ciron Black, LG Herman Johnson, C Brett Helms, RG Will Arnold, RT Carnell Stewart.

Defense -- LDE Tyson Jackson, LDT Glenn Dorsey, RDT Charles Alexander, DRE Rahim Alem, "Buck" Luke Sanders, "Mike" Darry Beckwith, "Will" Ali Highsmith, LCB Jonathan Zenon, RCB Chevis Jackson, SS Craig Steltz, FS Curtis Taylor.

ROSTER REPORT: Sophomore QB Ryan Perrilloux is back with the team following a suspension that began after Perrilloux, 20, tried to board a Baton Rouge riverboat casino with a fake ID in May. His name also came up in January in connection with a federal counterfeiting investigation. Perrilloux is expected to be Flynn's immediate backup. "With the privilege of being on our team comes responsibility," Miles said. "It's been pointed out, and I think he's ready to comply."

S Chad Jones is participating in LSU's preseason camp but has until Aug. 15 to sign with the Houston Astros, who drafted him in the 13th round of the June draft.

Sophomore DT Ricky Jean-Francois is not eligible to play at this point and Miles said he isn't sure when and if that will change. Jean-Francois was suspended for the Sugar Bowl and did not participate in spring practice.

TB Alley Broussard led LSU in rushing in 2004 but never made a full recovery from the knee injury he suffered in a 2005 preseason practice. With so many young tailbacks in the mix, Broussard decided to leave the team before the start of preseason practice. "My heart was no longer in it," Broussard said in a news release. "I'm scheduled to graduate in December so I want to use the fall semester to dedicate my time toward getting a degree."