What’s not to love about supreme optimism?

It’s the best time of the year for college football fans, especially those favoring the SEC. Dreams of a national championship aren’t yet crushed and homers abound can all take a stab at guessing wins and losses on their respective team’s schedule.

‘Best Case Scenario’ Series

LSU TIGERS

2013 record: 10-3, 5-3
2014 best case: 11-2, 6-2
Closer look: No team in the country has more potential impact, heck, All-American caliber true freshmen, than the Tigers this season. Leonard Fournette will soon be one of college football’s premiere backs and he’s going to have help with proven veterans Terrence Magee and Kenny Hilliard. Defensively, LSU’s more supremely talented than most of the competition it will face this season, even in the loaded SEC West. Outside of battles against Auburn and Alabama, the Tigers will likely be favored in every game despite their influx of youth and inexperience.
Silver lining: After losing a 3,000-yard passer, two 1,00-yard receivers and a 1,000-yard rusher, getting to 11 wins with a bowl victory would be quite an accomplishment for Les Miles and his coaching staff. LSU’s won 10 or more games four consecutive years, a testament to the work and attention to detail put in by the players. One of the few SEC teams that truly ‘reloads’ every spring, this isn’t an eight-win team like some are suggesting. There’s too much talent in Baton Rouge and the defense will perform better than most expect. LSU’s opener against Wisconsin is pivotal and would provide a major confidence boost for its crop of newcomers.