With 16 returning starters coming off of a 10-3 record, LSU is poised to have a solid season. How that measures up with the rest of the SEC West is what makes this season exciting.

Athlon Sports recently released its popular feature, “Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes,” and there are plenty of interesting reactions, including about how the Tigers measure up to Alabama.

Candid descriptions of teams have all but disappeared in public statements from halftime interviews or press conferences, but here they reveal some interesting perspectives. For example, one SEC coach believes LSU may have a great chance to end its 8-game losing streak to the arch-rival Crimson Tide.

“This team could be their best chance to catch Alabama in a long time,” the anonymous coach told Athlon. “You see athleticism and size everywhere. They’re big and strong on both lines. They’re going to be physical all over.”

To beat Alabama, quarterback play is usually the key.

“Joe Burrow is the best quarterback to play for the Tigers in a long time, and he’s definitely one of the (SEC’s) best returning quarterbacks,” the coach said. “His development will change that offense.”

Coach Ed Orgeron recently declared that if LSU pulls off the win, he would do a Haka dance in the locker room.

“They should have enough starting talent at running back for at least two SEC teams.”

The anonymous coach went on to praise the program for continued solid recruiting in the secondary. But again, it looks to come down to offense as the difference maker.

“The focus will be on the offense and what the new offensive guy (former Saints assistant coach Joe Brady) brings in. Expect some newer stuff passing. I know they’re talking about installing RPO, but they still want to smash you running the ball, and if you have the bigs that’s what you do in this league. And Ed Orgeron has a history with his play callers. He doesn’t stray too far from what he’s comfortable with no matter what he says when he hires them.”

“This is the best team Orgeron has had. If they expand the offense they can beat anyone.”

For quotes about all the teams, here is Athlon’s story.