Team: LSU

Nickname: Tigers

Conference: Southeastern (West)

Location: Baton Rouge, La.

Coach: Les Miles (5th year, 42-11; 70-32 career)

Last Bowl: 2008 Chick-fil-A

Last season: 8-5, 3-5

With another year of experience at quarterback, the Tigers should return to the top 10. Three different starters were used, but the team has settled on versatile sophomore Jordan Jefferson heading into 2009. The schedule will be a challenge (at Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama), however.

The season is a success if ... The Tigers can win the division. Winning the division likely will mean a ranking near the top of the nation, but that also would mean beating the Crimson Tide and Rebels on the road.

The season is a failure if ... Jefferson cannot improve the Tigers' passing attack. LSU passers threw 18 INTs last season and completed 52.7 percent of their passes. They'll need better production to compete in the SEC every week.

Impact Player: Senior Charles Scott, running back. The 235-pound battering ram picked up 1,174 yards on the ground last season and scored 18 TDs.

Fun Fact: Mike The Tiger is the official live mascot of the Tigers. The first was put on display in 1936, and the latest, Mike VI, debuted in 2007. During home games, his cage on wheels is parked outside the visitor's locker room.