The loss of Tyrann “Honey Badger”  Mathieu is a huge hit to the 2012 LSU football team.  But remember that LSU is loaded from years of top ten recruiting classes.  Back in the 90’s I watched teams like Florida State and Miami battle it out with NFL caliber talent on offense and defense.  Those teams had talent and coaching stacked year after year.  I dreamed that one day my LSU tigers would be comparable to those great teams of the 90’s.  Like the teams I mentioned, the LSU tigers of the 21st century have built and maintained talent now that allows them just reload.  You have to thank Gerry Dinardo even though he flamed out in 1998, but what Saban built Les Miles has maintained and even may have raised to an even more elite level.

Even with the departure of the Honey Badger the tigers still  have arguably as much or more talent than anyone in the country.  Consider this year’s schedule.  Their is no opener against a top 5 Oregon team.  There is also no out of conference road trip to Morgantown to go with the daunting SEC schedule.  The tigers toughest conference test is at home against  Alabama in tiger stadium.

The expected improvement of last years less than stellar offense mainly Zach Mettenberger should add another dimension.  The running back position is even deeper this year with an offensive line that will rival any in the country.  With the top junior college quarterback in the country stepping in to lead, a loaded backfield, experienced receivers, and perhaps the best offensive line in the history of LSU football  the offense should produce more than last year.

The tiger defensive line is loaded with future NFL prospects.  The linebackers will be as talented and deep as the tigers have had in quite some time.  Even the secondary with some inexperience will not face a major SEC opponent until the last week of September.

There is reason to be concerned with such a big hit to the 2012 football team but there is also reason for that concern to be lessened.

With or Without Tyrann Mathieu