How much will losing quarterback Ryan Perrilloux affect the LSU Tigers’ chances in 2008? Greatly according to oddsmakers, who have made LSU a 20/1 long shot to win the 2009 BCS Championship.
LSU will have to depend on Andrew Hatch at quarterback this year after the highly touted Perrilloux was kicked off the team this summer. Hatch will have receiver Brandon LaFell (656 receiving yards) and running back Keiland Williams (478 rushing yards) to help take some of the pressure off him this season. The defense has a solid line, led by defensive end Kirston Pittman and tackle Marlon Favorite, but will have a tough time replacing linebackers Ali Highsmith and Luke Sanders, as well as defensive backs Chevis Jackson and Craig Steltz.
LSU’s odds at the major online sports books are fairly consistent across the board. Oddsmakers from online sports book Bodog have established the Tigers odds to win the 2009 BCS Championship at 20/1, while Sportsbook.com has them at 18/1 and SBG Global also has them at 20/1.
LSU could turn out to be a sleeper this year because many pundits expect them to struggle with the departures of Highsmith, Jackson, Perrilloux, Steltz, and receiver Early Doucet and defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey. The defensive line should be fine, but the linebacker corps and secondary is depleted and some returning starters will have to step up. Hatch will also have to minimize the mistakes and spread the ball around so that opposing defenses don’t key on just one aspect of the Tigers’ offense. Still, considering LSU is ranked No. 6 in the country, there’s a ton of value in them at 20/1 odds.
LSU Tigers 2009 BCS National Championship Odds to win
Bodog: 20/1
Sportsbook.com: 20/1
SBG Global: 18/1
LSU Tigers SEC West Conference Odds to Win
Bodog: 7/4
Sportsbook.com: 7/4
SBG Global: 7/4
LSU Tigers 2008 Season Win Over/Under Totals
LSU Tigers Over 9 Wins (-115)
LSU Tigers Under 9 Wins (-115)