Editor’s note: This column compiled by The Daily Reveille’s sports staff is the last in a series of player predictions for the 2013 LSU football season.
Last week, The Daily Reveille’s sports staff predicted the Tigers starting defense in an effort to preview the upcoming season. This week the staff focused on the other side of the ball and picked the starting offense. Coach Les Miles will need to be able to count on an offense that had much less turnover personnel-wise than the defense.
Quarterback: Zach Mettenberger
Entering his second season as the starting QB, this is now firmly Mettenberger’s offense. True freshman Anthony Jennings appears to have taken over as Mettenberger’s backup following an impressive spring, replacing Stephen Rivers.
Running Back: Alfred Blue
Blue and sophomore Jeremy Hill will likely share the load all season, but until Hill’s legal situation is resolved, Blue will likely see a lion’s share of the carries. Junior Kenny Hilliard will also get some carries and junior Terrence Magee could get some work as a pass-catcher coming out of the backfield.
Fullback: J.C. Copeland
Copeland is a punishing lead-blocker in the run game, entering his second full season as the Tigers’ primary fullback.
Wide Receiver: Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr.
Landry emerged as a dependable possession receiver in 2012 and led LSU with 56 receptions and five touchdowns. Beckham led the team with 713 receiving yards, but had some issues with dropped passes to work on. After a breakout spring, freshman speedster Travin Dural may be in line to be the Tigers’ No. 3 receiver, but seniors James Wright and Kadron Boone should see some action.
Tight End: Dillon Gordon
The tight end position is the most up-for-grabs position on the offense. Gordon might get the start because he can catch and has the size to be a great blocker, but senior Travis Dickson and freshman DeSean Smith are talented receivers who may see more action then Gordon in the passing game. Junior college transfer Logan Stokes should also get some time.
Offensive Tackles: La’el Collins, Vadal Alexander
In the spring, Miles announced that Collins would be sliding back to his natural left tackle position after playing left guard in 2012. The transition should be smooth since Collins has all of the talent and athleticism to protect Mettenberger’s blind side in 2013. As a freshman, Alexander took over at right tackle during the 2012 season and helped solidify the line. There’s no reason he won’t keep the job this season if he’s healthy.
Offensive Guard: Trai Turner, Josh Williford
Turner took over the right guard spot in the middle of last season and, like Alexander, proceeded to solidify the right side of the Tigers’ line. The left guard spot is the most open on the line. Williford may have a slight advantage because of his experience, but sophomore Jonah Austin is competing with him for the job.  
Center: Elliott Porter
Porter is the heavy favorite to take over at center for LSU, but Williford and freshman Ethan Pocic got work at center this spring while Porter was nursing an injury.