Prediction: 9-3
Losses: at Auburn, at Florida, Alabama

Despite its veteran offensive line and potent rushing attack, LSU’s youth at quarterback and receiver will make it too one-dimensional to win big SEC games. The Tigers won’t be able to keep up with Auburn’s high-octane offense, and Florida – which returns 16 starters – will be much improved if quarterback Jeff Driskel can stay healthy. Alabama has simply been the better team recently, and a tight win in Baton Rouge will solidify that standard for another season.
Marcus Rodrigue, staff writer
Prediction: 10-2
Losses: at Auburn, Ole Miss

The Tigers will hark back to the grinding style that became famous (or infamous) in the Jordan Jefferson era. LSU’s quarterbacks have little experience, but a versatile run game, a veteran offensive line and a talent-laden defense will help the Tigers make up for it. However, the way to defeat Auburn is by keeping up with it, and LSU won’t do that in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Meanwhile, the Tigers will play for eight consecutive weeks before meeting an improved Ole Miss team, which they lost to last season. The bright spots of the season will come late when offensive coordinator Cam Cameron figures out how to use his new weapons.
Tommy Romanach, staff writer
Prediction: 9-3
Losses: at Auburn, Ole Miss, Alabama

LSU’s inexperience at the skill positions will add another degree of difficulty to an already daunting SEC West schedule. A trip to Auburn to play the reigning SEC champions will be the toughest road test of the season, and quarterback Nick Marshall is likely to be too much for LSU. Ole Miss will bring its recent recruiting success, and quarterback Bo Wallace will be looking to prove that last year’s victory against LSU was no fluke. Despite having a new quarterback, Alabama coach Nick Saban has continuously put a strong team on the field, and there’s no reason to think this year will be any different.
Joe Mallette, contributing writer
Prediction: 9-3
Losses: at Auburn, at Florida, Alabama

With running backs Kenny Hilliard and Leonard Fournette and a solid offense, LSU’s running game will again be productive. However, the Tigers’ setback will be their passing game. After losing quarterback Zach Mettenberger and receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry, LSU will find it difficult to keep pace with Auburn’s no-huddle rushing attack and Florida’s experience. Also, the Tigers are 2-2 in their last four trips to Auburn and are 1-3 in their last four games in Florida. Alabama has been far superior to LSU since the November 2011 “Game of the Century,” and it will display its success again this season. 
Will Cotchery, contributing writer