The defending National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide will head into the 2016-17 regular season with a target directly on their backs.
But one other SEC team is fighting for the top spot in the conference, and in the country — LSU.
And according to SEC analyst Booger McFarland, the Tigers have the best team since Nick Saban left for the NFL, per NOLA.com.
"LSU has its best team its had since Nick Saban left (after the 2004 season to coach the NFL's Miami Dolphins)," said McFarland. "This team is better than the 2011 team. This team has more star power than the 2011 team."
As for Saban and LSU, McFarland notes he might be the greatest coach in college football history, but LSU is better this season, talent wise.
"Everyone knows Nick Saban is the greatest coach in college football history. Not because of how much he has won, but because of how well his teams are always prepared. So can Les have his team prepared as Nick will have his?
"Because talentwise, LSU is better."
As for the rest of the SEC, here's how McFarland sees it stacking up:
"If you look at the West this year, Alabama is breaking in a new quarterback, its star tailback is gone, defensively its stalwarts are gone. Ole Miss all the defensive guys (graduated or left early for NFL) are gone. Mississippi State, (quarterback) Dak (Prescott) is gone (to the NFL).
"I don't think going to Auburn will be a big deal."
"...Because of Florida's talent, that's the game you're going to see the first test on the road in that environment. Then, the biggest test is the first Saturday in November (vs. Alabama in Baton Rouge)."
Can LSU put it all together? Leonard Fournette was held to 31 yards in last year's 30-16 Tide win.
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