Ian Rapoport, Sporting News Yearbooks
Sporting News is counting down its top 100 college football teams for 2009, featuring one team each day leading into the season opener Thursday, Sept. 3.
More countdown: Nos. 1-50 | 51-60 | 61-70 | 71-80 | 81-90 | 91-100
Will business as usual return to the Tigers? Coach Les Miles, who won 85 percent of his games going into last season yet stumbled to 8-5 overall and 3-5 in the SEC, thinks so.
Out is mistake-prone Jarrett Lee, the quarterback whose four interceptions in an overtime loss to No. 1 Alabama helped doom his fate. In is sophomore Jordan Jefferson, who came on late last season, then starred in the blowout bowl victory over Georgia Tech.
“It’s nice to see a quarterback step under center and have the opportunity to make throws, pick up big third downs and move the football,” Miles said.
On defense, out are co-coordinators Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto, who both end disastrous tenures that saw the Tigers fall to 56th in scoring defense. In is former long-time Tennessee coordinator John Chavis.
“There’s a little different feel over there right now,” Miles said. “I like the way it’s going. There’s a great enthusiasm and a want to be special. It’s what we need. For this football team to be …
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