Five-loss season leaves sour taste in Scott's mouth

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BATON ROUGE, La. - Charles Scott never realized rushing for nearly 1,200 yards in a season could leave him so unfulfilled.

That is, not until LSU followed up a 2007 national title with a five-loss 2008 that dropped the Tigers out of the Bowl Championship Series picture entirely.

So when it came time for Scott to choose between beckoning NFL riches and another round of Saturday nights in Death Valley, the Tigers' broad-shouldered power runner figured he might not be able to forgive himself if he didn't stay in Baton Rouge for one last year.

"Just going out on a note of 8-5 - I couldn't have that on my heart," Scott said.

Scott was one of several talented veterans who could have jumped ship if they believed LSU would continue sinking in 2009.

Instead, optimism abounds despite LSU's 3-5 record in the Southeastern Conference last season. The reasons range from Jordan Jefferson's emergence at quarterback to the arrival of defensive coordinator John "Chief" Chavis, who consistently fielded one of the better defenses in the SEC during his 14 seasons in the same post at Tennessee.

"There were some lessons learned from a year ago," coach Les Miles said. "We're more ambitious and prepared. I think our team will continue to develop."

If Scott keeps improving, LSU may have a Heisman Trophy contender in its backfield.

Conveniently for him, and not so coincidentally, offensive lineman Ciron Black decided to return for his senior season as well. They announced their decision to come back together - the Tigers' star running back and the lineman who blocked so well for him a year ago.

Also back is senior Brandon LaFell, whose 929 yards receiving led the squad last season.

"I like the leadership on this team," Miles said. "So many times the mark of a quality team is the leadership."

If LSU lacked leadership in one key area last season, it was at quarterback. Matt Flynn had graduated and heir apparent Ryan Perrilloux had been dismissed. That left Miles to choose between three quarterbacks with no meaningful game experience: sophomore Andrew Hatch

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