Whether the LSU Tigers can successfully defend their national championship when the 2008 College Football season opens largely depends on who takes over for dismissed QB Ryan Perrilloux.

LSU Head Caoch Les Miles dumped Perrilloux on May 2 after numerous off-field violations of team rules. The 6-foot-2, 222-pound quarterback started the SEC title game in place of Matt Flynn and helped the Tigers to a 21-14 victory over Tennessee, throwing for 243 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have LSU at 12-1 odds in NCAA Football Future Betting to win the 2009 BCS National Championship.

Red shirt freshman Jarrett Lee or junior Andrew Hatch will be expected to replace Perrilloux, and there is plenty of concern around the Tigers that neither of the young players will have the experience to take the team very far this season, let alone to the BCS National Championship game.

A bright spot for LSU’s offense is the return of RBs Charles Scott and Keiland Williams, who should get extra carries with a rookie quarterback calling the signals. And they’ll be complimented by four starting offensive lineman returning, including Herman Johnson and Ciron Black, first and second team All-SEC selections.

Returning receivers include Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd. LaFell caught 50 passes for 656 yards last season.

On defense, things are a little more stable for the Tigers, even though defensive coordinator Bo Pelini won’t be back. Senior tackle Tyson Jackson and senior defensive end Kirston Pittman will lead the D. Pittman led the Tigers with eight sacks and Jackson had 15 hurries. Also returning are DEs Charles Alexander and Ricky Jean-Francois.

LSU opens the 2008-09 season on Aug. 30 when its hosts Appalachian State.