NCAA football preseason report SEC West: LSU, ranked No. 4 by The Gaming Today’s Mark Mayer

The lead item is LSU, ranked No. 4 in the country by AP and No. 1 by the Baton Rouge police. The Tigers’ has seen their national title hopes and huge opening game matchup with No. 3 Oregon severely damaged with the arrest warrant issued for starting QB Jordan Jefferson.

It’s an all too familiar scenario in college football that probably damages LSU the way it did North Carolina last year and quite likely Miami of Florida this season.

Auburn, the defending national champ, has been hurt in regular football terms with the early exit of Heisman Trophy QB Cam Newton. There to gladly take advantage is archrival Alabama, the national champ in 2009.

Mississippi State and Arkansas are right there in the division chase with only Ole Miss looking to be out of the picture.

LSU (6-7 ATS): There are some who think Jefferson is overrated at QB so losing him may not be critical. If new offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe (ex Tulsa and Louisville coach) can install his high-powered pass attack, LSU may just be better without JJ. Facing Oregon in the opener is not good.

ALABAMA (8-5 ATS): The Crimson Tide is ranked No. 2 behind Oklahoma and the favorite to win a very competitive division. Despite losing RB Mark Ingram, QB Greg McElroy and WR Julio Jones to the NFL, nine players are preseason first-team All-SEC. Nick Saban just reloads in Tuscaloosa.

AUBURN (10-4 ATS): The good news at Auburn is that not much is expected from Gene Chizik’s Tigers in 2011. They are picked fifth, only ahead of Ole Miss in the West. Considering the Tigers went 10-4 ATS as a champion, no telling how good a bet they could be as an underdog.

MISSISSIPPI ST (7-6 ATS): The Bulldogs are no longer under the radar but front and center as a legitimate sleeper to win, yes win, the West. HC Dan Mullen is building a powerhouse in Starkville, which sees South Carolina, Alabama and LSU visit this season. RB Vick Ballard (20 TDs) is a stud.

ARKANSAS (9-4 ATS): HC Bobby Petrino is a winner wherever he is. The Razorbacks won 10 a year ago behind star QB Ryan Mallett, now with the Patriots. But losing RB Knile Davis to a season-ending injury is huge. If QB Tyler Wilson can approach Mallett’s passing stats, Hogs will be a threat.

MISSISSIPPI (4-8 ATS): Are there any more Mannings available to play QB? The Rebels allowed a school record 35.2 points per game a year ago. Expect more of the same. HC Houston Nutt says he has recruited the best players in Mississippi. Tell that to Mississippi St.

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