LSU running back Leonard Fournette (7) rushes past Texas Tech defensive back Keenon Ward (15) during the second half of the Texas Bowl NCAA football game Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, in Houston. LSU won 56-27. (AP Photo/Bob Levey)LSU
Last season: 9-3 (5-3 SEC)Opener: Sept. 3 vs. Wisconsin at Lambeau Field (3:30 p.m. on ABC)Fun fact: LSU senior center Ethan Pocic had 132.5 knockdown blocks last year, which is the highest single-season total since the Tigers began keeping records in that category.COMING SUNDAY: Ole Miss
SEC logoLeonard Fournette is still learning as he goes.
As a freshman in 2014, the dazzling running back for the LSU Tigers struck the Heisman Trophy pose after a meaningless early-season touchdown against Sam Houston State, which resulted in some unpleasant words from coach Les Miles on the sideline.
The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder was running away in the Heisman Trophy race last season, but he fell abruptly from his lofty perch after being held to 31 yards on 19 carries in a 30-16 loss at Alabama. Crimson Tide counterpart Derrick Henry shredded the Tigers for 210 yards and received the prestigious award a month later, while LSU spiraled to three straight November losses and had to settle for a trip to the Texas Bowl.
“Even though last year was kind of a disappointment, we still learned a lesson,” Fournette said last week at SEC media days in Hoover, Ala. “Never think you’re too much, or else you can be beat. Just keep God first, and everything else will follow.