Committee of one: options abound, but Alley Broussard figures to win the LSU tailback job—and it could be a runaway

They are roommates, yet they don't talk about it. "No sense in it," says LSU running back Justin Vincent. They just know it will work out.

Auburn did it last year, right? Southern California does it, too. Who says more than one running back can't get enough carries to make everyone happy on a championship-caliber team?

Two, yes. Four? Forget it. At some point early this season, two of the four players in LSU's running backs committee will be sitting and watching. And at some point in the second half of every league game, three will be out.

It is here we introduce Alley Broussard, Vincent's roommate and the last man standing. Or at least he had better be.

"He's a load," says one SEC defensive coordinator. "I kind of hope they choose someone else."

Boy, Les Miles has it tough. His first season as coach at LSU comes with a ready-made Rose Bowl team and this burning question: Which of four talented backs--Vincent, Broussard, Joseph Addai or Shyrone Carey--should he use most? Miles says all four will play some role and the team doesn't need a go-to back.

Don't believe it; that's coachspeak. He's letting all four know the job is open to see who wants it most. Look at Miles' track record: He rode Tatum Bell and then Vernand Morency the previous four seasons at Oklahoma State.

The issue now for Miles is getting to two--and eventually to one--from four. Addai has the best hands, Vincent the most speed and Carey the best moves. Broussard? He's a bull of a back (6-0, 233 pounds) with deceptive speed and quick feet. Given 200-plus carries, he could turn in a season worthy of the Heisman Trophy. Broussard rushed for a team-high 867 yards and 10 touchdowns last year as a part-time starter and led the SEC with a 6.1 yards-per-carry average.

"When you get your opportunity, you'd better be ready," Broussard says, "or the next guy will."

That's one way to work it out.

LSU

LAST CONFERENCE TITLE: 2003

LAST NATIONAL TITLE: 2003

STARTERS RETURNING: 18 (10 offense, seven defense, punter-kicker)

ALL-AMERICAN CANDIDATES: RB Alley Broussard, FS LaRon Landry, OT Andrew Whitworth, DT Kyle Williams

BACK TO BASICS: It's a pretty simple formula at any level: The game is won along the line. Any questions about LSU as a contender passed when defensive tackles Claude Wroten and Williams and defensive end Melvin Oliver passed up the NFL draft for their senior seasons. Although Oliver regressed some last season, he potentially is the best of the group--and Wroten and Williams likely are first-round picks.

THIRD MAN IN THE RING: LSU is loaded. A championship team has been placed in the lap of new coach Les Miles, but can he push the right buttons? Saban was overbearing--there's a reason he was called the "Nicktator"--but Miles can't afford to back off too far and lose control of a talented team that needs direction.

GLASS JAW: If LSU gets to the Rose Bowl, it's going to be behind gifted QB JaMarcus Russell--not backup Matt Flynn or freshman mouth Ryan Perrilloux.

THE PROBLEM: Russell, a huge talent, took a confidence hit last year because of Saban's quarterback shuffle. Can he make it all the way back?

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