LSU entered 2004 knowing a rebuild was on hand. Gone were Mauck, Clayton, Lavalais, and Hill. Gone were Lionel Turner and Eric Alexander.

LSU had a stud young RB named Justin Vincent and a star safety named Laron Landry. CB Corey Webster, LT Andrew Whitworth and DE Marcus Spears shocked many when they decided to return for their SR. seasons, but it was plainly evident LSU was in the midst of a rebuild.

But a promising crop of freshmen, headlined by QB Jamarcus Russell and WR Early Doucet offered great promise for the future. Of course, the greatest hope was the multi-million dollar man on the sideline.