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While LSU lost its best defensive in the NFL, the Tigers finish strong for the 2010 season has left little doubt that they were back among the elite in the South East and is poised to play a national title next season.

The big question hanging over LSU after the season 41-24 and 11-2 win at Texas A & M in the Cotton Bowl was whether Miles would still be head coach when the Tigers take the field in 2011.

LSU scheduled a news conference cornerback and returner Patrick Peterson on Monday that it planned to announce his intention to turn professional, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the announcement was pending, but Peterson's decision is not a surprise.

The 6-foot-1, 222 pounds Junior recognized since the season began that he was seriously considering turning pro before their senior year. Miles, who has yet to publicly discuss its intentions for next season, Peterson is expected to join in the announcement.

Miles is widely regarded as one of the leading candidates to fill the vacant head coach of Michigan, where he played and worked as an assistant coach, and where the athletic director, Dave Brandon, was a former teammate.

LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said on Sunday that Michigan had not been contacted LSU still talk to Miles. Michigan is not necessary to request permission to speak with LSU coach, but is considered a courtesy.

When asked at the beginning of the opening of Michigan, Miles said he loves being the coach of LSU. He has not promised to return next season, although his current players have said it appears he plans to be back.

If the desire to talk to Miles' representatives the best chance of Michigan could be next Tuesday, when it is committed and scheduled to speak at a rally American Football Coaches Association in Dallas.

Miles LSU contract pays $ 3,750,000 per year, until 2014 and includes an annual report one year turnaround at the discretion of the athletic director who could extend the contract for 2015. The contract also included the top three paid college coaches if you win a second national title at LSU.

If Miles returned to his alma mater, had not only have a reconstruction project, but also leaving behind a program that is linked to one of the favorites in the SEC in 2011.

Next season will be the seventh Miles at LSU. All players will be the ones he brought to Baton Rouge at a highly rated recruiting class after another.

In addition, Miles signed last month coveted 6-foot 5-inch, 230-pound junior college transfer Zach Mettenberg  quarter, a former recruit the best of Georgia was defeated by the Bulldogs, due to legal problems. Mettenberg approved for 2678 yards and 32 touchdowns at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas, who lost the game in the national junior college championship.

His arrival is expected to boost the LSU passing game, the last in the SEC this season, and perhaps the only thing that stops the Tigers in their two losses this season to an undefeated Auburn, which plays in the game Monday at night the BCS championship against Oregon, one in Arkansas, who lost a play by Ohio State in the Sugar.

Mettenberg compete for snaps with the increase of senior Jordan Jefferson, who has struggled for a long time, but comes from an impressive performance at the Cotton Bowl.

Jefferson had touchdown passes of 42 yards, 41 and 2 to Terrence Toliver and the quarterback ran for another score.

"I just had to know that I can be a top quarterback," said Jefferson. "I had to show the critics that I can do in the field."

Toliver, a senior, will not return, but a multitude of quality receivers, including Reuben Randle and explosive play-maker Russell Shepard will be.

Meanwhile, while Stevan Ridley 1000-runner decides to forgo his final NFL season, LSU will have several new running backs in the building, as Ford and Michael Spencer Ware, who had 102 yards on just 10 carries in the Cotton Bowl.

LSU defense that ranked second in the SEC, you lose a defensive lineman at the top senior Drake Nevis, and the head of his body linebacker Kelvin Sheppard.

Peterson, who is expected to be an early first-round choice in the NFL, maybe the biggest loss. Opponents systematically covered best receivers one-on-one. His four interceptions were second on the team and returned two punts for touchdowns.

However, Morris Claiborne, who started against other corner and led the club with five interceptions, returns with three freshmen defensive intercepted true place in the Cotton Bowl: Tyrann Mathieu, Eric Reid and Simon Tharold.

Mathieu has a reserve on it and a primary source for the entire season. He had two interceptions, caused five fumbles, recovered three and 4.5 sacks.

"He has great confidence," said defensive coordinator John Chavis. "When you play so hard, you will be able to make games. Tyrann when you have the ability to make plays, he did. He has the" it "factor when it comes to playing football."