LSU hired Brian Kelly to return the program to the College Football Playoff. With the tournament expanding to 12 teams, LSU will want to do a little more than just win. However, this is the first step.
LSU lost a lot after 2023. You won’t see many teams that lost a Heisman QB, two first-round receivers, two leading rushers and two draft picks on the interior defensive line in the playoff conversation. However, this is LSU and the expectation is to reload, not rebuild.
The Tigers feel good on offense with a strong offensive line protecting the QB Garrett Nussmeier. In defense, it is also possible to take a step forward, although depth in some positions remains a problem.
The good news? LSU’s schedule sets the Tigers up for success. LSU has a chance to be favored in every game this year, giving the Tigers a chance at 10-2 or better.
LSU only plays two teams with a win total on par with LSU. Those are Alabama and Ole Miss, but both games are at Tiger Stadium and the early betting lines have LSU as the slight favorite.
After that you could argue Texas A&M It is Oklahoma pose the biggest threat to LSU. The A&M game is on the road and even though LSU looks like the better team, that could be enough to make A&M a slight favorite. Still, the Aggies have a first-year head coach and you don’t know what you’re going to get.
LSU has Oklahoma close out the regular season in Death Valley. The Sooners have a tough schedule and could be beat at this point. The point is that they are both more than just winnable games.
The key for LSU may be avoiding the season-opening disappointment that has plagued the Tigers since 2019. Despite being favored the last four games, LSU is 0-4 over that stretch. Two of them were under Ed Orgeronbut Kelly has struggled in the same situation.
The LSU defense won’t have all of its issues resolved in Week 1 and stopping Lincoln Riley’s offense could be a challenge, but LSU is a touchdown favorite right now.
I don’t expect LSU to go 12-0, but if the Tigers can go 4-1 against USCOld miss, AlabamaTexas A&M and Oklahoma, it’s hard to imagine LSU falling short of a playoff spot.
Even going 3-2 against these teams gives LSU a chance. 4-1 is the ideal mark because it offers room for error elsewhere.
Tiger fans should be happy with how this schedule is set up. As far as SEC timelines go, it’s easier. Absent Georgia It is Texas It’s a plus and you can’t ask for much more than playing the toughest games at home.
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