The Rankings: Every outlet’s preseason expectations for LSU
LSU sits less than two weeks from the start of the 2024 season with hopes at an all-time high
“This offseason we’ve had probably one of our best offseason we’ve had since I’ve been here just from a work standpoint and guys pushing each other, competing every day,” Campbell said. “Everybody here wants to win. It’s Year 3. It’s time for us to do something instead of just winning 10 games. I mean, 10 games is cool at other schools, but not here. Ten games gets people fired, people replaced. It’s time for us to do something a little different and win a national championship.”
Here’s a rundown of every outlet’s ranking of LSU entering the year with my thoughts at the end.
The Rankings
Photo: USA Today
“The Heisman winner is gone. The offensive coordinator who created the Heisman winner is gone. The top two wideouts are gone. But the Bayou Bengals remain talented. They simply need a new talisman all aboard the Nuss Bus.
Given Garrett Nussmeier’s ability, Kyren Lacy’s speed, and the best offensive tackle tandem in the sport in Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr., the worry isn’t whether Brian Kelly’s squad will score, but whether new LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker can keep opponents from scoring. LSU gave up 28 points per game last year, including 30 to Texas A&M, 31 to Arkansas, 35 to Florida, 39 to Missouri, 42 to Alabama, 45 to Florida State and 55 to Ole Miss.”
“It’s safe to assume the Tigers probably won’t finish No. 1 nationally in scoring offense with quarterback Jayden Daniels and receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers off to the NFL. But there’s a good chance this group retains its high-scoring ways with rising star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and new play-caller Joe Sloan leading the way. The Bayou Bengals also expect the defense to take a step forward under new coordinator Blake Baker after a disastrous 2023 season. Baker built one of the SEC’s top defenses at Missouri and has ample talent to work with in his debut.”
“As Brian Kelly enters his third season at LSU, the Tigers will have a different look on defense, and with good reason. They couldn’t stop anybody a year ago, wasting an offense that led the country in scoring (45.5 points per game) and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Kelly brought in Blake Baker from Missouri as defensive coordinator along with three new assistants on defense. It’s that side of the ball that has to improve significantly if the Tigers are going to make a playoff run. On offense, Garrett Nussmeier gets his shot at quarterback after waiting his turn behind Daniels. Nussmeier passed for 395 yards and three touchdowns last season in the ReliaQuest Bowl. And while first-round draft picks Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. have departed at receiver, LSU is excited to see what Kyren Lacy can do in an expanded role. The Tigers have the best offensive tackle tandem in the country in Will Campbell and Emery Jones. The Sept. 1 season opener against USC in Las Vegas will be key. If the Tigers can win that one, they have an excellent chance to be 5-0 going into a home date with Ole Miss on Oct. 12. — Low“
My thoughts
The average ranking spot for LSU entering the year is 11.4, often jostling position with Missouri and Utah in the 11-13 range. The top 10 is seemingly set, but the next group is where LSU usually sits in., However, I think the Tigers should in in that tier with those teams in the top 10. On a neutral site, LSU is less than a field goal underdog against Alabama and Ole Miss and the fact the Tigers get those games at home this year should instill confidence in voters to lean towards the upside of this team.
With the defensive improvements, an easier schedule, improved depth and the year three bump under Brian Kelly, there’s plenty of indications this LSU team will be the best Kelly has had in his time in Baton Rouge. I get why it’s hard to overcome that with Jayden Daniels and two first round receivers leaving, but I promise, the Tigers are not hurting in those positions entering the year. The expectation for LSU this year should be playoffs. I get the rankings with LSU in the 11-13 range, but ultimately you can shuffle that 5-12 in a lot of different orders and the disparity wouldn’t be significant. Now, we wait for the season to start so rubber can meet the road.
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