How a favorable schedule for LSU makes the Tigers a serious contender for the College Football Playoffs
In order to get back to the College Football Playoff, LSU hired Brian Kelly. LSU will want to accomplish a little more than merely qualify for the tournament now that it is up to 12 teams. But that’s only the initial step.
Following 2023, LSU suffered significant losses. There aren’t many teams in the postseason debate that lost a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, two first-round receivers, two top rushers, and two draft selections on the interior defensive line. Reloading, not rebuilding, is the expectation, though, since this is LSU.
With QB Garrett Nussmeier well-protected by a formidable offensive line, the Tigers are optimistic about their attack. Although there is still a problem with depth at some areas, defense may also advance.
The favorable tidings? The Tigers’ schedule at LSU is favorable to success. This year, LSU might have home-court advantage in every game, offering the Tigers a chance to finish 10-2 or higher.
Only two teams have the same number of victories as LSU. Ole Miss and Alabama are the teams in question, but Tiger Stadium will host both contests, with LSU emerging as the slight favorite.
One may contend that Texas A&M and Oklahoma provide the greatest threat to LSU after that. Even though LSU appears to be the superior team, the fact that A&M is playing on the road could be enough to give them a slight favorite. Nevertheless, with a first-year head coach leading the Aggies, you never know what to expect.
In Death Valley, LSU defeats Oklahoma to end the regular season. Given their demanding schedule, the Sooners could already be out of the running. What’s important to remember is that none of those games are merely winnable.
Avoiding the season-opening disappointment that has dogged the Tigers since 2019 may be crucial for LSU. LSU is 0-4 in its previous four openers, despite being the favorite in each of those games. Ed Orgeron oversaw two of those, but Kelly has had trouble in the same area.
Although stopping Lincoln Riley’s offense could be difficult and LSU’s defense won’t have all of its issues resolved by week one, LSU is currently a touchdown favorite.
Although I don’t think LSU will win 12 games, it’s difficult to see LSU far from a postseason berth if the Tigers can win 4-1 against USC, Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma.
Even a 3-2 record versus those opponents offers LSU hope. However, a score of 4-1 is preferable since it leaves opportunity for mistake in other areas.
The layout of this schedule should please Tiger supporters. It is on the easier side of SEC schedules. You can’t ask for much more than playing your hardest games at home, so missing Georgia and Texas is a positive.
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