re: LSU will not seriously contend for the National Title this season

quote:

---

I feel like 9 regular season wins for LSU is a good over/under.

There are a lot of improvements compared to what Kelly inherited (especially the lines) but you have to make LSU a dog to the likes of Alabama and Georgia and a coin flip to FSU until we know better.

---

I agree, but UGA's not on the regular season schedule.

I see, as of now, 10 games where LSU should be favored, 1 underdog, and 1 tossup- that I'd give the edge to LSU in. I think 10's a reasonable number to go with

We have future first round picks at d-tackle and o-tackle how many teams can say that? When have we ever had that? Truth is the sky the limit for LSU and they definitley belong in the top 5. Bama should be behind them to be honest.

There are a mutltitude of outcomes and a difficult opening schedule.

quote:

---

quote:
I tend to agree with a lot of what you are saying. I mean you are not factually wrong but no one expected them to do as well as they did last season.

quote:
Probably will lose to Bama,


This is where you lose me, why do you say this?

Bama doesn't have a better QB situation.
LSU is clearly better at WR.
LSU is better on the OL.
I think LSU is better on the DL but I will rate as a push for this discussion.
I think LSU has a better coaching staff. Yeah I know Saban is Saban but the coordinators at not crazy good. Steele a good coach but that is it nothing special. Who knows what Tommy Rees will be.

Bama may beat LSU but to sit here in August and say Bama probably beats LSU I can't see. I think you have been beaten down by Bama so many times you have battered wife syndrome.

Better HC? Saban.

---

And how did that work out last season? Players MAKE Plays. Saban vs Coach O is not even close. BUT, the game comes down to Players making Plays and this year it seems as though LSU have more playmakers than Bama.

quote:

---

There is a real chance LSU ends the season unranked. This is why.

---

The OP may be correct in his prediction of the season but thinking the lack of difference makers is comical.

Jayden Daniels- the ultimate difference maker as he plays the most important position on the field. Elite runner at that position and has shown the ability to be very good in the passing game. If he has average improvement throwing the ball he could be a legit Heisman candidate.

Malik Nabers- Stud WR. Projected first round pick. Has the speed to take the top of defenses off but also has the ability to win the 1 on 1 jump balls. He is an elite football player.

Masson Smith- 6'5 300lbs Dline with the ability to play inside or line up at end. Will be a first round pick when his career at LSU is over. Elite athlete with ability to stuff the run and run the passer.

Harold Perkins- possibly the most talented defensive player in all of college football. Can play stack backer, rush the passer, cover TEs and WRs. Projected high first round pick for a reason. He is the ultimate difference maker having 7.5 sacks as a true freshman with limited snaps.

Mason Taylor- 6'5 250bs TE that is an elite pass catcher and route runner at the position. SEC all freshman team for a reason. Made big time catches in big time games all year.

Mekhi Wingo- SEC all freshman team in his first year Mizzou then transfers to LSU where he proves in hi sophmore year he is a bigtime SEC run stopper. He was LSU's most consistent Dlinemen all year and he will play of Sundays as well. Likely a 3/4th round pick but could play his way into maybe 2nd round.

Will Campbell/Emory Jones- Two of the best returning tackles in the SEC after starting in their freshman years. They didn't just hold up they excelled and look to be future NFL guys.

There are several other guys I could highlight but LSU has dudes period.

quote:

---

Im really high on LSU because I really think Daniels is going to have a break out year.

---

His passing numbers should increase considerably. 2nd year in Denbrock's system. Returns the entire OL. Added playmakers like Aaron Anderson and TE Pimpton. He'll have more time, more weapons and more comfort in the system. He just has to fight his instinct to run if his first option isn't open.

quote:

---

I’m not down on them.

---

Yeah, sure.

So who are your SERIOUS contenders???

quote:

---

What is LSU going to do to counter what Jimbo showed the league on how to handle Perkins?

---

Jimbo waking up to reality showed the league how to beat the 2020 version of LSU. Perkins being a non-factor had every bit as much to do with A&M finally playing to their strength of running an NFL caliber RB behind an O-Line that was damn good at run blocking. It also helped that LSU had no depth at all the entire year in the front seven and that group was a shell of itself by November.

While talented and deeper on the D-line we are still super thin at linebacker (and being forced to rely on the portal too much imo). So, we SHOULD be better a team defensively this November than we were last November. Injuries and time will tell if its the case.