LSU football faces long odds in repeating last year’s success after losing a host of talent to the 2020 NFL Draft, and dealing with the departures of coaches and assistants after the national championship victory.
So, where does LSU rank in the AP Top 25 ahead of the upcoming season?
The program came in at No. 6, with one vote for first place. That’s ahead of Penn State, one team that won’t be playing this year, and behind Oklahoma.
Clemson, the same team LSU defeated 42-25 earlier this year, stands at No. 1, ahead of Ohio State.
[lawrence-related id=10385]
Here’s a full look at the Top 25, with the first-place votes in parentheses:
1. Clemson (38)
2. Ohio State (21)
3. Alabama (2)
4. Georgia
5. Oklahoma (2)
6. LSU (1)
7. Penn State
8. Florida
9. Oregon
10. Notre Dame
11. Auburn
12. Wisconsin
13. Texas A&M
14. Texas
15. Oklahoma State
16. Michigan
17. USC
18. North Carolina
19. Minnesota
20. Cincinnati
21. UCF
22. Utah
23. Iowa State
24. Iowa
25. Tennessee
[lawrence-related id=10383]
Much of LSU’s success will hinge on how well players function in new defensive coordinator Bo Pelini’s defensive scheme, and how well Myles Brennan can assume Joe Burrow’s place at quarterback.
It will be interesting to see how things shake out as the Tigers begin their season against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Sept. 26 in Tiger Stadium.
[vertical-gallery id=10367]