The focal point surrounding LSU athletics is whoever is going to be the new head coach in Baton Rouge. As of yesterday, we know that it’s not Mel Tucker.
What’s not being discussed is what LSU will be dealing with outside of the new coaching staff- the potential exodus of players, and the schedule.
Take a look at this 2022 schedule.
- Sept. 4: vs. Florida State Seminoles (New Orleans, LA)
- Sept. 10: vs. Southern Jaguars
- Sept. 17: vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Sept. 24: vs. New Mexico Lobos
- Oct. 1: at Auburn Tigers (Auburn, AL)
- Oct. 8: vs. Tennessee Volunteers
- Oct. 15: at Florida Gators (Gainesville, FL)
- Oct. 22: vs. Ole Miss Rebels
- Oct. 29: Open Week
- Nov. 5: vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
- Nov. 12: at Arkansas Razorbacks (Fayetteville, AR)
- Nov. 19: vs. UAB Blazers
- Nov. 26: at Texas A&M Aggies (College Station, TX)
Nine of those schools are currently sitting at .500 or better. Six or seven of them will be ranked to begin the season or ranked when LSU plays them. The beginning of October to the end of the schedule is a nightmare, much less for a coach trying to get things started in year one.
LSU is going to need to do one of two things to ensure somewhat of a smooth transition. Either the Tigers try and keep as many players as they can before the start of next season, or they gut it, taking a dive into the transfer portal and leaning on this recruiting class that is coming in. Either way, things don’t look like they will be smooth sailing in 2022 for whoever steps in, based on the schedule alone.
When you look at the groaning going on down in Austin, is that in the future of the Bayou Bengals?
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