Everyone loves a good rematch in college football.
After a wild 2022 season that featured a number of instant classics, there will be a few of them in 2023 that everyone is waiting for. College Wire regional editor Patrick Conn broke down 10 of the most anticipated rematches in the upcoming season, and a pair of LSU games made the cut.
Conn listed LSU’s season-opener against Florida State at No. 8 as the Tigers look for revenge from last season’s game, which was lost on a missed extra-point at the end of the game — in Orlando for a contest that could feature two top-five teams to begin the year.
The LSU Tigers were a favorite heading into the season, but the Florida State Seminoles’ rise began with this season-opening matchup in New Orleans. Florida State needed a last-second blocked extra point to end the comeback attempt by LSU.
The Seminoles will return quarterback Jordan Travis returns for another season. His top target in this game last year, Ontaria Wilson, does not. However, FSU will have plenty of options including Johnny Wilson. Another win for Norvell in this game in 2023 would certainly help prove that last year wasn’t a fluke.
Brian Kelly and LSU want to start off the 2023 season on the right foot this time. They know who the quarterback will be heading into the year, the questions for this team are mostly on defense. Who replaces B.J. Ojulari and Ali Gaye on the outside? Harold Perkins Jr should only improve from last year’s freshman breakout performance.
It all begins in Orlando.
Also included in Conn’s list is the redux of the game that decided the SEC West this fall as Alabama will look to avenge last year’s loss when the Tigers come to Tuscaloosa this season. That game ranked No. 5.
The battle between the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers in 2022 was highly entertaining. The two offenses went back and forth until a gamble by Brian Kelly allowed the Bayou Bengals to get the upper hand last year. LSU decided to go for two and the win, rather than an extra point and overtime.
LSU returns their starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was among the best newcomers in the SEC. He gave the team a boost at quarterback and Malik Nabers alongside Mason Taylor showed they could be weapons in the passing game. What do Mike Denbrock and the offense have in store for year two?
The positive for Alabama is that they have time to get their team rolling before this early November matchup. They need to address the quarterback situation as well as replace the departing Jahmyr Gibbs. The team has a stable full of backs ready to take center stage including Jam Miller and Jase McClellan. Don’t forget about the freshmen, Justice Haynes and Richard Young.
We’re still quite a way from toe meeting leather in 2023 as spring practice isn’t even yet underway. But it’s never too early to get excited for next season’s top games, and LSU has several that the whole country will be looking forward to.
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