We’re five weeks into the 2024 season, and for LSU and coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag], a relatively familiar script has played out.
For the fifth consecutive season, the Tigers lost their season-opener to USC. That marked three neutral site opener losses to begin Kelly’s tenure in Baton Rouge.
But since then, LSU has turned things around, reeling off four wins in a row as it sits at 4-1 with Week 6 off before a crucial home matchup against Ole Miss, which lost its first game of the year on Saturday.
The Tigers entered the year expected to compete for a College Football Playoff spot, and that remains on the table, despite an early loss.
Given the level of expectation, here’s how our staff grades the Tigers after five games as they enter the bye week.
Tyler Nettuno, Managing Editor
Entering the season, my concerns about the Tigers centered pretty much entirely around the defense. While the offense lost quite a bit of talent, including a Heisman-winning quarterback in [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], I expected [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] to lead another productive unit. That has mostly been the case, even if the offense lacks explosion at times, and while the defense remains the Achilles heel, it does seem to have progressed at least somewhat from 2023, particularly when it comes to the front seven (though that unit is pretty banged up already). The early loss was disappointing, but the Tigers have mostly met expectations so far.
Grade: B
Will Rosenblatt, Staff Writer
The USC loss was a tough way to open the year, but LSU remains in the playoff hunt after four straight wins. The Tigers get a bye before a conference showdown with Ole Miss. Next week’s game should tell us a lot about this LSU team. This is a chance to get a signature win at home. A lot of the questions that were there at the start of the year remain there now. The defense is improving, but far from perfect. Injuries to [autotag]Jacobian Guillory[/autotag] and [autotag]Harold Perkins Jr.[/autotag] have put a strain on the front seven and LSU is still figuring out how to best use its young secondary. The defense should continue to get better, but we don’t know if the progress will be fast enough. On offense, LSU continues to roll. Garrett Nussmeier looks impressive throwing to a deep group of pass catchers. But the offense will have to take it up another notch if LSU wants to make the playoff.
Grade: B+
Kyle Richardson, Staff Writer
This team leaves a lot of “meat on the bone.” So to speak. The Tigers are still struggling to run the ball, although [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] was a breath of fresh air last week. The defense is still nowhere near the level it needs to be if LSU wants to be one of the top SEC teams. The injuries are beginning to pile up as well. I believe this team has not reached its potential yet. 4-1 is a solid record, but it should be 5-0. Now, the Tigers get a bye week before welcoming Lane Kiffin into Baton Rouge. A win in this game may help propel this team to the next level.
Grade: C+
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