Entering Year 2 under coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag], the expectations in Baton Rouge have increased quite a bit.
What looked like it could be a rebuild at LSU turned into a very successful Year 1, and now with a lot of key pieces back, many see this as a team that can take another leap in 2023.
Perhaps even into College Football Playoff consideration.
Pro Football Focus recently listed the college football teams it thinks have a shot of making it to the CFP, and the Tigers were one of the teams to make the cut.
LSU is one of just four SEC teams on the list, joining Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee.
Brian Kelly’s first season at LSU shocked just about everyone. The fact that they beat Alabama and won the SEC West was a huge deal for the program. On paper, the Tigers should be even better this season, as they return most of their starters — including quarterback Jayden Daniels,who could be a dark horse Heisman candidate.
The Tigers should also have one of the best defensive lines in the country, with Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo leading the charge. And don’t forget about superstar linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., who will wreak havoc anywhere on the field. LSU starts off yet again with a tough game against Florida State that should be a top-10 matchup. They lost that contest a season ago, but they’re going to need to win this time around if they want to be taken seriously as a playoff contender.
The Tigers certainly have the pieces in place to make a run in 2023. All that remains to be seen is if this team can live up to expectations when it finally takes the field.
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