No. 15 – LSU Tigers Season Preview

Ed Orgeron and the LSU Tigers are just two years removed from a national championship. The 2019 LSU Tigers were one of the best teams in recent memory, hammering most of their opponents thanks to a historic offensive effort on their way to a 15-0 record. Everyone knew the 2020 season would be tough considering they lost virtually all of their skill position players on offense, but few pundits predicted a mediocre 5-5 season for the Bayou Bengals. That has led to a little bit of pressure for Orgeron this offseason, as the Tigers do not expect to finish in the middle of the pack in the SEC West.

LSU Regular Season Win Total

Over 8 Wins -145

Under 8 Wins +115

OFFENSE

Sophomore Max Johnson appears set to start the season under center for LSU. Johnson split time with Myles Brennan last year, and that turned out to be a good thing after Brennan underwent surgery on his left arm. Brennan outperformed Johnson and was the projected starter heading into 2021, but now he is expected to be out until at least October. Johnson completed 58.7% of his passes for 1,069 yards (7.1 YPA) with eight touchdowns and an interception in 2020.

The top two running backs from last year return as well, alleviating some of the pressure off whoever is under center. Tyrion Davis-Price was the leading rusher with 446 yards and three touchdowns, but John Emery Jr. was close behind him and averaged 5.0 YPC.

All five starters from last year’s offensive line return up front too. Center Liam Shanahan provided a steady hand after transferring in from Harvard, and right tackle Austin Deculus has been a mainstay over the last few years. The only real concern is left tackle as Cameron Wire had some hiccups after moving over from guard.

Kayshon Boutte will be the top receiver in this offense. Boutte led the Tigers with 45 receptions for 735 yards and five touchdowns in 2020. Jaray Jenkins had 23 receptions for 397 yards and two touchdowns, but none of the other returning receivers had more than 200 yards. LSU has a lot of highly rated players at the skill positions though.

DEFENSE

The defense was a big issue for LSU in 2020. After years of having one of the best defenses in college football, the Tigers surrendered 34.9 PPG and 492 YPG last year. That led to the quick ouster of Bo Pelini as defensive coordinator, and he has been replaced by Daronte Jones.

Nine returning starters should help this defense improve immensely. Cornerback Derek Stingley is one of the best at his position in the country, so the Tigers can count on one side of the field being effectively shut down. The rest of the cornerbacks need a little more seasoning though in order to feel confident about their play.

This defensive line should be much improved. Ali Gaye was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2020, and he did an excellent job getting in passing lanes and knocking down passes. Glen Logan and Neil Farrell are both veteran presences in the middle of the line, and the combination of Andre Anthony and BJ Ojulari should be disruptive.

These linebackers are likely to be much better too. Mike Jones transfers in from Clemson and should start immediately. Navonteque Strong and Micah Baskerville are both very talented, and Damone Clark led the Bayou Bengals in tackles last season.

SCHEDULE

The good news for LSU is that they won’t have to play a tough opponent until October. That will give Brennan time to get healthy and time for Johnson to grow into the system more. The schedule will get difficult in October though, as LSU’s games with Auburn have been legendary back-and-forth affairs over the last decade.

The only game in which LSU will be a considerable underdog is on the road against Alabama on November 6. Otherwise, the Tigers are in good shape as they host Auburn, Florida, and Texas A&M in their other three difficult conference games.

PREDICTION

There is good reason to be pessimistic after what we saw from LSU last year. However, a favorable schedule should lead to a rather quick turnaround and a nine- or ten-win season for the Bayou Bengals.

Follow our Twitter account for the latest sports news and wagering odds, and come to our Instagram for more useful betting info too.