2023 Record: 10-3 (6-2)

AP Ranking: 13

Head Coach: Brian Kelly

The fake southern accent is gone, but Brian Kelly is fitting right into the SEC culture. It takes a lot to take a jab at Lane Kiffin, but game recognizes game and Kelly had some fun after Kiffin’s Coca-Cola comments.

On Monday, Lane Kiffin spent time ranting about the unhealthiness of Coca-Cola.

Brian Kelly today at LSU, who has its own deal with Coke:

(h/t @On3sports)pic.twitter.com/9SrGOdM91Z

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) August 21, 2024

The offense will be replacing every productive skill player from a season ago. The team seems to have faith in Garrett Nussmeier who will be taking over quarterback duties. On the same token, they have one of the most experienced back-ups in the SEC: AJ Swann who threw over 20 Touchdowns last season for Vanderbilt. The quarterback play will take a step down from Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, but I expect solid play from that group throughout this season. The rushing attack will be by committee, led by Kaleb Jackson and expect young TE Mason Taylor to be a favorite target to replace the production of two 1st round picks.

The most glaring issue a season ago was the defensive unit for the Tigers, letting up an average of 400+ yards per game. Blake Baker comes over from Missouri as the Defensive Coordinator in Baton Rouge. A year ago, the other Tigers’ defense held teams to less than four yards per carry. The defense will be the difference between a bowl-eligible team and a team knocking on the doors of the playoff.

The expectations year in, year out for the Tigers will be the Playoff. I do not believe this is a Playoff team this season, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they found a way to get there.

Record Prediction: 9-3