LSU's Season on the Line: Can the Tigers Recover From Recent Struggles?

Strategic Insights -

As LSU dropped to two losses, the team's College Football Playoff hopes began to fade. The loss to Ole Miss was a warning sign, but the recent defeat to Vanderbilt has made it nearly impossible for LSU to sneak into a playoff spot. With a 14% chance to make the playoffs and a 0.3% chance to win the SEC, according to ESPN, LSU's next two opponents, Texas A&M and Alabama, will be crucial in determining the team's remaining goals for the season.

Key Takeaways:

  • LSU must win every remaining game to uphold its strong reputation in the SEC and avoid a slump of mediocrity like Clemson or Florida.
  • The team can still achieve positive outcomes this season, such as winning meaningful rivalry games and finishing with a better record than other Brian Kelly-coached teams in the past years.
  • A loss to an unranked Arkansas or a poor performance against Western Kentucky would be embarrassing for a team that was once ranked in the top four this season.
  • Brian Kelly's job security is at risk if he fails to finish the season with a strong record, as fans are mad with the trend of four-loss seasons under Kelly.
  • Finishing the season with at least a lower-scale trophy, such as a bowl win, can make fans feel like the year was more successful than the record shows.
  • LSU has yet to lose a bowl game under Brian Kelly's leadership, and a strong finish to the season could impact his job security.

Statistics:

  • LSU's chances to make the playoffs: 14% (ESPN)
  • LSU's chances to win the SEC: 0.3% (ESPN)
  • Number of losses LSU has suffered this season: 2
  • Number of games LSU has left to play: 4
  • Number of wins Brian Kelly has led LSU to last season: 10

Sources:

  • ESPN
  • Blog post by Adam Kirschman