By LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
FOLLOW ON X @LonnPhillips
On the cusp of LSU's most highly anticipated season since 2019, with far more preseason national love than even that 🐐 team received, Head Coach Brian Kelly's LSU Tigers head into the flames of yet another gauntlet SEC schedule....this time with a target firmly on their backs.
A hipster analyst favorite, Kelly's Tigers will do everything possible to build upon an epic 10-4 season, a year which saw the rise of Jayden Daniels, Harold Perkins, Malik Nabers, Will Campbell, and Mason Taylor, while LSU became the undisputed comeback kings, pulling off stunning double digit comeback victories vs Mississippi State, Auburn, and Ole Miss, also becoming the first LSU squad to win on the road at Auburn and Florida during the same season....all capped off by a masterpiece, unforgettable win against Alabama in stunning, two point conversion "do or die" fashion.
Now, fresh off an SEC Championship Game appearance during his first season at the helm, Coach Kelly's presence, recruiting, staff hires, and culture is already elevating the program back to the national standing it deserves.
However, with only a National Championship ring standing as the final major achievement left off Kelly's resume, as Alabama's Nick Saban guns straight for the Tigers in a quest to bring his own program back to its "rightful place", and Georgia's Kirby Smart hunts for his third straight National Championship, many are wondering if BK & Co can answer the call in year 2.
Head Coach Brian Kelly arrived at LSU for this one goal: winning titles.....in 2023, BK now holds his greatest opportunity to achieve that dream......and for the first time in 4 years, this fall is LSU's greatest chance to reclaim the CFP title, restoring their football program back to the greatest stages & highest echelon of the sport.
Led by a returning veteran quarterback possessed by athletic greatness, a loyal starter-level backup QB carrying a howitzer for a right arm, imperious trench talent & chemistry on either side of the ball, the best defender in college football, among the nation's most stacked wide receiver and running back rooms, a Broyles Award finalist defensive coordinator, strong continuity and proven player elevation from their sideline coaching staff, an offseason with very few distractions, overall rejuvenated team health, plus an athletic administration and rabid fanbase all pulling in the same direction, you'd have a hard time betting against Kelly's 2023 Tigers.
But could this fall actually devolve into a surprising season of regression, turbulence and all manner of shocking letdowns?
Significant injuries to a variety of key players, coupled with terrible offensive coaching are the only ways I believe anything resembling regression could happen.....but in college football, within the SEC conference, during the Tigers' final campaign as a member of the SEC West division, with its legendary history as the toughest division in American sports, anything can happen.
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Last season, we were dead on in our 10 win prediction, though we weren't correct in guessing every game.
Wrong on Florida State, A&M & Tennessee, right on Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas, Florida etc, but in the overall scheme, in comparison to 99.9% of analysts' 7-8 win projections, we did well in BK's Year 1. Our reasoning was simple: the rest of the conference is weaker than ever before...and in 2023, Saban's Alabama, even 2x defending National Champions UGA, or 2022 upstarts Tennessee aren't safe.
Featuring a trickier opening run of games than last season, LSU's 2023 fate as championship contenders or pretenders could be decided before the end of September.
Some may see easy wins at other parts of the schedule, but last season taught us the madcap realities of college football.....and it's getting wilder each passing fall.
Week 1
FLORIDA ST. (9/4)
(Neutral Site in Orlando)
In a non-conference rematch of last season's crazy 1 point loss, #6 LSU will face #8 Florida State at Camping World Stadium, playing at the same location for the second consecutive game (vs Purdue for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl).
That'll bring a good dose of familiarity for what is essentially a road setting in Orlando, Florida, just as the Superdome was for Florida State last September.
Much like the prior face-off, LSU will be without suspended Maason Smith, a former All-SEC Freshman DL who's special athletic abilities afford the Tigers a near impossible matchup migraine; however, other than Maason, and an unavailable John Emery Jr, the Tigers appear to be fully healthy heading into Sunday, at least at the time of writing (Wednesday morning).
Kelly's Tigers will be in for the battle of their lives straight from the outset, facing dual threat QB Jordan Travis, who skewered LSU in the air or on the ground with the RPO game for 291 total yards plus a pair of passing TDs, all while finishing 11/17 on 3rd down as FSU amassed 392 total yards on Matt House's debut defense.
Regardless, House's defense stalled the Seminoles on four key red zone drives, FSU only scoring 3 points from those trips, including 3 when LSU's defense had their backs against their own goal line... facing the prospects of a growing double digit deficit.
That is where this game will be won or lost, in the details, on critical downs, inside the red zone, plays made with only a split second to spare to get one foot in bounds, to make that catch before the big hit arrives, or to escape that pocket before everything goes to hell.
Expect a good game from FSU's Travis against our secondary, but watch our front seven clamp down on their running game; new LSU #18 Mekhi Wingo will make a necessary impact, rated as the SEC's #1 overall run defender on PFF, ranking among the top 5 nationally. Wingo will be helped by the hard charging pursuit and violent play of Harold Perkins, Omar Speights and Major Burns.
One big question: will edge men Ovie Oghoufo or Saivion Jones be able to keep contain against Travis' RPO action, refusing to bite on the fakes, remaining patient, and reacting with the utmost speed to the ball?
That'll be a colossal key to LSU keeping FSU's offense on the sidelines, controlling time of possession and tempo, as well as giving that secondary time to adjust.
Watch for FSU's receivers to run constant scissor routes against our corners and nickels, attempting to expose any missed communication, blown assignment or lackadaisical coverage by DBU 2023.
The keys?
Shut Travis down in the red zone and contain his RPO dual threat abilities.
Create turnovers.
Although FSU ended up winning 24-23, they lost their heads holding a double digit lead. Mike Norvell's squad entered the game as underdogs and left puffing their chests after an escape.....had LSU made it to overtime, Jayden Daniels would've continued to gas their depleted defense.
Offensively, LSU must expose Florida State's inability to cover over the middle in that soft center, attacking their secondary and LBs with crossing routes and mesh patterns early could pay massive dividends in wearing down their defenders.
Open up throwing the ball, showing a large dose of quick striking slants and inside routes, then, once you've forced FSU to chase after the catch for multipleplays, begin gouging the Seminole front with the run game, stretching their defense every which way....tossing in some outlet passes to tight ends or backs, while rotating in a flurry of different profile RBs for FSU to deal with.
Because of the strength, continuity & chemistry from both offenses, alongside the lack of in-season rhythm as far as tackling or defensive assignments, I expect an old fashioned shootout in week 1 between these storied top 10 programs.
FINAL SCORE
LSU 41
FSU 30
-Despite coverage miscues and a spirited display from opposition QB Jordan Travis, a pair of timely turnovers from House's defense (Ryan INT, Jones FF / Wingo FR) will jettison Jayden Daniels and co to a statement week 1 victory.
Proving to be too much offensively for FSU to deal with, thanks to those two turnovers, Kelly's Tigers capitalize on their extra possesions and LSU score 40+ points on the Seminoles, led by massive contributions from Malik Nabers, Aaron Anderson and TE Mac Markway.
OFF. MVP
MALIK NABERS
143 Yards, 8 Catches, 2 TDs
DEF. MVP
SAIVION JONES
1.5 Sacks, 3 TFLs, 5 Tackles, 1 FF
Week 2
GRAMBLING (9/9)
A week 2 bout vs Grambling is on the schedule as LSU's 2023 Tiger Stadium opener, the first time one of Louisiana's most revered historically black colleges faces off against the purple and gold.
Historical and cultural significance aside, on the field, this game should be a formality, offering a chance to rest starters for the 2nd half.
However, one starter who needs and wants this game badly?
DL Maason Smith.
Facing the perfect opponent in which to make his return, following a year off due to injury and now a beyond dubious 1 game NCAA suspension, Maason should be playing with an extreme level of intensity and motivation.
This is also a prime chance for 2nd string QB Garrett Nussmeier to showcase his own growth, such as his lightning quick release, ability to make jaws drop with riotous downfield passing acumen, all alongside his newfound patience.
FINAL SCORE
LSU 62
GRAMBLING 6
Daniels starts a 60+ point blowout win, but Nussmeier finishes the game with a bang; JD5 rushes for 2 TDs and throws another 2, before Nuss takes over just before halftime.
The backup, who could start at nearly every school in America, proceeds to dominate throughout a powerful 2nd half, tossing 223 yards and 3 TDs as BK, Denbrock, Hankton and Petzing experiment with their young receivers or tight ends (Shelton Sampson, Mac Markway and Ka'morreun Pimpton all scoring touchdowns).
Elsewhere, Maason Smith grabs 2.5 sacks upon his return (one of which creates a fumble), adding 3.5 TFLs, 6 pressures and 5 tackles.
OFFENSIVE MVP
GARRETT NUSSMEIER
223 Passing Yards, 3 TD Passes
DEFENSIVE MVP
MAASON SMITH
2.5 Sacks, 3.5 TFLs & 5 Tackles
Week 3
@ MISS ST. (9/16)
Many fans will see Miss St on our schedule and feel zero fear, no agitation, not much concern, just an SEC test that BK, JD5 and Co will take care of............right?
Traveling to Starkville, the Tigers' second road trip out of three games, their first scheduled SEC opponent, another extremely early 11am central time kickoff, facing gunslinger air raid QB Will Rogers for the third time, and an opponent that always seems to give LSU a ton of trouble.....you can't dismiss Mississippi State so easily:
Last fall, LSU won by double digits in the end (31-16), however it is definitely worth noting that Miss State led by double digits themselves.
In 2021, we played a form of air raid prevent defense, allowing 5-6 yard catches all day, yet giving up nothing inside the red zone (28-25), living off two Cordale Flott turnovers to outlast the Bulldogs.
In 2020, Miss St walked on to our field, in our first game as defending National Champions, as a pandemic raged in the background, and proceeded to throttle LSU back to the stone age with over 600 passing yards & 44 points in the late Mike Leach's debut game at the helm.
In 2019, only three teams held Burrow's greatest ever offense under 40 points: Auburn, Georgia and Miss St...(36-13).
Hell, they nearly emasculated Joe later in that same game!
In fact, we haven't scored 40 points vs Mississippi State since 2013.....during most of those matchups, LSU's total lingers below 30.
Intriguing stat:
Will Rogers threw for 104 total attempts over his last 2 appearances vs the Tigers, completing 4 touchdowns. He also threw 2 INTs and most importantly, owns an 0-2 record vs LSU.
FINAL SCORE
LSU 29
MISS ST 13
-Once again, another high octane Tigers offense is held under 40 points, hell....even 30!
-Repeating their pressure from 2022 with another trio of sacks and hits on Daniels, LSU's offense struggles to generate anything through the air or on the ground until late in the 2nd half, where they pull away from the 15-13 scoreline with 2 quick fire touchdowns from Aaron Anderson & running back John Emery Jr, answering Josh Williams' full game consistency.
OFFENSIVE MVP
JOSH WILLIAMS
113 Yards, 1 TD
DEFENSIVE MVP
MEKHI WINGO
7 Tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 2 PBUs
-(1 of Wingo's PBUs = Alexander INT)
Week 4
ARKANSAS (9/23)
Yes....I know.....it's weird as hell.....
Arkansas......in September???
Well.....I'll be damned.....
Thankfully, Arkansas damned themselves with a suffocating schedule once again, gracefully ruining their chances of any serious SEC West contention.....but could Sam Pittman's squad stroll into Death Valley and deliver the pain????
The Razorbacks' 1,400 yard-RB Raheim Sanders returns, although let's remember: Matt House's defense expertly corralled Sanders for just 46 total yards for 3.8 per carry in last November's 13-10 win.
The Harold Perkins Game may be in the past, but you've got to believe he's still traumatizing coordinators and assistants on that Arkansas sideline.
Keep an eye on former Tiger Dwight McGlothern, an All-American corner for Arkansas, growing from strength to strength in Fayetteville and likely set for a mano e mano matchup vs Malik Nabers.
FINAL SCORE
LSU 35
ARKANSAS 17
-Yes....I did it.
A typically grinding SEC West opponent is savaged by LSU for 4 quarters, succumbing to an early 10 point deficit before turning the tables in miraculous fashion, ignited by an Aaron Anderson punt return touchdown.
-Nabers draws double teams or Arkansas' best cover man (Nudie McGlothern) all game; So, this naturally frees up TE Mason Taylor, while WRs Brian Thomas Jr and Shelton Sampson Jr also profit heavily, 2 of 3 entering the end zone as the Tigers' ground game assumes control.
-Harold Perkins geauxs off on Arkansas for a second straight season.
OFFENSIVE MVP
AARON ANDERSON
188 Total Yards, 5 Catches, 1 Receiving TD
-One 65 yard punt return TD
DEFENSIVE MVP
HAROLD PERKINS
11 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 FF
Week 5
@ OLE MISS (9/30)
Even on the road, I like LSU's chances against Kiffin's squad.
Although he's blessed with a loaded quarterback room (including former Tiger Walker Howard), 2022 starter Jaxson Dart will reprise his role as a potential Perkins sacrifice; then, watch out for freshman All-American Quinshon Judkins, a versatile, highly developed running back coming off a 1,500+ yard freshman season.
While Judkins ran for 111 and 2 scores last time out, his impact was extremely limited, despite those deceiving stats.
Could this be the game, on the road, facing a team that racked up a 17 point lead on Kelly's Tigers just under a year ago, where LSU's quest for another undefeated campaign goes sideways....for their first blemish???
FINAL SCORE
LSU 47
OLE MISS 24
-LSU's offense is really heating up now, JD5 accounting for 5 touchdowns, headlined by 4 passing scores and a career high 371 yards, hitting Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr for 2 each, before Daniels adds 55 rushing yards, most stemming from an RPO fake draw / keeper TD from 41 yards out.
-LSU DL Maason Smith and Omar Speights deliver big time performances, Mekhi Wingo plays like a # 18 and grabs another sack for his NFLSU resume, but Harold Perkins steals the show with a pick six on Jaxson Dart to seal victory.
OFFENSIVE MVP
JD5
371 Yards, 4 TDs
55 Rushing Yards, 1 TD
DEFENSIVE MVP
OMAR SPEIGHTS
14 Tackles, 3 Pressures, 2 PBUs, 1.5 TFLs,
Week 6
@ MISSOURI (10/7)
In Mekhi Wingo's first return to his former school, where he garnered All-SEC Freshman honors, emotions could run high from Mizzou's players, many former teammates of Wingo's, as well as their aggrieved fanbase.
Not only due to Wingo's departure, Missouri are annoyed by LSU's recent poaching of top in-state talents on the recruiting trail, as well as the hire of Robert Steeples, former MHSAA Head Coach of the Year / Gatorade National Coach of the Year for local Missouri powerhouse De Smet (coaching current Tigers Wingo, JK Johnson, and Mac Markway).
Regardless, LSU have a score to settle, too, losing their last trip to Missouri in embarrassing fashion.
Back in 2020, the Tigers allowed Eli Drinkwitz's team to score 45 points while QB Conor Bazelak put up 406 yards against Bo Pelini's sickeningly porous secondary.
Could Mizzou be sneaky good and provide a trap game for BK and Co, derailing their undefeated start to 2023???
FINAL SCORE
LSU 38
MISSOURI 6
-LSU gain control quick, thanks to a pair of sacks on QB Jake Cook by Maason Smith and Bradyn Swinson, penetrating Mizzou's backfield thanks to constant double teams on Mekhi Wingo.
-First half TDs from Armoni Goodwin, Trey Holly (receiving), Malik Nabers and a long bomb catch and run over the top from Jalen Brown settle things quickly.
-Nussmeier grabs late 2nd half reps and leads another touchdown drive, this time Kaleb Jackson running into the end zone with impressive style, before TE Ka'morreun Pimpton catches a long fade to showcase his capabilites.
-Greg Brooks Jr, Duce Chestnut and Sage Ryan all collect interceptions for LSU's improving defense.
OFFENSIVE MVP
MALIK NABERS
155 Yards, 8 Catches, 1 TD
DEFENSIVE MVP
SAGE RYAN
7 Tackles, 2 PBUs, 1 INT
Week 7
AUBURN (10/14)
Auburn Auburn Auburn.....the weirdest, wackiest game on the schedule every season will now be hurtling toward an uncertain climax. What was once a year in, year out battle royale between two SEC West powerhouses....now, LSU may only face Auburn every 4 years...a grand shame.
What is usually a game full of close, wild endings, bizarre finishes, controversial refereeing decisions, game-changing clock mismanagement, last second career-saving field goals, last second catches for the win, an erupting Tiger Stadium, shocking and random blowouts, LSU vs Auburn is always a tricky contest to navigate.
Winning at Jordan-Hare in his first season, Brian Kelly knows what it takes to beat or even survive Auburn, commanding a team that fought back from a double digit deficit....but is this the time where BK's squad finally suffer defeat?
FINAL SCORE
LSU 28
AUBURN 31
-LSU's undefeated season is lost to Hugh Freeze's Auburn, mostly due to a crazy ending.......a wild finish where Jayden Daniels is strip sacked right as LSU's offense attempt to ice the game with one more first down.
An Auburn player recovers the loose ball and runs it back 30 yards for the scoop and score......taking a 3 point lead with only 21 seconds remaining.
-The Tigers would move the ball only slightly with only one timeout remaining & such lttle time left; After three positive plays position kicker Damian Ramos close enough for a 56 yard try, his effort falls mere yards short, leaving LSU nation stunned in dismay at the lost opportunities.....a game where LSU should have killed Auburn off multiple times.
OFFENSIVE MVP
MASON TAYLOR
87 Yards, 2 TDs, 6 Catches
DEFENSIVE MVP
HAROLD PERKINS
10 Tackles, 5 Pressures, 1.5 Sacks, 1 FF
Week 8
ARMY (10/21)
An angry LSU won't be sparing the blushes of Army's program.
Despite the Tigers honoring their military brethren, they'll be aiming to get right after their first loss of the year.
One thing that could cause House's defense fits?
Army's triple option running game might twist a tired LSU defense into knots.
FINAL SCORE
LSU 44
ARMY 10
-Everyone gets in on the act, sacks from Saivion Jones (x2), Quency Wiggins, Maason Smith, tackles for loss by Greg Brooks Jr, an interception from Major Burns, all as freshman Javien Toviano breaks up 3 passes, one of which leads to a late game Ryan Yaites interception.
-Jayden Daniels rushes for 2 early scores, before the LSU running backs pound the ball: Noah Cain, Kaleb Jackson, Trey Holly and Josh Williams all running well.
-Ka'morreun Pimpton catches 2 TDs, one from each QB, alongside scores from Kyren Lacy and Aaron Anderson.
OFFENSIVE MVP
KA'MORREUN PIMPTON
91 Yards, 6 Catches, 2 TDs
DEFENSIVE MVP
SAIVION JONES
4 Tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 Sacks, 1 PBU
BYE
Week 9
@ ALABAMA (11/4)
In every season LSU has won or appeared in a title game (1958, 2003, 2007, 2011* and 2019), the Tigers went into Tuscaloosa (or Mobile in '58) and beat the Tide in their own house on their way to a National Championship Game....winning 4/5 trips.
I'm not saying a road test in Tuscaloosa, against a desperate Saban team looking to regain their luster, will be easy or definitely an LSU victory, I'm just saying history is on the Tigers' side, but recent events are even more relevant.
Following his epic, ballsy 2 point conversion call, did BK carve a hole into Saban's brain and worm his way inside the greatest college football coach's mind, living rent free as a new measuring stick for Nick to envy and passive aggressively blast during press conferences?
Maybe a more important question would be "is 2021 and 2022 Alabama the new Tide? Can Saban turn this thing around, as he did following their 2014/15 CFP semifinal defeat to Ohio State or humiliating 2013/14 Sugar Bowl beatdown by Oklahoma??"
Perhaps I'll worry about this pick midseason, after some uncertainties within Alabama football could be ironed out; but right now, how can I pick a program that doesn't have any clear answer or proven playmakers at QB or wide receiver, a first year offensive coordinator (at Alabama and facing SEC defenders), a massive shuffle of assistants on staff, the 2023 Tide even look weaker along the trenches, soft on defense.....how can I pick that team over an LSU squad with an established quarterback, a trusted backup who could start for Alabama this season, a deep stable of talented freaks at skill positions, one of the more elite front sevens in college football, toughness & chemistry on their offensive line, the best defender in the game, continuity within their staff, the return of Maason Smith, not to mention the glaring issues LSU exposed during last season's contest???
The answer?
You can't pick 'em.
Alabama could very well suffer 2 losses on the board by the time Saban's outfit host LSU on November 4th.....so....could desperation fuel the Tide for an upset over the Tigers?
FINAL SCORE
LSU 43
ALABAMA 36
-A back and forth game, LSU build a double digit 2nd half lead they would never relinquish, even as Alabama continue to put up points, Mike Denbrock's offense are simply too much.
-Jayden Daniels has a Heisman moment, throwing a 71 yard touchdown bomb over diving defenders and outstretched hands straight to Malik Nabers, all while on the run, setting the stage early.
Later, he rushes for a 52 yard score, blazing through, around or above Tide defenders.
A 46 yard Aaron Anderson punt return gives LSU a short field right before halftime; rubbing it in, Denbrock dials up the same call as the 2 point conversion from a year prior, Mason Taylor scoring and spiking the ball to put the boot on Bama'a neck.
-Though the Tide answer on the ground, Maason Smith strips the ball for a Harold Perkins scoop and score.
-Ovie Oghoufo, Mekhi Wingo and Maason Smith terrorize Alabama's offensive line throughout proceedings.
-Daniels throws another 2 touchdowns, this time for both Malik Nabers yet again & Shelton Sampson Jr.
Goodwin scores a rushing TD.
OFFENSIVE MVP
JD5
341 Passing Yards, 4 TDs
86 Rushing Yards, 1 rushing TD
DEFENSIVE MVP
MAASON SMITH
1.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 4 Pressures, 5 Tackles
Week 10
FLORIDA (11/11)
The second meeting between Florida Head Coach Billy Napier and BK, a man tipped for the LSU job back in 2022, a man who pulled longtime CBs Coach Corey Raymond from Baton Rouge, a coach on the rise for sure.
But his program is still middling in the muck, facing a loss-heavy schedule, dwindling expectations, and holes all over their roster, Louisiana native RB Trevor Etienne is without question their brightest hope.
With this game at home, while LSU's offense continues in full flight, I expect a barnstorming kind of win that creates an atmosphere unlike anything else at Tiger Stadium.
FINAL SCORE
LSU 38
FLORIDA 24
-Another Daniels showcase, rushing for 1 TD, throwing for 2 more (Lacy, Thomas Jr), while Cain, Williams and Emery Jr all score on the ground, as Aaron Anderson piles on nearly 200 combined yards (94 receiving, 76 returning), LSU blow the Gators out of the stadium, taking a 38-14 lead before Florida tack on 10 points in garbage time.
Tiger fans serenade the Gators' walk of shame with a loud rendition of Neck, mashed with Florida icon Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down".....LSU Nation can feel the CFB Playoff in sight.
OFFENSIVE MVP
JD5
277 Passing Yards, 2 TDs
69 Rushing Yards, 1 TD
DEFENSIVE MVP
ZY ALEXANDER
6 Tackles, 3 PBUs, 1 INT
Week 11
GEORGIA STATE (11/18)
Another formality and a great opportunity to rest LSU's worn down roster, let Nuss stay loose, and give reps to our most inexperienced players ahead of a big revenge tilt vs A&M and the postseason ahead.
FINAL SCORE
LSU 64
GA ST 0
-Daniels and Nabers connect on a 5 yard slant, but instead of diving to the ground like a 2000 St Louis Rams receiver, Malik has other ideas.
The Biletnikoff-candidate takes it to the house from 64 yards out, burning Georgia State's entire defense to the ground. Following dual first half touchdowns by John Emery Jr and Chris Hilton Jr, the second team takes over.
-Freshmen or sophomores such as Jaxon Howard (2 sacks), Whit Weeks, Javien Toviano (MVP), Jordan Allen, Lance Heard, Quency Wiggins, Jeremiah Hughes, as well as safety Ryan Yaites receive playing time and play a major role in LSU's only shutout of 2023.
-Offensively, Kaleb Jackson enjoys a career game, second year Tiger Landon Ibieta catches a one handed touchdown, the freshmen power trio of WRs Jalen Brown, Shelton Sampson Jr and Kyle Parker all receive plenty of targets and action (Brown and Parker score TDs), while Nussmeier produces another 300 yard game, tossing for 314 and 3 TD passes.
OFFENSIVE MVP
GARRETT NUSSMEIER
314 Yards, 3 TDs
&
KALEB JACKSON
135 Rushing Yards, 1 TD
DEFENSIVE MVP
JAVIEN TOVIANO
7 Tackles, 1 PBU, 1 INT
&
JAXON HOWARD
2 Sacks, 1 FF, 5 Tackles, 7 Pressures, 3 TFLs
Week 12
A&M (11/25)
Last game on the schedule....another chance for A&M to ruin LSU's CFB Playoff aspirations???
Hiring Bobby Petrino as their offensive coordinator, Jimbo Fisher's A&M have a chance to be even more dysfunctional than last season....Petrino & Fisher are either destined for unexpected alchemy or complete and utter sideline dustup dystopia.
Don't forget, Kelly's Tigers will be infuriated over the way they were pushed around along the trenches last November, you could even say handled at times by A&M in a loss that snuffed out any Tiger College Football Playoff hopes.
LSU were a tired, beaten up team heading into 2022's double digit defeat....but will Fisher's Aggies do it again?
FINAL SCORE
LSU 36
A&M 17
-Aggies' QB Connor Weigman may have his moments, but never gets close to threatening this freight train.
-Campbell and co send a message with overpowering offensive line play, LSU's secondary ball out, and the Tigers run it down A&M's throat for 4 quarters.....on their way to Atlanta and beyond.
OFFENSIVE MVP
JOSH WILLIAMS
106 Rushing Yards, 19 Carries, 2 TDs
DEFENSIVE MVP
MAJOR BURNS
11 Tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 PBU
LSU FINISH THE REGULAR SEASON
11-1
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
LSU VS UGA
-Tigers win an epic SEC title game rematch over Georgia in overtime, 34-31, handing the Bulldawgs their first loss since the 2021 SEC title game.
-Despite their head to head win, Kelly's Tigers are chosen as the 2nd seed of the CFB Playoff, the committee respecting UGA's 2x defending National Champion status:
CFB PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
4. MICHIGAN 12-1
3. USC 12-1
2. LSU 12-1
1. UGA 12-1
CFB PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL
SUGAR BOWL
SUPERDOME, NO, LA
LSU VS USC
-LSU win 40-22 in an unbelievable homecoming win at the Superdome, destroying USC QB Caleb Williams on an emotional night for many Tigers and fans. Brian Kelly's squad make it back to the National Championship Game in only his second season.
CFB PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
NRG STADIUM, HOUSTON, TX
LSU VS UGA
Over 4 action packed, smash mouth quarters, LSU and UGA play one of the more entertaining championship games of the last few decades, trading shots as Jayden Daniels and Carson Beck participate in a QB duel for the ages.
In the end, a sack from Perkins and Wingo seals Tiger victory in the 4th quarter, Daniels delivering 133 rushing yards against UGA's defense, tossing for 288 through the air for 2 passing scores.
Malik Nabers hauls in the winning TD inside the red zone, also finishing with 129 receiving yards.
Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin lead the day, both combining for just under 190 total yards, Williams scoring from 22 yards out.
TEs Markway and Taylor play pivotal roles, as blockers and in the passing game.
However, an interception from Jacobian Guillory, after a batted pass by Harold Perkins, supplies LSU with the 7 point lead required to finish the season holding the National Championship.
FINAL SCORE
LSU 38
UGA 31
LSU WIN THE 2023 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
NOW.....YOUR TURN.....COMMENT YOUR PREDICTIONS BELOW
by LONN PHILLIPS SULLIVAN
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