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Related: Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 for 2019

2. LSU

"Faced with a brutal schedule and significant question marks about the offense, LSU entered 2018 with low expectations. However, the Tigers roared to a 5-0 start that included a win over Miami and a one-point victory against Auburn. Coach Ed Orgeron’s team stumbled at Florida but handed Georgia a 36-16 loss in Baton Rouge. LSU finished 4-2 over its final six games, which included a crazy 74-72 overtime defeat at Texas A&M and a bowl victory over UCF. In other words, the Tigers easily exceeded preseason expectations and should be a top 10 team next fall. Quarterback Joe Burrow arguably played his best football at the end of the season, tossing nine of his 16 touchdowns over the final three games. Nick Brossette departs after rushing for 1,039 yards, but the ground game is in great shape with Clyde Edwards-Helaire and John Emery leading the way. Justin Jefferson, Terrace Marshall, and Ja’Marr Chase form a talented trio at receiver, and the offensive line should take a step forward with nearly everyone back. LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda is one of college football’s top assistant coaches and has a veteran group slated to return in Baton Rouge next fall. Cornerback Greedy Williams and lineman Ed Alexander left early for the next level, but linemen Breiden Fehoko and Rashard Lawrence, linebacker Michael Divinity and cornerback Kristian Fulton all decided to return for 2019. Safety Grant Delpit will be among the SEC’s top defenders next fall. Additionally, the pass rush will receive a boost with the return of linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson from injury. The Tigers play at Texas on Sept. 7 and head to Alabama on Nov. 9. However, most of the tough games are at home next season, including Florida (Oct. 12), Auburn (Oct. 26) and Texas A&M (Nov. 30).