re: LSU picked to finish 5th overall in the SEC by media

LSU's current roster feels like 8-4 to 9-3 to me.

Funny you say that I think Ole Miss is underrated on that list. They destroyed the portal and already have an elite offense that's returning. I think you can make an argument for them in the top 2 easy. I know Ole Miss doesn't have a history of success but they have a good coach and they were good last year.

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Here we go again. They’ll regret that pick.

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Who in that list would you put us above right now?

3 of the 4 teams above us were either in the playoffs or sec championship game last year with returning QBs

The 4th team in front of us also returns their starting qb who is a Heisman favorite

On the other hand, we lost a Heisman Qb and two first round receivers and have a completely new OC and DC

It’s delusional to think from a preseason perspective to be ahead of those teams. Quite frankly having us 5th is showing us massive respect

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These predictions are all baed on last year results

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Not really


1. Georgia - They have been the most consistent program in the SEC and all of college football over the last 5 years or so. Combine that with the 5th most returning production, including their starting QB, and continued great recruiting, and they get the benefit of the doubt at No. 1

2. Texas - Playoff team last year that returns the 7th most production, including a starting QB. Their schedule, while not easy, is favorable. They get UGA at home and have OU at a neutral site. They play @ Michigan. But it is a Michigan team without several key players from last year's team (including their QB), as well as Harbaugh. If they can get past that one the only tough road game left is A&M and the end of the season.

3. Alabama - CFP appearance in a "down" year. Second only to Georgia in terms of consistency, and they have beaten UGA multiple time. Obviously losing Saban creates a HUGE unknown. But DeBoer has been really good as an HC, including making the championship game last season. He was able to stem the tide (no pun intended) of defections after Saban's retirement. Alabama probably won't be able to maintain the Saban level success in the years to come. But there's reason to believe they won't collapse just yet

4. Ole Miss - Returns the 3rd most production in the SEC. Particularly on offense. They also brought in a lot of highly rated transfers. But more than that, their schedule is poo poo. Their three toughest games are @ LSU, OU, Georgia. They could go 1-2 in those games and still easily finish 10-2 overall. If there was ever a year for Ole Miss, this is it.


5. LSU - 12th in returning production. Loses the Heisman trophy winner at QB, along with two first round WRs. Defense was horrible last season. While there is hope that will improve with a new DC, the personnel doesn't appear to have improved tremendously from last season. Chance to be really good, but LOTS of unanswered questions at the moment.

The fact that LSU is 5th shows the respect for the program and Kelly. To lose so much yet still be picked to finish 5th says a lot. Of those 4 ahead of them, LSU is the only one not returning a starting QB. And it's not like the QB LSU isn't returning was some bum. He was the most dynamic player in college football last season.

If anything, Missouri had a stronger argument to be 5th over LSU. They return the second most production from last season and have an (on paper) easier schedule than LSU.

LSU at No. 5 is very, very fair.

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LSU's current roster feels like 8-4 to 9-3 to me.

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Anything less than 10 wins with the offensive line that LSU has returning would be a disappointment. 4/5 returning, all with 2 years of starting experience under their belts.

Just ran through the bios. The combination of Jones, Frazier, Dellinger, and Campbell have a combined 99 starts (at LSU) under their belts. Chester is brand new, but I think the coaches have a lot of confidence in him. Plus, the extra 2 inches and 20 lbs that Chester has over Turner should help stop the up the middle pressure that we saw at times last year.

Texas will finish 8-4... One game ahead of Other Texas.

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But DeBoer has been really good as an HC, including making the championship game last season.

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He has four years of relevant experience and lost his superstar OC that Saban wanted the year before.

2-5 gonna be close no matter what order

Favorable schedule that Tigers need to take advantage:

3 at home
4 at home
8 at home
9 on road
12 on road
13 on road
16 at home