It’s time for the Tigers to advance in Year 3 under head coach Brian Kelly, and that means claiming a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. Reaching that goal hinges on two main factors: developing a strong enough ground game to complement what should still be an effective passing game and strengthening the defense to the point where it is at least mediocre. If the Tigers can answer those two questions, they will undoubtedly be a top-12 team.
In 2023, the best offense in college football will see a significant overhaul at the top. Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels is replaced at quarterback by Garrett Nussmeier, and Joe Sloan is the new playcaller. Nussmeier led the Tigers on a 98-yard game-winning drive and threw for 395 yards to start LSU’s ReliaQuest Bowl victory over Wisconsin. Nussmeier will be a traditional pocket passer rather than the 1,000-yard rusher Daniels was, even though he is mobile.
Building a running game around rising star Kaleb Jackson, seasoned Josh Williams, and a plethora of newcomers is the biggest challenge facing LSU’s offense. After spending 2023 as an apprentice under the quick tutelage of Brian Thomas and Malik Nabers, head coach Brian Kelly thinks Kyren Lacy is ready for a breakthrough campaign. Additionally, keep an eye out for transfers CJ Daniels (Liberty) and Zavion Thomas (Mississippi State), as well as Chris Hilton Jr. and Aaron Anderson. Mason Taylor, a tight end, should play a significant role in LSU’s short passing game to support the rushing attack.
The team’s strongest point might be the offensive line. At the tackle spots, juniors Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. bookend it. DJ Chester, a redshirt freshman taking over at center, is the only thing that raises doubts.
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Nussmeier, Garrett
Although the SEC’s top rising star, Garrett Nussmeier, will be the new quarterback, Jayden Daniels will be missed.
Pendleton, Matt; USA TODAY Sports
An Overview of LSU’s 2024 Defense
Kelly let coordinator Matt House and his staff go after the Tigers’ appalling 2023 performance, which included 416.6 yards and 28.0 points allowed per game. It is now Blake Baker’s job to elevate LSU’s defense to a respectable, if not exceptional, level after he left Missouri. Harold Perkins Jr., a controversial returner to inside linebacker where he was largely ineffective the previous season, provides him with a fantastic centerpiece with which to work. He starts next to Greg Penn III, who in 2023 tallied 89 tackles and was a reliable presence.
Most likely, the defense will only be as good as its linemen. Sai’vion Jones and Jacobian Guillory need to be stopped, but Kelly’s staff is working feverishly to create depth through the portal. At least the secondary has experience, with Major Burns leading the way at the Star position with 93 tackles.
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Perkins, Harold Jr.
For Baton Rouge to improve, LSU LB Harold Perkins’s development under new coordinator Blake Baker is essential.
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A Sneak Peak at LSU’s 2024 Specializations
After leading the FBS in extra points attempted and made (77-of-77) and making 12 of 15 field goal attempts, Damian Ramos is back. It will be punter Peyton Todd’s first collegiate boot. Thomas is primarily responsible for the return game, which Kelly is highlighting.
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