1. LSU Tigers (10-2, 7-1)
Brian Kelly made a huge impact on the LSU program in his first year, knocking off Alabama and going to the SEC Championship Game. It wasn’t as much of a surprise as some took it to be, because LSU has been stacked with talent now for decades. The question in 2023 is whether Kelly can turn a solid team into something even better.
Rankings (Ex, Vg, Av, Fr, Pr)
| Quarterbacks: Vg Running Backs: Vg Wide Receivers: Vg Offensive Line: Vg | Defensive Line: Av Linebackers: Vg Defensive Backs: Av Special Teams: Vg |
Offense: What could go right
This is a veteran unit for the most part, starting with experience at quarterback led by former Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels. Daniels shone in the upset of Alabama, and is one of those “heart players” that programs covet. He’s just on the above-average side as a passer, but add in his leadership and his running skills and he becomes a handful for all the Tigers’ opponents. Elsewhere, the offensive line returns all five starters and added to its depth with a few targeted transfers and signees. There is plenty of depth at receiver and the starting receiver and tight end group also have experience. Kelly won’t have to completely revamp the system this year.
Offense: What could go wrong
Any dual-threat quarterback carries a higher threat of injury, and if it happens to Daniels, there would be an instant issue with depth. Backup Garrett Nussmeier has shown flashes and has played enough to not be a greenhorn, but the landscape drops off precipitously behind him. LSU may actually have too many options at running back, and the fact that Daniels was the leading returning rusher heading into 2023 says something about the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of the between-the-tackles running game in 2022. The Tigers need someone to step forward and grab the position.
Defense: What could go right
The second level of the defense was already tough and then the Tigers added LB Omar Speights from Oregon State. So deep is the linebacker unit now that the team’s leading tackler a year ago, Greg Penn, no longer has a starting job. The secondary has also been a haven for inbound transfers, although the picture is a bit muddier there. Special teams are among the most solid in the league, and the middle of the defensive line will be stout so long as Maason Smith can stop getting hurt.
Defense: What could go wrong
The new transfers in the secondary are mostly smaller-school players, and while there’s no shame in that – part of the new world of transferring means small-school veterans can now move up a level prior to the NFL Draft and build a resume – LSU isn’t adding depth, it’s hunting for starters due to a thin depth chart. The defensive line is fine up the middle, but this will be the first time in years that the Tigers have some questions regarding edge pass rush. Leaning so hard into the transfer portal in general could create some issues in chemistry and cohesiveness.
One-sentence summary: Few valleys, but also few peaks.
LSU has an excellent chance to get to the College Football Playoff and is exceptionally well-coached, but a lot of things went right last year to get the Tigers to a 10-win season, and other than the Alabama upset, LSU wasn’t competitive against the rest of the tougher teams on its schedule. That will have to change.
Next: 2. Alabama Crimson Tide