LSU Tigers, the reigning SEC West champions, face the challenge of defending their title this season. The consensus is that it will be between Alabama and LSU, with Alabama being the favored team to win the West and having the second-best odds to win the SEC. LSU, on the other hand, holds the third-best odds to win the SEC for the 2023 season.
In Brian Kelly's inaugural season as head coach, LSU surpassed expectations with a 10-4 record, concluding the year on a high note with a dominant 63-7 victory over the Purdue Boilermakers in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Building on that success, many hope that LSU can elevate their performance further by not only reaching the SEC title game but also emerging as the SEC champions.
One of the primary reasons for their favorable position is the experience and production of the returning team for the 2023 season. ESPN's Bill Connelly SP+ projections rank the Tigers seventh overall in terms of total returning production. Although Alabama ranks highly at fourth, the key difference lies in the quarterback position and the stability gained from another year with the same offensive and defensive coordinators. In contrast, Alabama will have a new quarterback, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator.
The offense will be led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had an impressive completion rate of 68.6% while throwing for nearly 3,000 yards, 17 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. LSU boasts a deep wide receiver corps, spearheaded by Malik Nabers, a talented tight end in Mason Taylor, and an experienced offensive line. On the defensive side, they possess one of the country's most talented defensive players in linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., who is drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons. As a true freshman last season, Perkins recorded 72 tackles, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. To bolster their secondary, LSU made strategic additions through the transfer portal, bringing in players such as Denver Harris, Duce Chestnut, Zy Alexander, JK Johnson, and Andre Sam.
LSU faces a demanding schedule as they embark on their SEC games, with three out of their first four matchups being on the road. Their first road game is against Mississippi State, a team undergoing a transition following the tragic passing of Mike Leach. They then have the advantage of playing at home against Arkansas, followed by an away game against Ole Miss, a team they convincingly defeated by 25 points last season. Additionally, they have a home game against Auburn, who also has a new coach. However, the division-deciding clash is expected to occur on November 4th when they face Alabama on the road. Fortunately, LSU enjoys a bye week prior to this crucial matchup, providing them with valuable time for recovery and strategic planning.
The final stretch of their season features three consecutive home games, two of which are against SEC teams, Florida and Texas A&M. LSU will be favored in these matchups and should emerge victorious. Overall, while there may be a couple of potential slip-ups in SEC play due to the competitiveness of the league, the reigning SEC West champions remain the team to beat.
