In the world of college football, few programs command the attention of fans and analysts alike like LSU. Known for its rich history, passionate fanbase, and iconic moments, the Tigers have found themselves in and out of national contention over the years. Sports columnist Scott Rabalais, in his analysis, makes it clear: LSU may not be perfect, but it is undeniably re-establishing itself as a major player on the national scene once again.
Rabalais’ reflection comes at a time when LSU, under head coach Brian Kelly, is showing flashes of brilliance on the gridiron. However, for every victory, there seems to be a reminder that the Tigers still have some work to do before fully cementing their place as a championship contender. The team’s inconsistency, marked by moments of pure dominance interspersed with games where vulnerabilities are exposed, has left fans both excited and cautiously optimistic.
LSU’s road back to the top has been far from straightforward. After their historic 2019 national championship season led by Joe Burrow, the Tigers experienced a drop-off in performance. The COVID-19 pandemic year of 2020 saw LSU stumble to a 5-5 record, and 2021 wasn’t much better, leading to the eventual departure of head coach Ed Orgeron.
Enter Brian Kelly, the veteran coach who had previously led Notre Dame to national prominence. Kelly’s arrival in Baton Rouge came with high expectations, as he was tasked with restoring LSU’s identity as a perennial national contender. Under his guidance, the Tigers have gradually regained their footing. In 2022, his first season with the program, LSU won the SEC West and earned a trip to the SEC Championship game. Although they fell short against the Georgia Bulldogs, the season was a signal that the Tigers were on the rise.
In 2023, LSU continues to build on that momentum. With a strong roster led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and a deep pool of talent on both sides of the ball, the Tigers have shown they can compete with the nation’s best. Despite some early setbacks, including a season-opening loss to Florida State, LSU remains a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
Rabalais doesn’t shy away from pointing out the flaws that still linger within the LSU program. Their defense has been a particular area of concern, as the unit has struggled at times against high-powered offenses. LSU’s secondary, once a hallmark of its defensive dominance, has shown signs of vulnerability, especially in games against top-tier competition.
However, even with these imperfections, Rabalais emphasizes that LSU is once again a team that opponents cannot afford to overlook. The offense, led by Daniels and a strong supporting cast, has been explosive, capable of putting up points in bunches. When the Tigers are firing on all cylinders, they can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country.
What makes LSU’s resurgence even more significant is the broader landscape of college football. With traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia dominating the SEC in recent years, the Tigers’ ability to challenge for conference supremacy is a crucial part of their return to national relevance. Rabalais notes that while LSU may not be on the same level as these programs yet, they are certainly closing the gap.
The Tigers’ ability to compete in the ultra-competitive SEC is a testament to the progress made under Kelly. While there are still questions to answer, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, the foundation has been laid for sustained success.
Rabalais concludes that LSU is not a perfect team, but it is a dangerous one. As the season progresses, the Tigers have the potential to make noise not just in the SEC, but on the national stage as well. If they can tighten up their defense and continue to develop under Kelly’s leadership, LSU could very well find itself in the College Football Playoff conversation once again.
In the grand scheme of college football, perfection is a lofty goal. But as Rabalais aptly points out, LSU doesn’t need to be perfect to matter on the national scene. The Tigers are back, and for now, that’s more than enough.
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