LSU’s playoff ranking puts Tigers in control of their own destiny

Oct 26, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) catches a pass as Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Bryce Anderson (1) and defensive back Will Lee III (26) defend during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

The initial College Football Playoff rankings were released on Tuesday night and the committee slotted LSU at No. 15 — three spots away from the 12-team field.

There are two ways to make the playoff: win your conference or receive an at-large bid. Both options remain in play for LSU.

That could all change this weekend after LSU plays Alabama. A loss knocks LSU out of the race, but a win clears LSU’s path to the playoff.

At No. 15, LSU remains in control of its own destiny. It’s not complicated. If LSU wins out, the Tigers are in the playoffs. Even with a loss in the SEC title, I feel good about LSU’s chances at 10-3. Given the strength of LSU’s schedule, it’s hard to see a committee leaving out a 10-win LSU team.

Getting help elsewhere in the country would help. LSU’s chances are maximized if the Big Ten doesn’t get four teams in and the Big 12 sticks to just one.

But I don’t think it matters. LSU can take care of business and force itself into the 12-team field.

The next month will go a long way toward defining Brian Kelly’s LSU tenure thus far if LSU beats Alabama on Saturday and wins out, it’s real progress. A loss on Saturday puts LSU right back where it ended last year.

Good, but not nearly good enough to compete for a national title.

LSU was 6-2 in Brian Kelly’s first two years. In 2022, LSU beat Alabama but had a letdown to close the year at Texas A&M. Last year, LSU fell at Bama but won out after that. Both resulted in 9-3.

This year, LSU will look to get over that hump and notch a 10-win regular season. That should lead to Kelly’s first…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/lsus-playoff-ranking-puts-tigers-133301794.html

Author : LSU Tigers Wire

Publish date : 2024-11-06 13:33:01

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