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For LSU football fans, the Brian Kelly era has been good but not great. Heading into year three, Kelly is 20-7 but is waiting to make the College Football Playoff.
Of course, that possibility is increased with 12 teams entering the CFP instead of 4. But will LSU be one of the 12? Here are 10 questions for Kelly and the Tigers before the 2024 season.
Ten preseason questions for LSU
#1 Is Nussmeier ready to be the man?
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The Jayden Daniels era ended, and backup Garrett Nussmeier is the heir apparent. It's unfair to expect Nussmeier to play with Daniels' flare or skill. But how high is his ceiling?
The other teams at the top of the SEC race have experienced veteran passers. While Nussmeier has shown all the skills, it's worth seeing how he does as QB1.
#2 How will the ground game fare with more of a pocket-passer plan?
Daniels was LSU's top rusher a year ago. The top returning back is Josh Williams, who had 284 yards and five scores in 2023. Can Williams or sophomore Kaleb Jackson take over the bulk of LSU's carries? That might be a significant consideration in the SEC race for 2024.
#3 Is Kyren Lacy ready to be the WR1, or will someone else step up?
LSU lost a pair of outstanding receivers in Malik Nabers (89 catches, 1,569 yards) and Brian Thomas (68 catches, 1,177 yards).
The cupboard is hardly empty. Senior Kyren Lacy (30 catches, 558 yards) is the top returnee, but there's plenty of help. Can Lacy have a 1,000 yard season, or will the next man up get to shine? Either is entirely plausible.
#4 Could this be the best offensive line in the SEC?
The Tigers return four starters from an offensive line that paved the way for 45.5 points and 543 yards per game last year. Center is the lone question mark, but the Tigers' experience and solidity, especially at tackle, is as impressive as any group in the SEC.
#5 Can Blake Baker be a difference maker for the defense?
The question mark for LSU has been the defense, which allowed 28 points and 417 yards per game a year ago. Enter Missouri defensive coordinator Blake Baker.
With the Tigers, Baker did more with less talent than he will have at LSU. He's hard at work resurrecting the defensive culture. After all, LSU allowed 21.9 ppg in their 2015 title season, so they don't have too far to go.
#6 Will Harold Perkins emerge as possibly the top defender in the SEC?
LSU linebacker Harold Perkins has all the tools. In 2023, he finished with 75 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five pass break ups.
At six-foot-one and 220 pounds, he's fast enough to cover, strong enough to rush the passer. All Perkins needs is a little more consistency, and he could be the best defender in the SEC.
#7 How much better will the secondary be this year than last?
The Achilles heel for LSU in 2023 was the secondary, which allowed 256 passing yards per game on almost 64% completions. Injuries really hurt LSU in 2023, but this group, which has an interesting mix of veterans, transfers and freshmen, has to play better this year.
#8 How important is the opener with USC?
For an SEC team with a relatively livable schedule in league play, LSU's opener in Las Vegas against USC is pivotal.
It's a chance for the SEC to assert dominance over the Big 10, and for the Tigers to likely open 5-0 with a victory in week 1. Ole Miss, Alabama and Oklahoma await later in the schedule, but a hot start could be big.
#9 How many wins does LSU need for the Playoff?
It's not at all impossible that 9-3 could get LSU in the playoffs, but given how tough the SEC will be, a 10-2 mark feels a lot more comfortable.
The four toughest games are all either at home or on a neutral field. Given that LSU's toughest road game is probably Texas A&M, there's no reason 10 wins should be out of reach.
#10 Can LSU make it there?
The Tigers won 10 games each in the last two years, albeit including bowl games. A 10-win regular season should be within reach.
LSU was an underdog only twice last year and might be favored in 11 of 12 this season. If the QB play holds up and the defense is visibly improved, LSU has a great shot at the CFP.
What are your questions about this LSU Tiger squad? Share them along with your thoughts below in the comments section:
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