LSU Predicted to Edge out 3 SEC Rivals for College Football Playoff Spot
LSU could still reach the College Football Playoff at 9-3 as Joel Klatt backs Lane Kiffin to lead the Tigers past 3 SEC rivals.
LSU finds itself in a prime position to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff under the guidance of new head coach Lane Kiffin during his inaugural season. The Tigers have been on a roll, showcasing their prowess with notable victories over Clemson, Texas A&M, McNeese State, and Louisiana Tech, among others. However, setbacks against Ole Miss and Kentucky have left minimal room for error in their quest for postseason glory.
The Tigers have responded with a resounding 31-0 shutout of Mississippi State, followed by a 38-17 road win against Auburn, propelling them to a 6-2 overall record and 3-2 SEC standing. Ranked No. 15 in the latest AP poll, LSU has caught the attention of FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt, who has included them in his 12-team playoff prediction, assigning the team the No. 11 seed.
Klatt foresees LSU defeating Alabama and Tennessee in November, alongside a potential loss to Texas, which he believes could be sufficient to earn an at-large bid. He also anticipates that the University of Tennessee, University of Texas, and University of Kentucky will all conclude their seasons at 9-3, with LSU holding a slight edge over those SEC rivals.
LSU has four games left on their schedule, with Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee presenting formidable challenges. Despite these tough opponents, the Tigers stand a chance to solidify their position as one of the elite SEC teams, especially with a winning record against ranked opponents. Even with a single loss to the Longhorns, a 9-3 record might still be enough for LSU to make the cut, particularly if they can secure head-to-head victories over Tennessee and Alabama.
The Wildcats, ranked 7-1, currently lead the SEC with a 5-1 conference record, having previously defeated LSU. Their remaining fixtures include matchups against Florida, Missouri, Florida, and Louisville. While Klatt predicts Kentucky to decline towards the end of the season, even a successful 11-1 finish would bolster LSU's case with the selection committee.
Securing a playoff berth would be a significant achievement for Kiffin in his debut season, justifying the substantial investments LSU made in roster upgrades and coaching, totaling over $40 million and $91 million respectively.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
