LSU 2021 season preview, predictions: TigerDetails staff
The TigerDetails staff give their predictions on how we see LSU's season unfolding. Each writer gives his/her predictions, including key wins and losses, along with an overview of the season.
Overall record: 10-2, Julie Boudwin
Looking at key wins: Ed Orgeron has talked about the early momentum and confidence the road wins against Miami in 2018 and Texas in 2019 team, and if this 2021 team wants to have that same type of success then the Tigers have to start the season off right against UCLA in the Rose Bowl, and I believe they will. The Tigers have more talent at every position than the Bruins, but Orgeron has to make sure the venue and first-game jitters don't get too big for his players.
McNeese, Central Michigan, Mississippi State, Auburn, Kentucky should all be victories, in my opinion, and the schedule sets up favorably with the Tigers having a chance to host the Florida Gators on Oct. 16 with a 6-0 record before two tough road games at Ole Miss and Alabama.
Key losses: Last year's 5-5 record was something we haven't seen from the Tigers, but I don't think it's going to happen again anytime soon. I went with a 10-2 record for 2021, but honestly I think there's a chance it could be better at the end of the year if two things happen.
First, LSU has to stay healthy at the key position groups of DL, CB, OL and QB, especially since we've seen numerous injuries throughout fall camp.
Second, the offensive line has to play better than they did in 2020. If the OL stays healthy and plays average or better, then the sky is the limit for this squad with the remaining talent on the team paired with the offense of Jake Peetz.
The Tigers toughest games come at Ole Miss, at Alabama and vs. Texas A&M. I have them dropping two of those contests. However, this team will go as far as the offensive line can go and only tell will time what that's really going to look like.
Overview: Obviously, the offense won't be able to replicate the numbers and stats of Joe Burrow and Joe Brady, but I expect the offense to be better than what we saw last season with the addition of Peetz and DJ Mangas, plus the emergence of Max Johnson, Kayshon Boutte and several freshmen skill players. On the other side of the ball, the defense should be night and day from Bo Pelini's disaster last season and I fully think the defensive line could be the backbone of this season with the talent and depth. Here we are in 2021 and still dealing with COVID-19, I think we're all happy to see a more stable schedule and plans for the fall with fans allowed in Tiger Stadium, even if you have to vaccinate or show a negative PCR test.
Overall record: 10-2. I'm kind of torn between a 9-3 and 10-2, but will lean more optimistically, Jerit Roser
Looking at key wins: Trips to unranked UCLA and Mississippi State aren't as sexy, football-wise, as some of the later dates on the calendar, but I think the winnable early road hurdles against Power Five opponents sets up well for LSU — with some notable new faces, expanded roles and camp injuries — to simultaneously work out some new kinks and build some confidence before getting into a tougher slate in October and November. And, honestly, I wouldn't be surprised by the Tigers' claiming victory any other outing on the schedule outside of maybe Nov. 6. Coach Ed Orgeron and company enter the season ranked ahead of all but three of their opponents: No. 1 Alabama, No. 6 Texas A&M and No. 13 Florida. But my confidence level in LSU beating the Aggies late in the season is (perhaps oddly) high.
Key losses: I've let heavy turnover at Alabama provide over-confidence before and won't go into this season expecting an LSU team with question up front on offense to go into Tuscaloosa and upset the football factory in Tuscaloosa, Ala., for the second time in three years. That same shortcoming may cost the Tigers elsewhere, too, if Max Johnson and company are suddenly facing second- and third-and-longs all game and/or are running around for their lives and possibly getting a bit more risky to try to make something happen. Just a matter of where that dynamic bites the Tigers in their tails. Auburn or Florida at home in the biggest matchup tests to that point? A pesky trap trip to Kentucky between those two? The banged-up post-Alabama hangover against Arkansas we've seen too many times before? Can preseason top-10 Texas A&M surprise me with a third win in four years in the series? The Gators worry me most of the group. But most of those games will also likely swing on a matter of a couple plays.
Overview: This season will hinge on the health and performance of the offensive line. The defense should be pretty nasty with lockdown, All-American corners on each side of the field, the deepest and most talented defensive line group in several years staying fresh and making plays up front and enough playmakers in every position group back to — the groundbreaking concept, apparently — playing together as one unit. The strength of that unit and the ability to win the special teams edge most weeks should have LSU well-positioned in most of its games. And, with even a decent season by the offensive line, Max Johnson and his deep cast of weapons should be able to make enough plays to come out on top of most of those as well. I have been increasingly concerned with the outlook for that line group during a fall camp of injuries and absences and do anticipate the Tigers having to sneak out of some ugly and/or wild affairs. But hopefully the line can be healthy and find some sort of rhythm by October. And the strengths elsewhere should provide a little margin for error, particularly against a favorable September schedule that should allow the team to build some confidence and momentum.
Overall Record: 10-2, Jimmy Smith
Looking at Key Wins: The biggest win of the year could be in Week 1 as this Tigers' team looks to find its mojo after a disappointing 2020 campaign. I anticipate the Tigers bruising the Bruins to open the season, with the next tough opponent being Mississippi State in week 4, which is the beginning of a five game SEC run that includes Auburn, Kentucky, Florida and Ole Miss. I expect LSU to notch victories against UCLA, Auburn, Florida and Texas A&M this fall, giving Ed Orgeron and his staff some high profile victories they can build on for 2022.
Key Losses: As of now, I have LSU faltering to Ole Miss and Alabama on the road. This will be a tough task for the new LSU coordinators, as Lane Kiffin is one of the nation's best play-callers and the Alabama staff has about 139 (kidding) former head coaches on the staff. LSU has the ability to win both of these games, but will fail to keep on the scoreboard with its good, but not great offense in 2021.
Overview: This will be LSU's best defensive unit in quite a few years. The aggressive and disruptive unit will give LSU a shot in every game they play this fall. I expect the offense to be good overall, but struggle at times due to what may be an average offensive line with minimal depth. If that unit gels, stays healthy and plays above my expectations, this team could end up with yet another magical season. But at this stage, that looks like a big if.