The LSU Tigers enter year two of the Brian Kelly era with some positive momentum. LSU won the SEC West last season and will look to do the same thing in 2023, but this time clinch a spot in the college football playoff. Will LSU build off of a successful first season from Brian Kelly? Here is the preview for the 2023 LSU Tigers.
Offense
The Tigers offense was fantastic last season and it was all due to quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels returns in 2023, and is arguably one of the best- if not the best- quarterbacks in the SEC. Last year, Daniels had more than 3,800 yards of total offense and had 29 total touchdowns. He was very effective and it was due to the greatness of their offensive line. Good news for LSU: they bring back their entire starting offensive line from last season.
At wideout, they lose Kayshon Boutte, but they still have top receiver Malik Nabers leading the way in 2023. Another name to keep an eye on is Alabama transfer Aaron Anderson who is looked at as a top target for Daniels. With the wideouts looking solid, they need to have their rushing attack be a lot better from a season ago. Daniels led the team in rushing, but they need one running back to step up and take some of the load off all Daniels’ shoulders. Right now on the depth chart at number one is Noah Cain, but I can see Logan Diggs the transfer from Notre Dame becoming the workhouse that LSU missed a season ago. If LSU can get their rushing attack going, this will be a top offense in the SEC.
Defense
The biggest playmaker on this LSU defense is none other than Harold Perkins Jr. The sophomore linebacker was unstoppable at times last year and recorded 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss, which were team highs. LSU is still very talented in the front seven and they are getting back Maason Smith, who missed just about all of last season with a knee injury.
LSU had to go into the transfer portal for some help in the secondary, especially at the cornerback position. They will have Denver Harris (Texas A&M) and Duce Chestnut (Syracuse) start at cornerback this season. The Tigers also are bringing back Major Burns and Sage Ryan to return and start at the safety position. If the secondary can get the chemistry they need, this defense will be very good yet again in 2023.
Win Total Bet
The win total is set at 9.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the over at -115 odds and the under at -105 odds. I really like the Tigers to win double digit games in 2023. I am taking the over 9.5 win total at -115 odds for 1 unit. LSU has the talent and they will be a force in the SEC.
Schedule Predictions
Loss at Florida State (0-1)
Blowout Win vs Grambling State (1-1)
Win at Mississippi St (2-1)
Shootout Win vs Arkansas (3-1)
Win at Ole Miss (4-1)
Loss at Missouri (4-2)
Win vs Auburn (5-2)
Win vs Army (6-2)
Statement Win at Alabama (7-2)
Win vs Florida (8-2)
Convincing Win vs Georgia State (9-2)
Win vs Texas A&M (10-2)
