You would think that the retirement of one of the greatest coaches in college football history would benefit one of their biggest rivals who went 5-13 against them. You would think that after back to back 10 win seasons, that the only place to go for LSU is the College Football Playoff or bust.

You would think that the hiring of Blake Baker and a revamped defensive staff will help improve this LSU defense that looked like a Freshman football team going up against grown men. Baton Rouge…get ready for a long season.

While one of the most talented teams on paper, I think LSU takes a BIG step back in 2024.

Let’s start with game one vs USC in Las Vegas. USC returns Miller Moss, who looked like a stud in the Holiday Bowl vs Louisville and Woody Marks who has excelled in the run and pass game. I expect Lincoln Riley to have the offense revolve around him. Kamari Ramsey is an excellent cover corner who is young, but can only get better, especially when you have a guy like D’Anton Lynn coming in from UCLA as USC’s new defensive coordinator.

I see LSU struggling to get off to a good start. I’m still not convinced that this team will be better, especially in the secondary. They will struggle against the speed of Zachariah Branch and Duce Robinson. I also think going to Williams-Brice Stadium against South Carolina is a trap game for LSU. LaNorris Sellers is going to have himself a field day, especially against a depleted defensive line and Harold Perkins who cannot defend the run to save his life.

If they start off the season 1-2, I think they will, people will be calling for Brian Kelly’s head. I don’t trust Garrett Nussmeier just yet. I think he had the benefit of having guys like Brian Thomas & Malik Nabers. I don’t know what to expect with CJ Daniels coming in and I don’t know if Kyren Lacy really will be WR1 in 2024.

LSU still has to play Ole Miss, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Do not be surprised if this LSU team ends up 8-4 or 9-3 on the season. Fans will not be happy with what they put on the field, I won’t be surprised one bit.