LSU Is A Legit National Title Contender in 2023
Icon Sportswire. Getty Images.WIN TOTAL WEDNESDAY IS BACK BABY!
My favorite day of the week in the summer to talk some college ball and get the juices flowing for Week 0 and beyond. Every second it gets closer and closer and my erection becomes harder and harder. Let‘s get after it.
LSU OVER 9.5 WINS
I love the LSU Tigers coming into the 2023 season after winning the SEC West in 2022. This team brings back an incredible level of talent in Brian Kelly’s second year as head coach. The turnaround Coach Kelly had in Year 1 at LSU was very impressive and only furthermore proves his status as one of the best coaches in college football. In Year 2 he brings back QB Jayden Daniels who at times has struggled with consistency but is a veteran presence who played very well down the stretch including a win over Alabama. He’s a legit dual threat (885 rush yds, 11 rush TDs) and should only play better in his second year in Kelly’s system. In front of him LSU brings back their entire offensive line and one of the best Tight End’s (if not the best) in Mason Taylor. Along side Jayden Daniels returns 1,000 yard receiver Malik, leading TD receiver BrIan Thomas Jr and brings in Alabama transfer Aaron Anderson.
On defense they bring back arguably the most talented defensive player in the nation in true sophomore Harold Perkins who’s a front runner to be the first non QB taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. Stud defensive linemen Maason Smith comes back after sustaining a season ending injury in game 1 last season as well as 2022 All-American Mekhi Wingo. At linebacker they return Greg Penn III who had 78 tackles last year and bring in stud Oregon State transfer Omar Speights. The main question mark this team has is in the secondary but Brian Kelly crushed the transfer portal bringing in strong talent in Devin Harris (Texas A&M), Duce Chestnut (Syracuse), JK Johnson (Ohio State) and Zy Alexander (Southeastern LA). They bring back three solid veterans at safety that should be able to help solidify the back end of this talented defense.
LSU in my opinion has one of the most talented rosters in the nation while also not having to play Georgia in the regular season. Their two most glaring spots to lose are Week 1 vs Florida State in Orlando and later in the season at Alabama. The fact that they could theoretically lose both these games and still cash this ticket is incredibly enticing to me. Quite frankly i think they’re more than capable of winning both. I don‘t think going 12-0 in the regular season is out of the realm of possibility for this team. I think with a full offseason of Brian Kelly LSU goes to Orlando and knocks off Florida State and puts themselves in an exceptional position to cash this total. Another big factor in my thought process is that Alabama is down this year. Not down compared to most schools but I don’t know if they’re the same Alabama team as of late. Huge question marks at QB with all but guaranteed substantial drop off after losing Heisman Trophy winner and number 1 pick Bryce Young.
I’m all in on the LSU Tigers this year. Don’t be afraid to look at LSU +1200 to win the national title and +340 to make the CFB playoff. I think those are the two strongest value plays on the board. Brian Kelly left Notre Dame because he had maxed out everything he could possibly do there. At LSU, the ceiling is significantly higher and I believe he has this team in position to reach it.
LSU OVER 9.5 WINS
LSU TO MAKE THE CFB PLAYOFF +340
LSU NATIONAL CHAMPIONS +1200
