Tigers Have Earned Their Stripes

As the season continues on, so does the climb in the polls for the Tigers. But is it enough? They should be ranked 1st in the polls.

To start the season, the Tigers were unranked in nearly every major poll in America. At a near historic rate, the Tigers have continue to surge through the polls, ranking 5th this week. After handling much adversity this season, the ranking might honestly be a little short of where it needs to be. While the ongoing argument over the polls continue to rage on in the year after year, we can’t argue over how they work. If you continue to beat quality teams, you continue your rise. If you don’t win or the other teams don’t play at the same level, you fall. The Tigers have everything right to continue their rise, including knocking off two top 10 teams. The teams above LSU? Their play nor their schedule do not even closely resemble what the Tigers have handled this far in the season.

Of course it is enough. But why?

Well for starters, none of the other Top 5 teams have even played a team in the Top 10, while LSU however… they have beat both of the Top 10 teams they have played. And by a combined 17 points I might add. What can we say about those other ranked teams in front of us… well, not much.

Sure, Alabama took on a then-ranked Louisville team, but let’s be real people, that was just eye candy. Louisville has been abysmal all season, with a near win over Conference USA’s 1-win Western Kentucky and a blowout loss to Virginia.

Georgia? Yeah, Georgia’s best game was arguably a 14 point win over Missouri. Yes, the same Missouri that almost lost to a one-win Purdue squad.

Clemson might have the best body of work with a 2 point road win over 2-2 Texas A&M. In comparison, Alabama played them as well and cruised by them with a 22 point win.

Ohio State played a couple of Power 5 teams, but it was ultimately two of the worst Power 5 teams in football, Rutgers and Oregon State. The TCU game helps their résumé, but they too are a 2-2 team.

Sounds like a lot of mediocre if you ask me.

The Tigers on the other hand? They have earned their stripes.