Early 2020 game-by-game predictions for LSU football

[caption id="attachment_46703" align="aligncenter" width="590"] BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 17: Myles Brennan #15 of the LSU Tigers reacts during a game against the Rice Owls at Tiger Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)[/caption]rn It's only February, but LSU football's 2020 season will kick off before we know it! rnLSU football's national outlook in 2020 is strange.rnrnThe Tigers aren't receiving much respect, despite winning it all in 2019.rnrnIt feels like LSU, who lost a lot of talent and made several coaching changes, is heading into 2020 looking to prove that 2019 wasn't a fluke.rnrnI'm not sure how becoming the second team to ever finish 15-0 could be considered a fluke, but that's where we're at.rnrnWithout Joe Brady, Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson (among others), the Tigers will have to find new offensive weapons to rely on in 2020.rnrnFortunately for LSU, the nation's best wide receiver (Ja'Marr Chase) will be back in Baton Rouge next season to help out presumed new starting quarterback Myles Brennan.rnrnDespite losing numerous key players, the Tigers are still talented enough to win the SEC West in 2020.rnrnHere's how I see the season playing out.rnrn[nextslide teaser="UTSA%20%40%20LSU" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46704" align="aligncenter" width="590"] ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers celebrates a carry against safety Justin Broiles #25 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)[/caption]rn UTSA @ LSU (September 5) rnI typically hate these types of games to start the season.rnrnThere's so much offseason hype. So much build up. And then we get a game against an overmatched opponent that usually ends up being a blowout.rnrnBy the end of the second quarter, the game is in hand and everyone is looking toward the next opponent.rnrnBut this season, I actually think it's a good thing that LSU starts with this type of game.rnrnThe Tigers have dealt with a lot of change this offseason. Along with several coaching staff changes, LSU also lost a lot of talent to the NFL.rnrnOpening the season against UTSA will give LSU a chance to see what works with their new defensive coordinator and passing game coordinator. It will also give Myles Brennan a chance to establish himself as the leader of the Tigers' offense. A big opening week win could set the tone for the season for LSU.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (1-0)rnrn[nextslide teaser="Texas%20%40%20LSU" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46705" align="aligncenter" width="590"] BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 30: Racey McMath #17 of the LSU Tigers scores a toucdown during a game against the Texas A&amp;M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Texas @ LSU (Septemer 12) rnThis game will be a good measuring stick for both programs.rnrnMuch like LSU, Texas has endured a lot of change this offseason. The Longhorns will enter the 2020 season with a new offensive and defensive coordinator.rnrnBut unlike LSU, Texas has an experienced starting quarterback returning (albeit without two of his top wide receivers, Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson).rnrnI'm not a believer in Longhorns coach Tom Herman. In fact, I don't think he makes it though the 2020 season. For that reason, I'm taking LSU in this game. They might be lacking the talent they had last season, but the Tigers are the better coached team.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (2-0)rnrn[nextslide teaser="LSU%20%40%20Rice" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46706" align="aligncenter" width="590"] STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 19: Chris Curry #24 of the LSU Tigers warms up before a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. The Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 36-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)[/caption]rn LSU @ Rice (September 19) rnAgain, this is the type of game I typically hate.rnrnBut this will be good for LSU for a couple of reasons.rnrnFor one, it'll give the Tigers a chance to build some momentum with Myles Brennan before they start conference play.rnrnBut perhaps just as important is the recruiting aspect. Houston is an important recruiting area for LSU. Going there and dominating could help provide a boost for the Tigers in recruiting (2021 4-star running back LJ Johnson from Houston is a big target for LSU).rnrnBy the way, I fully expect LSU to go to Houston and dominate against Rice.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (3-0)rnrn[nextslide teaser="Ole%20Miss%20%40%20LSU" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46713" align="aligncenter" width="590"] OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - NOVEMBER 16: Cade York #36 of the LSU Tigers kicks a field goal during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Ole Miss @ LSU (September 26) rnThis could be a very interesting early season game. Ole Miss has a new head coach in Lane Kiffin, but it's not like the Rebels are undergoing a total rebuild.rnrnRecord wise, Ole Miss didn't have a very good year in 2019. But several of their losses came by five points or less. Lane Kiffin might not have the best reputation, but he's a good football coach. I think he'll get Ole Miss on the right track.rnrnBut I'm not sure it happens against LSU in late September. This game could get interesting. But the Tigers will have the talent advantage. Ed Orgeron will hand his old friend a loss in Baton Rouge on September 26.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (4-0)rnrn[nextslide teaser="Nicholls%20State%20%40%20LSU" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46714" align="aligncenter" width="590"] NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Head coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU Tigers disagrees with a referee call during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Nicholls State @ LSU (October 3) rnThis is it for the "tune up" games on LSU's schedule. After this matchup against Nicholls State, the Tigers play seven straight games against SEC opponents (eight if they make the SEC Championship game again).rnrnLSU should cruise in this one. By now, I feel like the team should be finding its groove with new defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. And Myles Brennan will show he's more than a capable replacement for Joe Burrow.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (5-0)rnrn[nextslide teaser="LSU%20%40%20Florida" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46716" align="aligncenter" width="590"] BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 08: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers runs with the ball during a game against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions at Tiger Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)[/caption]rn LSU @ Florida (October 10) rnFlorida lost some talent after 2019, but the cupboard isn't bare for the Gators.rnrnQuarterbacks Kyle Trask and Emory Jones return, as well as four starting offensive linemen.rnrnDan Mullen has proved to be the right hire for Florida during his first two years in Gainesville. This is going to be a hard fought game that is likely decided in the final minutes. I could honestly see either team coming out on top.rnrnFor now, I'm going to give the edge to Florida. Just because they have more firepower returning than LSU.rnrn Prediction: LSU loses (5-1)rnrn[nextslide teaser="LSU%20%40%20Arkansas" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46717" align="aligncenter" width="590"] BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 23: JaCoby Stevens #3 of the LSU Tigers sacks KJ Jefferson #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)[/caption]rn LSU @ Arkansas (October 17) rnThis is a good game for LSU to get back on track after a possible loss to Florida.rnrnArkansas has a new head coach in Sam Pittman, who previously served as Georgia's offensive line coach.rnrnI like Pittman a lot as a coach. And I think he'll turn the Razorbacks into a respectable team. But he has a long way to go after previous head coach Chad Morris tried to morph Arkansas into an up-tempo offense. Pittman will have to change the look of the roster before the Razorbacks can compete in the SEC West.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (6-1)rnrn[nextslide teaser="Mississippi%20State%20%40%20LSU" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46718" align="aligncenter" width="590"] STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 19: Tyrion Davis-Price #3 of the LSU Tigers runs the ball during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. The Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 36-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Mississippi State @ LSU (October 24) rnEd Orgeron and Mike Leach -- two of the most entertaining coaches in the SEC.rnrnI can't wait for this game just for the media circus leading up to it. Leach is going to be fun and I can't wait to watch his approach against the Tigers in Death Valley.rnrnBut unfortunately for Leach, this game probably won't be much fun for the Bulldogs. I think LSU walks all over Mississippi State.rnrnWelcome to the SEC, Mike.rnrnMississippi State will spring some upsets with Leach at the helm. It's just not happening against LSU in 2020.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (7-1)rnrn[nextslide teaser="Alabama%20%40%20LSU" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46719" align="aligncenter" width="590"] TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 09: Landon Dickerson #69 of the Alabama Crimson Tide lines up across Tyler Shelvin #72 of the LSU Tigers at the line of scrimmage during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 9, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)[/caption]rn Alabama @ LSU (November 7) rnA lot has been made of LSU losing a lot of talent from their 2019 squad.rnrnBut Alabama is losing a lot of talent as well. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is off to the NFL. Wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs are gone, too.rnrnThe Tide, however, have plenty of talent returning on defense. And that might be enough to beat LSU at home in November.rnrnUltimately, though, I think this game will come down to which team has the better quarterback play.rnrnIt's hard for me to pick Mac Jones over Myles Brennan.rnrnLSU wins a close one.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (8-1)rnrn[nextslide teaser="South%20Carolina%20%40%20LSU" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_45977" align="aligncenter" width="590"] BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU Tigers greets fans prior to the start of a game against the Texas A&amp;M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)[/caption]rn South Carolina @ LSU (November 14) rnI think the most interesting thing about this game is whether or not Will Muschamp will still be the head coach at South Carolina.rnrnIf I'm betting on it, I'm betting he's not.rnrnThe Gamecocks won't be any match for LSU at home (actually, it wouldn't matter where the game was played).rnrnPerhaps the Tigers will beat South Carolina bad enough that five-star defensive lineman Jordan Burch, who signed with the Gamecocks over LSU, will hit the transfer portal.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (9-1)rnrn[nextslide teaser="LSU%20%40%20Auburn" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46720" align="aligncenter" width="590"] BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU Tigers leads his team on the field during a game at Tiger Stadium against the Texas A&amp;M Aggies on November 30, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)[/caption]rn LSU @ Auburn (November 21) rnI don't feel good about this game for LSU.rnrnIn fact, I think folks are underestimating Auburn in 2020.rnrnThe (other) Tigers are returning Bo Nix and stable of wide receivers. The only question is whether or not the offensive line can overcome losing four starters.rnrnI tend to think it will. New offensive coordinator Chad Morris and Auburn are going to spring an upset, which could possibly keep LSU out of the SEC championship game.rnrn Prediction: LSU loses (9-2)rnrn[nextslide teaser="LSU%20%40%20Texas%20A%26M" /]rnrn rnrn[caption id="attachment_46721" align="aligncenter" width="590"] BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 30: Damone Clark #35 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a sack during a game at Tiger Stadium against the Texas A&amp;M Aggies on November 30, 2019 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)[/caption]rn LSU @ Texas A&amp;M (November 28) rn2020 should be the season that Texas A&amp;M wins the SEC West.rnrnLSU and Alabama are losing two of the best quarterbacks the SEC has ever seen.rnrnBut I don't think the Aggies have enough to overtake either program. They're still a third or fourth place program....at best.rnrnLSU will be rebound after a tough loss to Auburn -- especially with a possible berth in the SEC Championship game on the line.rnrnThe SEC West will be fun in 2020, but it's going to come down between Alabama, Auburn and LSU.rnrnIn other words, business as usual.rnrn Prediction: LSU wins (10-2)

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Early 2020 game-by-game predictions for LSU football

It’s only February, but LSU football’s 2020 season will kick off before we know it!

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