LSU Football: Phil Steele doesn’t believe in the Tigers
By Zach Ragan
LSU football has some doubters heading into the 2020 season.
One of the big debates this offseason has been whether or not LSU football can repeat its success from 2019.
The Tigers lost an insane amount of talent from their national championship-winning squad to the NFL. 14 LSU players were selected in the 2020 NFL Draft and several other contributors signed with teams as undrafted free agents.
But the Tigers are still a team ripe with talent. Quarterback Myles Brennan, who will replace Joe Burrow, has a big arm. And he has all-world wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to throw the ball to (along with Terrace Marshall Jr and Racey McMath).
And did I mention cornerback Derek Stingley? He’s not just the best cornerback in the nation, he might be the best college football player in the nation.
While I don’t expect LSU to dominate in 2020 the way they did in in 2019 (that was a once-in-a-lifetime team), I still think they have a legitimate shot at repeating as SEC West champs and reaching the College Football Playoff for a second straight season.
But what do the experts think?
Phil Steele doesn’t believe in LSU football
Phil Steele is one of the most respected college football analysts in the country. His annual preseason preview is a staple for college football fans and reporters.
But Steele, like the rest of us, is human. He doesn’t always get it right.
And I think his view of LSU is one of those instances.
Steele’s SEC predictions were recently revealed (via 247Sports) and he has the Tigers finishing third in the SEC West, behind Alabama and Texas A&M.
“Naturally, they will take a step back this year but still have plenty of talent and they get Alabama at home, so they’ll still be a threat in the West. LSU is just No. 129 on my experience chart,” wrote Steele.
I think Steele is making the same mistake that most other analysts are making. Instead of looking at the talent LSU currently has, he’s looking at the talent they lost.
Next. LSU could steal 4-star recruit from Alabama. dark
The Tigers have what they need to win the SEC West. They may not cruise like they did last season, but I don’t think they’re finishing in third, either.