Why the 2020 season is going to get a lot worse for LSU football
By Zach Ragan
LSU football is not off to a good start in 2020.
It goes without saying that LSU football is off to a disastrous start in 2020.
When the Tigers’ 10 game conference only schedule was revealed earlier this fall, I was certain that LSU would be 3-0 heading into a key mid-October matchup with the Florida Gators.
Instead, Ed Orgeron’s squad is 1-2 and in danger of suffering their third loss of the year less than a month into the season.
No one expected LSU to dominate in 2020 as they did in 2019. But no one expected this, either.
And to add to the bad vibes, there’s a stat that makes the Tigers’ slow start look even worse.
LSU football is winning the turnover battle
Typically when a team is in a funk, turnovers are to blame.
Nothing kills momentum like an ill-timed interception or fumble.
But believe it or not, LSU is actually winning the turnover battle through the first three games of the year.
The Tigers’ turnover margin is currently +6.
Most 1-2 teams probably aren’t +6 in the turnover margin.
This is bad. Real bad.
It essentially means that LSU is being viciously outplayed.
LSU is actually playing pretty well on offense — the Tigers are averaging 38 points per game (No. 17 in the nation).
Defensively, though, it’s a disaster.
Bo Pelini’s defense is giving up 32 points per game. That number is helped a bit by Vanderbilt’s anemic offensive showing in week two. Take out the Vandy matchup and LSU is giving up over 40 points a game. That’s not good when you realize that Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss are still on the schedule. The Tigers haven’t even got to the hard part of their schedule yet.
It seems unlikely that LSU will continue to win the turnover margin. Which means things could potentially get a lot worse this season.
Next. Missouri takes a shot at LSU. dark
Brace yourself if you’re an LSU fan — it’s going to be a rough fall.
But don’t worry — Coach O has been here before. He knows how to right the ship and I’m confident that LSU — thanks to the talent on the roster and the talent on the way — will be a much better team in 2021.