LSU Football: Tigers rising in 247Sports’ top 25 rankings
By Zach Ragan
It’s only February, but that isn’t stopping LSU football from rising in 247Sports’ top 25 rankings.
Last week, the Tigers were ranked No. 18 in 247Sports writer Sam Hellman’s top 25.
On Tuesday, 247Sports writer Sonny Shipp revealed his updated top 25 and LSU made quite a jump.
Shipp has the Tigers ranked as the No. 12 team in the nation.
Is this a fair ranking for LSU Football?
I’m actually a bit surprised at Shipp ranking LSU so high (I felt like the Tigers were disrespected throughout last offseason….even though a lot of folks were right to be down on LSU).
So why does Shipp have the Tigers inside the top 12?
It has a lot to do with LSU’s returning production.
“20 starters back and three top 5 recruiting classes has LSU primed for a bounce back year,” wrote Shipp. “The Tigers have some momentum from two straight victories to close out the season.”
The very reason that folks were down on LSU last season — number of starters returning — is the exact reason that there’s optimism surrounding the Tigers entering the 2021 season.
Of course, just because there’s optimism surrounding LSU, doesn’t mean there’s not some doubt, too.
LSU replaced half of their staff this offseason, which means there will be some questions to answer.
“Everything hinges on how quickly the five new assistant coaches make their mark, along with the dedication to the offseason strength and conditioning program that was lacking in 2020.” noted Shipp.
The 2021 season will essentially be Ed Orgeron’s attempt to prove that the 2019 season wasn’t a fluke.
LSU signed a top DT class in 2021. dark. Next
I believe in Coach O and what he’s doing at LSU. But his team is going to have to show a lot of progress on the field in 2021 to prove he has staying power in the SEC.