247Sports says LSU football is underrated in 2021

LSU football is ranked No. 13 in the preseason coaches poll that was released this week.

That seems like a solid ranking for a program coming off a 5-5 season in 2020 that included tough losses to Mississippi State and Missouri.

But according to 247Sports, the Tigers might actually be a bit underrated heading into the 2021 season.

247Sports gave their take on overrated and underrated teams in the preseason coaches top 25 and they have LSU in the underrated column.

“Max Johnson is certainly capable of putting up SEC-leading numbers with the weapons the Tigers possess on the outside and in the backfield,” wrote 247Sports’ Brad Crawford.

“Ultimately, LSU’s worth this fall will be determined by its play defensively as the Tigers overhauled their philosophy a bit to simplify things with a new coordinator,” added Crawford.

LSU Football is underrated in 2021?!?!?!

I agree with 247Sports that LSU is underrated entering the 2021 season.

But at the same time, I think No. 13 is a more than fair ranking for the Tigers.

LSU doesn’t deserve to be ranked higher than No. 13. The program fell short of expectations in 2020, so they have a lot to prove this season. They haven’t done anything worthy — yet — of being ranked No. 13.

However, I absolutely believe that Ed Orgeron’s squad is capable of finishing in the top 10 this season.

The Tigers have the best cornerback duo in the nation (Eli Ricks and Derek Stingley Jr) and one of the top wide receivers in the nation (Kayshon Boutte). The talent is there for LSU to compete for an SEC championship — they just have to prove that they’ve put last year behind them.

If LSU takes down UCLA on the road in week one, I’m fairly certain the “underrated” label will be shed by the Tigers.