Predicting the rest of LSU football’s 2021 schedule; updated final record prediction

LSU football‘s 2021 season hasn’t got off to the start that most of us were envisioning.

Instead of a 3-0 record entering SEC play on September 25 against Mississippi State, the Tigers will be 2-1 at best (assuming a win against Central Michigan this weekend).

While that’s not terrible, it’s not ideal, either.

LSU should’ve beat UCLA in the season-opener. And they should’ve looked better against McNeese State this past weekend (a 34-7 Tigers win left a lot to be desired).

So now that we have some information about the 2021 version of LSU, how does it impact game predictions for the rest of the season?

Before the season, I felt like the Tigers would win 9 or 10 games this season. Here’s how I have the rest of the schedule playing out after week two.

Predicting the rest of LSU football’s 2021 schedule

LSU vs Central Michigan — September 18: Central Michigan is far from a pushover. The Chippewas, who are coached by former Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain, lost to Missouri 34-24 to open the 2021 season. This is a team that can hang with some SEC programs. However, I think LSU will be fine. The Tigers have some issues, but this is a team that’s hungry for a win this week. LSU wins (2-1)

LSU @ Mississippi State — September 25: This is a tough one to predict. The Bulldogs are 2-0, but they haven’t exactly looked like worldbeaters. Mississippi State had to rally to beat Louisiana Tech in the season opener. Then they beat NC State by two touchdowns this past weekend. This game is in Starkville. I’m a bit nervous about this one because I feel like Mike Leach’s offense might be able to further expose the issues with LSU’s defense. But at the same time, I think the Tigers’ offense could have its best showing of the year. This will likely be a shootout, but I’ll go with the team that has the better cornerbacks. LSU wins (3-1)

LSU vs Auburn — October 2: The schedule doesn’t get any easier, does it? This is another tough one to predict. Auburn has looked good early this season under new head coach Bryan Harsin, albeit against two inferior opponents (Akron and Alabama State). We’ll have a better idea of what Auburn actually is this season after their matchup with Penn State this weekend. For now, I’ll roll with LSU. I’m not convinced Harsin is the right guy for Auburn just yet. LSU wins (4-1)

LSU @ Kentucky — October 9: I don’t think anyone should want to play Kentucky in Lexington right now. The Wildcats don’t have a talent advantage over many teams, but Mark Stoops has done a remarkable coaching job with a program that’s usually at the bottom of the SEC East. I think Kentucky’s defense could give the Tigers’ offense some real problems in this matchup. I’m not feeling good about this one. LSU loses (4-2)

LSU vs Florida — October 16: I haven’t been that impressed with Florida this season. They’re 2-0, but they haven’t looked elite against two weak opponents. The Tigers beat a Florida team last season that they shouldn’t have beat. This game is in Baton Rouge, which I think gives LSU the edge. LSU wins (5-2)

LSU @ Ole Miss — October 23: Definitely not feeling great about this one. I think Lane Kiffin will have the Ole Miss offense dialed in by late October. The game is being played in Oxford (2023 five-star QB Arch Manning will be in attendance) and I think that will be the difference. Ole Miss will win a shootout. LSU loses (5-3)

LSU @ Alabama — November 6: Alabama, as usual, appears to be on another level. The Crimson Tide are well on their way to winning the SEC West with LSU and Texas A&M not looking like serious threats. I don’t think this will be a blowout, but I think Bama leaves with a win. LSU loses (5-4)

LSU vs Arkansas — November 13: This could end up being the most important game on LSU’s schedule. The Tigers have to win this game. They have a huge talent advantage over the Razorbacks. But Arkansas proved recently (with a win against Texas) that this isn’t the same ole Arky as usual. Sam Pittman has this team in a good spot. However, I still think the more talented team wins this game. LSU wins (6-4)

LSU vs ULM — November 20: Really not much to say about this one. This is an automatic win late in the season that should help LSU in their preparation for Texas A&M in the season finale. LSU wins (7-4)

LSU vs Texas A&M — November 27: This is another extremely tough game to predict. I wasn’t impressed by Texas A&M in their win against Colorado this past week. This is an early look at a matchup between two teams that have underwhelmed a bit this season. Because of the limited information that two games have provided us so far this season, I’ll go with the home team in this one. LSU wins (8-4)

So there you have it. 8-4 for the Tigers. How would you feel about that record after watching LSU go 5-5 last season? Would an 8-4 season give you confidence in Ed Orgeron moving forward?