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LSU football: 5 reasons to buy into the Tigers hype train for 2023

By John Fye

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) hands the ball off to running back Noah Cain (21) during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) hands the ball off to running back Noah Cain (21) during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples talks with cornerback Ralph Walker (41), cornerback Everett Garard (31), and safety Jay Ward (5) before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples talks with cornerback Ralph Walker (41), cornerback Everett Garard (31), and safety Jay Ward (5) before the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5 – Coaching continuity

LSU football will enjoy coaching continuity unheard of in Baton Rogue in recent seasons. The Tigers return virtually the same coaching staff from 2022, except for the special teams coordinator.

LSU returning the same head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator from 2022 is a huge deal. The Tigers are the only program in the SEC to return such. As a result, LSU football returns the same schemes, terminology, playbooks, and culture, from a year ago.

Last season, LSU fans watched in frustration as the Tigers dropped a close game to Florida State in Baton Rouge. Such was the result of the program’s newness. The start of Kelly’s tenure included a new coaching staff and a lot of learning. Thus, LSU football looked raw and somewhat unprepared in their earlier games.

Many expected last season’s sluggish start with a new regime in Death Valley. Although Kelly’s squad enjoyed spring and summer practices, no practice compares to playing another team. Either way, the Tigers are set to experience the opposite dynamic to begin 2023.

LSU football is arguably ahead of their SEC opponents this spring because they’re picking up where they left off. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is well aware of the talent he has to work with at quarterback. Similarly, defensive coordinator Matt House has an entire season’s body of work to know what right looks like for LSU.

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Special teams were a central area needing improvement for 2023. Kelly realized such and acted by moving Brian Polian to an off-the-field role. John Jancek steps in as special teams coordinator, but in title only. Jancek is an experienced defensive coach specializing in linebackers. He will lead LSU’s special teams efforts, but Kelly admitted he will employ a committee approach in 2023.

Despite the change in the special teams approach, LSU cannot do any worse in such areas for 2023.

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