The LSU Tigers path to the College Football Playoff in 2023
By John Fye
![Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/76c103ef008a5a0450f1a5d1f1214f154d3223b33f9010da414c744d802a8b7d.jpg)
Avenge the 2022 loss to Texas A&M
If there’s a 2022 game that haunts LSU football fans, it’s their 38-22 loss to Texas A&M last November. The game was a reminder that a season’s momentum is lost in one-quarter of play if one team decides to snooze. Credit to the Aggies for showing out in front of their home crowd (in a lost season), but the Tigers undoubtedly slept through half the game. Suffice it to say history cannot repeat itself in 2023.
The LSU Tigers will square off with Texas A&M in their typical rivalry week content on November 26. Thankfully, the 2023 clash will commence in Death Valley. As such, we expect a rowdy crowd of purple and gold on display for an anticipated primetime television slot. Moreover, we think the matchup will have massive implications for the SEC Championship Game.
Call us ‘optimists,’ but we expect the LSU Tigers to kick off against Texas A&M at 10-1 and need a win to secure their place in the SEC title game. Losing will shift the bid to Crimson Tide, who (we think) edge the Tigers in Week 9. However, LSU football controls its destiny during their final regular season game, and Jimbo Fisher will attempt to play spoiler.
If Jayden Daniels and Harold Perkins are in the Heisman Trophy picture, it is because they finished the regular season strong. We like both to have a big night against Texas A&M and lead the Tigers to victory, thus, securing a second-consecutive trip to the SEC Championship Game. As for Jimbo, we expect the Aggies to play better than 2022’s version (2-6 in SEC play) but continue to avoid meeting their hype. As a result, Jimbo’s last game as Texas A&M head coach is played in Death Valley.
How about them Aggies?