LSU's Playoff chances took a dip but, there's still a path for the Tigers

Losing this weekend to Texas A&M meant that LSU no longer controlled its own destiny as they fell out of first place in the SEC which gave LSU a shot at earning an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff. LSU's chances to make the Playoff were always going to be cut down but, you had to wonder how bad it would be.

After the Ole Miss win which gave LSU a signature win, the Tigers playoff chances were at 26.4%, beating Arkansas then gave LSU a 39.7% chance thanks to a few teams taking massive losses. After LSU's loss to Texas A&M, ESPN's Football Power index has LSU with a 21.1% chance of making the College Football Playoff.

Before the Tigers even faceoff against Alabama that number should rise as either Penn State (83.1%) or Ohio State (73.0%) will suffer a loss as will SMU (29.2%) or Pittsburgh (20.3%).

The Tigers can help themselves after the bye week if they hand Alabama (53.2%) its third loss of the season. That weekend we'll see another game help the Tigers out when Georgia (84.4%) takes on and likely eliminates Ole Miss (19.4%).

The percentages don't matter at this point for LSU

The percentages were interesting to look at early on, but now LSU has one clear path to the College Football Playoff. Unless chaos ensues around the country, LSU needs to win out starting with beating a tough but, vulnerable Alabama team at home. The Tigers have the Bye Week to prepare and Brian Kelly has proven to be a solid coach off the bye but, changes certainly need to be made.

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