LSU Tigers and Brian Kelly have three critical factors to address if they want to make the College Football Playoffs.
As the LSU Tigers continue to navigate the highly competitive landscape of college football under Head Coach Brian Kelly, there are several key areas that the team must address to make a legitimate push for the College Football Playoffs (CFP). The road to the playoffs is no easy feat, and even with a talented roster and a seasoned coach like Kelly, there are crucial elements that can determine success or failure. The following three factors are essential for the Tigers to become serious contenders for the CFP and ultimately reach the pinnacle of college football.
At the heart of any championship contender is a quarterback who can lead the team with consistency and make plays when the game is on the line. For LSU, this position has been a topic of concern in recent seasons. While the team boasts a talented roster, the quarterback play has been inconsistent, and it’s clear that for LSU to make a deep playoff run, they must find stability and excellence at the most important position on the field.
In 2022, LSU’s quarterback situation was a revolving door. The team began the season with Myles Brennan as the starting quarterback, but after injuries and inconsistency, he stepped down midseason. This opened the door for Jayden Daniels, who showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency throughout the season. Daniels had moments of greatness, particularly with his dual-threat ability, but his development as a pocket passer remained a work in progress.
Heading into 2023, Brian Kelly’s focus must be on finding a starting quarterback who can consistently deliver on all three phases of the game: making accurate throws, reading defenses, and managing the game in critical moments. Jayden Daniels, now entering his senior season, has the experience, but he must take the next step in his development. To make a legitimate run at the CFP, LSU will need him to become more of a traditional pocket passer who can connect on deep balls, lead scoring drives, and make quick decisions under pressure. If Daniels can develop a stronger connection with his receivers and limit turnovers, LSU’s offense will be much more dangerous.
Behind every successful quarterback is a strong offensive line, and this is another area where LSU needs improvement. Inconsistent offensive line play has been a recurring issue for the Tigers in recent seasons. The offensive line must give the quarterback time to operate and create running lanes for the backfield. Without solid protection, even the most talented quarterbacks can struggle.
For LSU to compete with the best teams in the nation, the offensive line must step up. This includes not only pass protection but also being able to establish a consistent running game to balance the offense. Coach Brian Kelly must work with offensive line coach Brad Davis to ensure that the unit has the depth and skill to compete against the defensive lines of the SEC powerhouses.
In addition to the quarterback and offensive line, LSU’s wide receivers must be a major part of the offensive success. The Tigers have a history of producing elite wide receivers, and the current group has the talent to continue that tradition. Key receivers like Malik Nabers and Jack Bech have shown promise, but LSU will need consistent playmaking from the wideout position to keep defenses honest and open up the offense.
If Daniels can develop chemistry with these playmakers and trust his offensive line to give him time, LSU will have the ability to compete with any team in the nation.
LSU’s defense has long been one of the team’s strongest assets, and under Brian Kelly, there is a need to continue developing that defensive identity. Historically, LSU has been known for its stout, physical defense that can shut down opposing offenses. However, in recent years, the defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in the secondary. With the SEC packed with potent offenses, LSU cannot afford to have a defense that struggles against high-powered passing attacks.
The most glaring issue in LSU’s defense is the secondary. While the Tigers have talent in the defensive backfield, including players like Greg Brooks Jr. and Major Burns, there have been lapses in coverage and struggles to prevent big plays. With high-octane offenses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss dominating the SEC, LSU must tighten up its pass coverage and ensure that they are not susceptible to explosive passing games.
To address this, Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Matt House need to place a heavy emphasis on improving communication in the secondary. The cornerbacks and safeties must be disciplined, read the quarterback’s eyes, and make key tackles in open space. LSU’s pass rush will also need to be a factor in pressuring opposing quarterbacks to throw early, which would make life easier on the secondary.
While the secondary needs improvement, LSU’s front seven also plays a crucial role in ensuring defensive success. The Tigers need to generate a consistent pass rush and stifle the running game, forcing opposing offenses into difficult third-down situations. Players like Maason Smith, who is a dominant force on the defensive line, are crucial to disrupting offensive schemes and providing the secondary with opportunities to make plays.
In addition to creating pressure, the linebackers must be able to read plays and cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. The defense as a whole must improve in stopping the run and preventing big chunk plays. If LSU can improve in these areas, they will be much more capable of competing against the best offenses in the country.
The final key factor for LSU to address is their special teams play and the ability of Brian Kelly and his coaching staff to make the right decisions in critical moments. In many playoff-caliber teams, special teams play often goes unnoticed, but it can be the difference between winning and losing close games. A blocked field goal, a muffed punt, or a bad return can swing momentum and cost a team an opportunity to reach the playoffs. LSU must address these issues if they are to become a complete and well-rounded team.
Special teams play in college football often gets overlooked, but the importance of solid kicking, punting, and return game cannot be overstated. LSU needs to ensure they have reliable kickers and punters who can pin opponents deep or convert clutch field goals when needed. This is an area where LSU has been inconsistent in recent years. A missed extra point or a poor punt can be a momentum killer in critical moments, particularly in games against top-tier SEC competition.
Additionally, LSU must improve in the return game. The ability to flip the field with a dynamic return game can provide a huge advantage. If LSU can capitalize on special teams, they’ll have an edge in close games, particularly in high-stakes matchups in the SEC.
Brian Kelly’s experience and leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the Tigers are well-coached in crucial moments. College football games, especially those with playoff implications, often come down to key decisions made by the coaching staff. From clock management to play-calling in critical situations, Kelly’s ability to make the right choices in high-pressure moments will be a major factor in LSU’s success.
In games where the Tigers are facing stiff competition, Kelly must also make sure his team stays disciplined and avoids unnecessary penalties that can kill momentum. The coaching staff must instill a winning mentality in the players, ensuring they can handle the pressure of big games and execute when it matters most.
The LSU Tigers have all the tools to be a CFP contender under Brian Kelly. With talented players on both sides of the ball, a strong coaching staff, and the history of success that the program carries, LSU is poised to compete with the best teams in college football. However, for the Tigers to make a serious push for the playoffs, they must address three critical factors: quarterback play and offensive consistency, defensive dominance with an improved secondary, and special teams play along with strong coaching decisions in critical moments. If LSU can improve in these areas, they have a strong chance of reaching the College Football Playoff and potentially competing for a national championship.
