By: Michael Spiers

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

In Brian Kelly’s third year as head coach, LSU aims to secure a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.

Key to this ambition is developing a strong ground game to complement their potent passing attack and improving their defense to at least average performance levels. If these goals are met, LSU is likely to be a top-12 team when the regular season ends.

Significant changes will mark the 2024 season, starting with Garrett Nussmeier replacing Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels at quarterback, and Joe Sloan stepping in as the new play-caller.

Nussmeier, known for his pocket passing, led LSU to a victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin, throwing for 395 yards. While he lacks Daniels’ rushing ability, Nussmeier’s passing skills are promising.

LSU’s offense faces the challenge of establishing a solid running game, relying on Kaleb Jackson and Josh Williams.

Head coach Kelly expects wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who learned under a pair of 2024 NFL first round draft picks in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, to have a breakout season.

Other key receivers include Chris Hilton Jr., Aaron Anderson, and transfers CJ Daniels and Zavion Thomas. Tight end Mason Taylor, son of NFL legend Jason Taylor, is expected to play a significant role in the short passing game.

The offensive line, considered the team’s strength, is anchored by juniors Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. at the tackle positions. Redshirt freshman DJ Chester is taking over as center.

Defensively, LSU struggled last season, leading to the dismissal of coordinator Matt House and his assistants.

Blake Baker, formerly of Missouri, is now in charge of improving the defense, which allowed 416.6 yards and 28 points per game in 2023.

Key players include linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., who returns to inside linebacker despite previous struggles, and Greg Penn III, who recorded 89 tackles last season.

The defensive line’s performance, led by Jacobian Guillory and Sai’vion Jones, will be crucial, and the secondary, led by Major Burns, brings experience.

Special teams see the return of kicker Damian Ramos, who led the FBS in extra points made and attempted, and newcomer punter Peyton Todd. Kelly places significant emphasis on the return game, with Zavion Thomas expected to handle most duties.

Despite losing top players like Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Jr. to the NFL, LSU’s offense will remain strong, supported by an elite offensive line and a transfer portal reinforced receiving corps. The primary concern on defense will be the secondary.

Improvement in this area is critical for LSU’s chances to make the 12-team playoff.

In terms of roster changes, notable additions from the transfer portal include wide receivers CJ Daniels (Liberty) and Zavion Thomas (Mississippi State), and safety Jardin Gilbert (Texas A&M). Losses include running back Logan Diggs (Ole Miss), offensive tackle Lance Heard (Tennessee), and cornerback Denver Harris (UTSA).

LSU is ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s first Coaches Poll for the 2024 season. The Tigers’ first game is against the University of Southern California, ranked No. 23, on September 1^st in Las Vegas.

Here’s LSU’s full schedule for the 2024 season:

Sept. 1: USC (neutral-site game in Las Vegas)

Sept. 7: Nicholls State

Sept. 14: at South Carolina

Sept. 21: UCLA

Sept. 28: South Alabama

Oct. 12: Ole Miss

Oct. 19: at Arkansas

Oct. 26: at Texas A&M

Nov. 9: Alabama

Nov. 16: at Florida

Nov. 23: Vanderbilt

Nov. 30: Oklahoma