2024 LSU Tigers Football Predictions and Betting Odds
2023 Record: 10-3 (6-2); SEC Finish: 3rd in SEC West AP Poll: 13th | Coaches Poll: 12th | Head Coach: Brian Kelly 186-69 | 21st Season | Defensive Coordinator: Blake Baker | Offensive Coordinator: Joe Sloan
LSU Tigers Futures Odds (DraftKings)
National Championship Odds: +2000 | CFB Playoff Odds: +120 | SEC Championship Odds: +1000 | Regular Season Wins: OVER 9.0 -105 | UNDER 9.0 -115
In Year 3 of coach Brian Kelly’s tenure, it is time for the Tigers to take a step forward, and that means securing a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. Getting there depends on two key things: finding enough of a ground game to pair with what should still be a potent passing game, and improving the defense enough to be at least average. Answer those two questions, and the Tigers are top-12 material for sure.
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Previewing LSU's Offense for 2024
There is massive change at the top for college football’s top offense in 2023. Garrett Nussmeier takes over at quarterback for Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, and there is also a new play-caller in Joe Sloan. Nussmeier started LSU’s ReliaQuest Bowl win over Wisconsin, throwing for 395 yards and leading the Tigers on a 98-yard game-winning drive. While mobile, Nussmeier will be a classic pocket passer and not the 1,000-yard rusher Daniels was.
The biggest task for LSU’s offense is building a running game around budding star Kaleb Jackson, veteran Josh Williams, and a host of newcomers. Head coach Brian Kelly believes that Kyren Lacy, who spent a 2023 apprenticeship at the swift feet of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, is poised for a breakout season. Also watch for Chris Hilton Jr., Aaron Anderson, and transfers CJ Daniels (Liberty) and Zavion Thomas (Mississippi State). Expect tight end Mason Taylor to be a big part of LSU’s short passing game to aid the rushing attack.
The offensive line may be the strength of the team. It is bookended by juniors Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. at the tackle spots. The only question mark there is redshirt freshman DJ Chester taking over at center.
Previewing LSU's Defense for 2024
Kelly fired coordinator Matt House and his assistants after the Tigers allowed a woeful 416.6 yards and 28.0 points per game in 2023. Blake Baker, formerly at Missouri, is now tasked with making LSU’s defense respectable, if not great. He has a terrific centerpiece to work with in linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., who, in a controversial move, returns to inside linebacker, where he was somewhat ineffective last season. He starts alongside Greg Penn III, a steady presence with 89 tackles in 2023.
The defense will probably only go as far as its linemen take it. Tackle Jacobian Guillory and end Sai’vion Jones must shine, though Kelly’s staff frantically sought to build depth through the portal. The secondary at least has experience, led by Major Burns (93 tackles) at the Star position.
Previewing LSU's Specialists for 2024
Damian Ramos returns after leading the FBS in extra points made and attempted (77-of-77) and making 12-of-15 field-goal tries. Punter Peyton Todd’s next collegiate boot will be his first. Kelly is emphasizing the return game, with Thomas handling most of the duties.
LSU Football Schedule 2024
Sept 1 vs USC (in Las Vegas)
Sept 7 Nicholls
Sept 14 at South Carolina
Sept 21 UCLA
Sept 28 South Alabama
Oct 5 OPEN DATE
Oct 12 Ole Miss
Oct 19 at Arkansas
Oct 26 at Texas A&M
Nov 2 OPEN DATE
Nov 9 Alabama
Nov 16 at Florida
Nov 23 Vanderbilt
Nov 30 Oklahoma
LSU Tigers Prediction: OVER/UNDER 9.0 Wins
For 2023’s best offensive unit, there are a ton of question marks and moving pieces for this year’s edition of the LSU Tigers. On paper, they should be fine. However, with new coordinators, a new quarterback, and semi-challenging schedule, watch out. Games against USC, at South Carolina, UCLA, at Texas A&M, and Oklahoma are not guaranteed victories. Then, throw in games against Ole Miss and Alabama. I do not see this squad reaching double-digit victories for the 2024 campaign.
LSU Preseason Pick
Under 9.0 (-115) (DraftKings)
LSU Best Bets
I do not see this program winning a national title this season or making it to the SEC Championship Game. The best bet for this year is attacking the win total as explained above. Take the under.
LSU -115 on the under 9.0 victories in the regular season
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