10
Loading video...
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The College Football Playoff race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, particularly in the SEC. The conference has no undefeated teams in league play, and only Kentucky and Georgia have fewer than two SEC losses heading into November. Eight other teams have already lost at least twice in conference play, with nine teams currently ranked inside the AP Top 25.
With so many strong programs still set to face one another, more losses are almost guaranteed, meaning several teams could finish with three losses despite having impressive resumes. But with just 12 spots available in the CFP, a lot of premier college football programs won't make the postseason.
During Saturday's edition of "College GameDay," Nick Saban named LSU, a program he led to a national title in 2003, as his sleeper pick to win the national championship this season.
Read More on NCAA
"They've scored over 40 points a game. They're only giving up 16 a game. They beat six teams by as much as 20 points," Saban said. "If their skill guys play a little better, and Sam Leavitt doesn't turn the ball over, this could be the team that goes all the way."
More news: Kirk Herbstreit Raises Big Question About Ohio State Ahead of USC Game
LSU enters its bye week at 6-2 overall and 3-2 in SEC play, sitting at No. 15 in the latest AP poll. Lane Kiffin's first season in Baton Rouge has featured some impressive wins, including a 51-10 rout of Clemson in the opener, a 35-6 victory over then-ranked Texas A&M, and back-to-back blowout wins over Mississippi State and Auburn. But they've also had two brutal losses against SEC opponents, falling 32-24 early in Kiffin's return to Oxford, and recently getting edged out 35-34 at Kentucky.
However, both of those losses came in tough road environments against two other teams firmly in line to make the CFP, with the Rebels sitting at 5-2 heading into Saturday and the Wildcats atop the SEC at 7-1. The Tigers' two losses therefore don't look as bad as some other contenders, but they'll still need to finish the season strong to get into the playoffs.
More news: Paul Finebaum Sends Blunt Warning to Florida Ahead of Georgia Showdown
...
More news: Pete Thamel Reveals Surprise New QB1 for 2027 NFL Draft as Arch Manning Slides
The biggest concern, which Saban highlighted, is turnovers. Leavitt has thrown eight interceptions this season, the most in the SEC, including one in each of their two losses. That said, he's looked much better recently, including a 388-yard, three-touchdown performance in Auburn last weekend. Leavitt has thrown seven touchdowns to zero interceptions each of LSU's last two games, both of which they won handily.
The Tigers still have Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas remaining, the latter two of which will be on the road. That's a difficult stretch of games, but wins over three ranked opponents would significantly strengthen their schedule, and LSU has the offensive firepower and defensive playmakers to make noise once the playoffs begin.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines