LSU Football’s top five games of 2019 could define the season for the Tigers. Going into the third year under Ed Orgeron, the Tigers have the talent to compete for an SEC West division title and potentially a shot at the SEC Championship. With a new look offense emerging, LSU could go far this season. These five games will determine whether the Tigers can become one of the elite teams in the SEC and have a chance at their first College Football Playoff.
LSU Top Five Games of 2019
The week two match-up at Texas will be an intriguing game. It will be a Saturday night game on ABC. With a 6:30 pm kick, the Tigers will travel to Austin, Texas for a date with the Texas Longhorns. Both teams finished 2018 in great fashion, as LSU knocked off UCF in the Fiesta Bowl and Texas beat Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. From the Texas side, quarterback Sam Ehlinger will be the key for the ‘Horns. LSU’s defense will have to step up and contain Ehlinger from making the immaculate throws he completed last season. Plus, the new look offense under Joe Brady will have it’s true first test with a great Longhorns defense ready. This game has many implications for both teams. If LSU gets the win, the Tigers would be in a great position going into SEC play. A win for Texas would help them prepare for competitive Big 12 play as well.
Intriguing SEC Matchups
The LSU-Auburn game, dubbed the “Tiger Bowl” is always a great game for both teams. Cole Tracy was the hero last year in Auburn as he kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired to give the Tigers a 22-21 victory. This time around, Auburn has a five-star freshman in Bo Nix who is looking to take the SEC by storm and lead the Tigers to another SEC Championship Game. Flashback to 2016 when these two played. LSU lost and Les Miles was fired just a few days after. Could that be the case for Auburn coach Gus Malzahn this time?
LSU and Florida do not like each other at all. 365 days a year. No matter the sport, the hatred between these two runs deep. Florida got the best of LSU last year as Joe Burrow threw a costly interception late in the fourth quarter. This time around, Burrow has to make better passes and the offense has to click on all cylinders to win this one. This match-up has SEC implications every year, and 2019 will be no different.
Tigers Must Win the Big Games
The annual LSU-Alabama game is one of the best rivalry games in all of college football. The Tigers have not beaten the Crimson Tide since the 9-6 overtime game in 2011. LSU has Bama circled on the calendar every year. For the Tigers to finally win this game, the Tigers’ defense has to stop Tua Tagovailoa and Jerry Jeudy. Oh, and there are those stout running backs for Bama. Alabama has had the best of LSU for eight years. The Tigers want to end the streak and stake their claim as the top team in the West.
LSU and Texas A&M played seven overtimes in 2018. The Aggies came away with the 74-72 win, but LSU fought all the way. The 2019 version of this game may not be as high scoring, but expect these two teams to battle until the clock hits zero. In Jimbo Fisher’s second year, many are interested to see if A&M can be an SEC contender.
LSU’s 2019 top five games will play a big part in the Tigers’ success. If they possibly win all five, which is a very big if, LSU could be a College Football Playoff participant. Expectations are high in Baton Rouge this year. But it’s up to the talented players to put in the work on the field and get the wins that matter most.
