The LSU Tigers championship quest is still months away from officially kicking off. But, the Tigers have begun spring practice and the team is getting a first look at the new schemes on both sides of the ball. During the off-season, LSU hired Jake Peetz as the new offensive coordinator following Steve Ensminger‘s assignment to a different role within the program. As for the defense, former NFL coordinator Daronte Jones will now take over the defense after Bo Pelini was let go.
Heading into 2021, LSU is a team that could surprise a lot of critics. The Tigers are returning 19 of 22 starters. Losing only three starters could give the team a huge boost going into next season. Of the notable losses, former five-star tight end Arik Gilbert is the most interesting. But the Tigers also lost Jabril Cox and Jacoby Stevens on defense. Plus, LSU’s schedule is favorable for the program to yet again make a National Championship run.
LSU Tigers Championship Hopes in 2021
Quarterback Myles Brennan is back and is expected to be the starter in 2021. LSU went 1-2 with Brennan under center in 2020. However, an abdominal injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. The Tigers also return running backs John Emery Jr and Tyrion Davis-Price. This 2021 Tigers team is loaded with talent yet again.
One thing that sticks out about the upcoming season is the new offensive look that the program will run. It could resemble the 2019 offense that led the Tigers to their fourth national championship in school history. Peetz worked with former LSU OC Joe Brady while with the Carolina Panthers last season.
The fan base has a lot to be excited about as spring ball nears. The spring game is set for April 17 and the fans will get their first look at the new offense inside Tiger Stadium.
Favorable Schedule
For the 2021 season, the Tigers have a favorable schedule. LSU opens the season against UCLA at the Rose Bowl before three straight home games. The non-conference schedule is a solid one with the Bruins, Central Michigan, McNeese State, and Louisiana Monroe all set to square off with the Tigers.
But the SEC portion of the 2021 schedule is where things get interesting. The Tigers host Florida, Auburn, Texas A&M, and Arkansas in Baton Rouge.
On the road, the Tigers travel to Mississippi State, Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Alabama.
The one game to watch is against the Crimson Tide. That game is likely to see an increase in college football betting by the time November rolls around.
While the road slate will be a challenge, the Tigers have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to make another run. Sure, 2020 was a down year at 5-5 for the Tigers. That hasn’t happened for LSU in some time. Even with the talent on the roster, the Tigers struggled everywhere on the field except for the final two games.
With the self-imposed bowl ban now gone, LSU football can finally look forward to making another run at an SEC Championship as well as a College Football Playoff berth.
The 2021 season will be here before you know it. The excitement in Baton Rouge is already starting to build up. As spring practice continues, the Tigers are preparing to be a major championship contender in 2021. As their championship quest is in full force, despite being several months from the season kickoff.
