Returning talent and a top-five preseason ranking likely raised the expectations for LSU. The ranking itself is positive publicity for the brand and recruiting, but it adds pressure as well as a bigger target for the opposition. Some expected LSU to win the SEC West<\/a>. Now that we\u2019ve discussed anticipated wins and losses, let\u2019s closely consider both sides of the ball.<\/p>\n Most fans and analysts alike expected LSU to be better offensively in 2023 than in 2022. The Tigers returned their entire offensive line, a wealth of receiving talent, and even added talent at the running back position.<\/p>\n Tiger fans hoped that Jayden Daniels<\/a> would be more decisive and more aggressive passing the ball down the field. Some even thought he could be the best quarterback in the SEC.<\/p>\n In reality, Daniels has ascended from solid to phenomenal. In fact, LSU is third in the country in total offense, and Daniels has more total yards than any other FBS player. Daniels\u2019 statistics are so impressive that his toughness can be overlooked at times. His lack of regard for his body is startling at times, but it reinforces that no moment or obstacle intimidates him.<\/p>\n Thanks in part to Daniels, Malik Nabers<\/a> is second in the country in receiving yards. Brian Thomas<\/strong> is first in receiving touchdowns. As the season progresses, it grows more apparent that this LSU offense is in rare company and should be appreciated.<\/p>\n Notre Dame transfer Logan Diggs<\/a> has established himself as the bell cow running back in a room with eight scholarship players. Diggs has rushed for over 100 yards in each of the last two games. He\u2019s displayed decisiveness, acceleration, wiggle, and vision. There\u2019s no wasted motion with east-west movement in Diggs\u2019 running style. Although his production has been vital, it\u2019s just as important that he does not lose yards.<\/p>\n LSU has exceeded expectations offensively by any measure one could devise. Many expected improvement, but none expected to witness the second-best offensive season in the history of LSU football.<\/p>\n The general consensus coming into the season was that LSU would field one of the better front sevens in the conference, featuring a dominant defensive line. To be fair, there were concerns about the secondary. However, LSU\u2019s success with transfer cornerbacks in 2022 likely fostered the belief that the group would be good enough to avoid being considered a major liability.<\/p>\n The Tiger defense has been inconceivably bad. Opponents have pushed around the heralded defensive line. The decision\/experiment of moving Harold Perkins<\/strong> to inside linebacker failed. In a stroke of bad luck, All\u2013Conference linebacker Omar Speights<\/a> has been unavailable due to injury. As it turned out, the LSU staff shouldn\u2019t have been concerned about their secondary. They should have been panicking. Every opponent besides Mississippi State has had its best offensive outputs against LSU. The ultimate condemnation of the LSU defense is that the Tigers are reduced to celebrating holding an offense to three points. LSU’s defense has not met expectations this year.<\/p>\n With two losses in September, one would have to say LSU has not met expectations to this point. Sure, the Tigers had a disappointing month, but that doesn\u2019t mean they can\u2019t have a season that is successful. The LSU coaching staff should be encouraged by the progress on both sides of the ball. As teams develop into better versions of themselves over the course of a season, that progress on a young team will likely continue to trend in the same direction. The chances of LSU running the table to the SEC Championship aren\u2019t great. The same could be said for the 2022 Tigers, so it\u2019s not impossible.<\/p>\nOffensive Expectations vs. Reality<\/h3>\n
Defensive Expectations vs. Reality<\/h3>\n
Overall<\/h3>\n
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