College Football Preview 2024: LSU Tigers
Last year, LSU had the greatest offense in the USA, averaging 0.391 anticipated points added per play.
Jayden Daniels, the Tigers’ Heisman-winning quarterback, has left, as have first-round receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., but the offense remains in good hands. The squad boasts an exceptional offensive line and recruited receiver reinforcements via the transfer portal, and new starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has shown promise when given the opportunity.
The major issues surround the defense, particularly the covering unit, following a disastrous 2023 season. However, if that improves by 2024, the Tigers will almost surely qualify for the 12-team playoffs..
Team Review
Under Brian Kelly, LSU has shown significant progress in his three seasons at the helm. A 10-3 record in 2023, highlighted by a ReliaQuest Bowl victory, showcased the team’s potential. The Tigers’ potent offense, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels, was a driving force last season. While Daniels has departed, LSU’s offensive line and strategic transfer portal additions provide a solid base for continued success. However, defensive concerns, particularly in the secondary, must be addressed to maximize their playoff chances.
2023 TEAM OVERVIEW
Offense
EPA per play Yards per play Successful play rate Explosive run play rate Explosive pass play rate
0.391 8.5 48.6% 23.4% 21.5%
1st 1st 1st 2nd 3rd
Defense
EPA allowed per play Yards allowed per play Successful play rate allowed Explosive run rate allowed Explosive pass rate allowed
0.100 6.1 36.5% 18.0% 15.0%
118th T-104th 95th 115th 88th
Biggest Strength: Offensive Line
LSU boasts one of the premier offensive lines in college football. The standout duo of Will Campbell and Emery Jones, widely regarded as potential first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, anchors the unit. This dominant offensive line provides a strong foundation for the Tigers’ offense, protecting the quarterback and creating opportunities for the running backs.
Biggest Weakness: Secondary
While the offense consistently excelled last season, the secondary proved to be a significant weakness. LSU ranked 92nd in team coverage grade, struggling to contain opposing passing attacks. The team’s efforts to improve the secondary in the offseason, including transfer portal additions, will be crucial for their success in 2024.
Three Notable Transfer Portal Additions
LSU has strategically strengthened its roster through the transfer portal:
⦁ WR CJ Daniels (Liberty): Daniels brings a proven track record of success as a wide receiver. His 87.1 PFF grade indicates a high-level player who can make significant contributions to the offense.
⦁ WR Zavion Thomas (Mississippi State): Thomas adds depth and competition to the wide receiver position. His 71.8 PFF grade suggests a solid contributor.
⦁ S Jardin Gilbert (Texas A&M): Gilbert reinforces the secondary, addressing a key area of need. His 65.8 PFF grade indicates a player with potential to improve the coverage unit.
Three Notable Transfer Portal Losses
LSU has also experienced some departures through the transfer portal:
⦁ RB Logan Diggs (Ole Miss): The loss of Diggs impacts the running back depth. His 78.4 PFF grade suggests he was a valuable contributor to the offense.
⦁ OT Lance Heard (Tennessee): Heard’s departure creates a void on the offensive line, though the team has other talented options. His 71.4 PFF grade indicates a solid player who could have provided depth.
⦁ CB Denver Harris (UTSA): Harris’ transfer weakens the secondary, adding to the existing depth concerns. His 60.1 PFF grade suggests a player with room for improvement.
College Football Preview 2024: Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia failed to win the national championship for the first time since 2020 last season. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs enjoyed an outstanding season by most program standards, going 13-1 and winning the Orange Bowl.
Head coach Kirby Smart and his team will seek to return to the top of the collegiate football world in 2024 with one of the greatest rosters in the nation. Carson Beck, the finest quarterback in college football, was a step up from two-time national champion and Heisman Trophy candidate Stetson Bennett. Expect Georgia to return with a fury this season.
Team Review
Georgia’s 2023 season, while successful by most standards, did not meet the lofty expectations set by the program. The Bulldogs’ dominance in recent years, including multiple national championships, created a sense of anticipation for continued success. However, the team’s performance, though impressive, fell short of their ultimate goal. As they look ahead to 2024, Georgia’s focus remains on reclaiming the national championship and cementing their status as a college football powerhouse.
2023 TEAM OVERVIEW
Offense
EPA per play Yards per play Successful play rate Explosive run play rate Explosive pass play rate
0.286 7.3 45.7% 19.7% 21.1%
3rd 4th 3rd 16th 6th
Defense
EPA allowed per play Yards allowed per play Successful play rate allowed Explosive run rate allowed Explosive pass rate allowed
-0.135 4.8 32.0% 13.9% 12.1%
18th 13th 28th 41st 19th
Biggest Strength: A Complete Team
Georgia’s greatest strength lies in their overall depth and talent across all positions. The Bulldogs were one of only two teams in the nation to rank in the top 10 of PFF’s position unit rankings, showcasing their dominance in every facet of the game. From the quarterback position to the secondary, Georgia boasts a roster brimming with elite talent. This comprehensive strength positions them as a formidable force in college football.
Biggest Weakness: Pass Rush
While Georgia excelled in many areas, their pass rush was a relative weakness. Despite ranking highly in other defensive categories, the team’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks could be improved. The return of key players like Mykel Williams, along with the development of younger talent, will be crucial in bolstering the pass rush and enhancing Georgia’s defensive capabilities.
Three Notable Transfer Portal Additions
Georgia has strategically utilized the transfer portal to strengthen its roster:
⦁ RB Trevor Etienne (Florida): Etienne adds depth and experience to the running back position. His 82.1 PFF grade suggests a talented player who can contribute to the offense.
⦁ TE Benjamin Yurosek (Stanford): Yurosek provides a reliable target at the tight end position. His 66.8 PFF grade indicates a solid contributor.
⦁ WR Colbie Young (Miami FL): Young adds depth and competition to the wide receiver corps. His 70.2 PFF grade suggests a player with potential to contribute to the offense.
Three Notable Transfer Portal Losses
Georgia has also experienced some departures through the transfer portal:
⦁ LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Kentucky): Dumas-Johnson’s departure impacts the linebacker depth. His 70.2 PFF grade indicates a solid player who contributed to the defense.
⦁ EDGE Marvin Jones Jr. (Florida State): Jones Jr.’s transfer weakens the edge rush unit. His 59.1 PFF grade suggests a player with room for improvement.
⦁ QB Brock Vandagriff (Kentucky): Vandagriff’s transfer solidifies Carson Beck’s position as the starting quarterback. His 87.0 PFF grade indicates significant potential, but he was unable to see significant playing time at Georgia.
Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the biggest strength of the LSU Tigers heading into the 2024 season?
Answer: LSU’s biggest strength is their offensive line, which is considered one of the best in the nation. The Tigers have a standout tackle duo in Will Campbell and Emery Jones.
Question 2: What is the biggest weakness of the Georgia Bulldogs heading into the 2024 season?
Answer: Georgia’s biggest weakness is their pass rush. Despite their overall defensive strength, the team struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks last season.
Question 3: How does the offensive line compare between LSU and Georgia?
Answer: Both LSU and Georgia have strong offensive lines. LSU is particularly renowned for its tackle duo, while Georgia has a well-rounded unit that ranked highly in PFF’s positional rankings.
Question 4: What are the key transfer portal additions for Georgia?
Answer: Georgia’s notable transfer portal additions include running back Trevor Etienne, tight end Benjamin Yurosek, and wide receiver Colbie Young.
Question 5: What is the biggest challenge facing both LSU and Georgia as they compete in the SEC?
Answer: Both LSU and Georgia face the challenge of navigating a highly competitive SEC conference. While LSU has a strong offense, they must improve their defense, particularly the secondary. Georgia, despite their overall strength, needs to bolster their pass rush to maximize their potential.
