Paul Finebaum: LSU could control its own destiny for the College Football Playoff

LSU has come a long way since its opener. Many were ready to bury the Tigers after their first loss to Florida State and were already denouncing the hiring of Brian Kelly. Now, after their tenth game, Kelly’s team clinched the SEC West with a win at Arkansas and a little bit of help from Alabama down in Oxford. All this has led to a path for LSU that could lead them all the way to the CFP according to Paul Finebaum.

Finebaum saluted LSU during a recap of Week 11 for ESPN. He gave them the credit he didn’t think the national media would for going down to Fayetteville and getting a well-earned victory considering the conditions and the fear of a trap game.

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“I know, nationally, LSU won’t get much credit for winning that game…But that was always going to be a difficult and almost impossible win. Forget the conditions that were ridiculously cold around the south yesterday…That was a really big win,” said Finebaum.

With their win and a victory by the Crimson Tide over Ole Miss, the stage is set for LSU to make their case to the playoff committee in Atlanta. As of now, their resume features an 8-2 record with their only loss coming to a quality Seminole team. It also includes a 6-1 mark in conference play with their other loss coming to the formerly top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers.

Their inclusion in the SEC title game is the key to Finebaum. That is what has them in the driver’s seat to make some noise in the CFP standings down the stretch of the season.

“They’re in Atlanta. Let’s hit the cliche meter. They probably, for all intents and purposes, control their own destiny to get to the playoff,” Finebaum said.

With wins over the Rebels and Tide already secured, a victory over Georgia on December 3rd is now their objective. Knocking off the Bulldogs and winning the SEC is the endgame for a team that is on the outside looking into the CFP as of now. If they get that win, Kelly and the Tigers will undoubtedly be playing for a national title as one of the last four teams standing.