Stanford Steve questions LSU’s ability to make CFP run

Last season, LSU’s offense looked like one of a potential College Football Playoff contender. The Tigers ranked No. 1 in the nation in both total offense, led by Jayden Daniels at quarterback and two first-round picks – Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. – at wide receiver.

Their Achilles heel, however, was on defense. LSU struggled mightily on that side of the ball, allowing 416.6 yards and 28 points per game to rank 13th in the SEC in both categories. That led Brian Kelly to move on from coordinator Matt House and bring in Blake Baker from Missouri, with Harold Perkins still the centerpiece of the unit.

According to Stanford Steve Coughlin, the coordinator change is something to watch while talking about LSU’s CFP potential. He likened it to a change Ed Orgeron made after the 2019 national title, when he brought in Bo Pelini for the role.

“Taking Missouri’s defensive coordinator, but not still having a belief in the pieces, how much can a great coach do?” Stanford Steve told Andy Staples on Andy Staples On3. “We saw the debacle that was when when Bo went there with Coach O after the title year, and that was still [with] some players on that roster.

“So that’s what worries me with LSU is a new staff, and everybody’s like, what are we gonna do? ‘Alright, we’re gonna simplify things and make us more attacking.'”

Perkins burst onto the college football scene as a freshman in 2023. He was a first team All-SEC selection as he totaled 72 tackles, including 13.0 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He followed that up with a new career-high in tackles with 75 in 2023, along with 13.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Kelly said the plan is for Perkins to stay at middle linebacker, and Stanford Steve agreed with that decision. When it comes to improving the defense as a whole, putting Perkins at middle linebacker – where it’s harder to send multiple blockers – could be important.

“Perkins, as good a defensive player in the country, what’s his role?” Stanford Steve said. “He’s going back to middle backer. I’m not gonna argue and be the guy that everybody, ‘Oh, put him on the edge. He’s the best pass rusher.’ Yeah, but you got to think of your defense as a whole. They’re better if he’s in the middle.

“I get he’s a great – he could still rush the passer from the middle. If he’s on the EDGE, guess where I’m going with the ball?”

LSU will open the 2024 season in primetime on Sept. 1. The Tigers will take on USC as part of the Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium.