Urban Meyer on facing LSU: ‘They just look different’

Urban Meyer likes what he sees out of LSU this preseason. The Tigers are coming off of a 10-4 finish and SEC West title in coach Brian Kelly‘s inaugural season, and many believe they have what it takes to compete for one of the four College Football Playoff spots.

Meyer isn’t quite done making his CFP picks, but has LSU on his radar as a team that could make it. In the most recent episode of Urban’s Take with Tim May, the former coach had high praise for Kelly and the Tigers, saying they look “different” compared to the rest of the country.

“We’re gonna pick our final four on Big Noon this week,” he said. “I’m not quite finished with it. I keep watching film this week and reading up on some of the teams. But LSU, they’ve got a fine coach in Brian Kelly. I coached against LSU. I always tell people, ‘They just look different.'”

Meyer faced off against LSU six times when he was the head coach at Florida from 2005-10, compiling a 3-3 record in those games. He recalled just how talented those Tigers teams were, with the 2007 squad even going on to win the BCS Championship. LSU had several players go on to be high NFL draft picks such as quarterback JaMarcus Russell, running back Joseph Addai and defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey.

This year’s team also features many more players who could go on to NFL careers, particularly on defense. The Tigers have a pair of preseason All-Americans in linebacker Harold Perkins and defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo. They also return dual-threat quarterback Jayden Daniels and his top receiver from last season, Malik Nabers.

LSU will face a big test right away when it takes on No. 8 Florida State in the season opener. With both teams entering the year with Playoff aspirations, the game represents a big opportunity to make a statement early.

The Tigers lost to the Seminoles in 2022, missing a potential game-tying extra point as time expired. However, Meyer likes them to take care of business this time around.

“They’re so talented and that hasn’t stopped,” he said. “NFL player ratio, they’re right at the top right now. So that’s gonna be a very talented team. I pick LSU in this game.”

We’ll see whether the LSU can live up to Meyer’s hype when it kicks off against Florida State at 6:30 p.m. CT on Sunday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.