LSU’s College Football Playoff hopes alive and well as emerging contender in muddled SEC

As the 2024 college football season surpassed the midway point, the SEC standings are anything but clear. The preseason conference favorites have faced ups and downs, creating a wide-open path for LSU to make a serious push for SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff (CFP) with a month and a half to go in the season. Despite an early loss to USC, the Tigers remain firmly in the conversation for a postseason berth—and their path has only gotten more interesting as the season has unfolded.

Currently sitting at 6-1 and ranked No. 8 in the country, LSU is one of just two undefeated teams remaining in SEC play, alongside Texas A&M. The two teams will clash next weekend in College Station at 6:30 p.m CT in what could be a season-defining game.

Key Wins Build LSU’s Playoff Case

The Tigers traveled to Fayetteville and handled business against Arkansas, 34-10. LSU held the Razorbacks to just 38 rushing yards, compared to 158 for the Tigers. Freshman running back Caden Durham had three touchdowns.

“For us to run the football and close out the game with a drive of 8:20, virtually running the ball every down, those are the things you look for in a football team that is emerging as a contender,” head coach Brian Kelly said. “Great victory. We have 24 hours to enjoy it then we’ll get back on the road and play the best team in the SEC right now. The only team other than us that’s undefeated. Another great challenge.”

LSU’s emotional overtime thriller over Ole Miss showcased the Tigers’ resilience under pressure, led by Garrett Nussmeier’s game-winning touchdown pass and the 1-2 defensive punch from Bradyn Swinson and Whit Weeks. Of course, don’t forget about early in the season when the gritty Tigers came back from a 17-0 deficit to beat South Carolina 36-33 on the road.

As LSU continues to grind out wins, its resume looks stronger with every step forward.

No. 1 Texas Falls, Setting the Stage for LSU

The national landscape shifted dramatically when No. 1 Texas fell to No. 5 Georgia, 30-15, Saturday night. The Longhorns’ loss changes the SEC playoff dynamics, and for LSU, it sets the stage for their next few games to have an even bigger impact.

With Texas A&M now looming, the winner of this matchup will take control of the SEC. If LSU can secure a win, they’ll be in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot. The Tigers will still have challenging games ahead, but a win over the Aggies would put them in prime position as the SEC race tightens.

A Chaotic SEC Offers Opportunity

This season, the SEC has been a full of surprises. Alabama and Georgia have losses, opening the door for new contenders to step up late in the season. With LSU and Texas A&M the last two standing without a conference loss, this next game could be pivotal in determining who holds the keys to the SEC Championship.

Kelly on the chaotic SEC season and where LSU stands: “I think it’s pretty clear that this group understands (the playoff picture) now. Especially with one game on the road then a bye week and then three out of four at Tiger Stadium. I think they can now sense that they’ve put themselves in a pretty good position. Now, they’ve got to go earn it again on the road but there’s clearly a different way that they perceive the next six weeks.

“I think by their standards, they believe they’re getting better and I believe they are getting better each week. This is a good time to get better later in the year.”

After A&M, LSU could make the postseason race a lot clearer by winning out, by going through Alabama, at Florida, Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.

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LSU’s Offense and Defense on the Rise

Nussmeier continues to lead the Tigers with confidence, and his connection with wide receiver Kyren Lacey and tight end Mason Taylor has made the offense increasingly dangerous. He didn’t throw a touchdown against Arkansas but the Tigers didn’t need him to as the team leaned on the defense, Durham’s rushing attack and kicker Damian Ramos, who finished 4 for 4 on field goals. LSU’s offensive line has held strong protecting Nussmeier throughout the season, but, the group had several pre-snap penalties against Arkansas.

On the defensive side, Swinson is putting together a season for the ages. With seven sacks already, he’s eyeing Arden Key’s LSU single-season sack record. With Harold Perkins Jr. out for the season, Weeks has stepped up as one of the best linebackers in the country. Kelly called him an “elite” linebacker in the league. The sophomore had 27 total tackles in the last two games, and flies around the field for Blake Baker’s defense creating havoc and turnovers.

Controlling Their Own Destiny

As the only undefeated teams in SEC play, LSU and Texas A&M have a lot on the line in their upcoming primetime matchup. In a season where anything can happen, the Tigers still hold their fate in their own hands with a path to the College Football Playoff as alive as ever.