SEC Football - 2021 LSU Tigers Preview
Our LSU Tigers preview 2021 notes that this team’s 5-5 record last season was an anomaly. That mark placed the Tigers fourth in the West. In the prior season, LSU took the SEC Championship, beat Oklahoma 63-28 in the CFP Semifinals, and won the national championship by annihilating Clemson 42-25. Last year, the Tigers averaged 32.0 PPG and allowed opponents 34.9 PPG. As a result of their subpar season, head coach Ed Orgeron replaced much of the coaching staff and convinced most of his starters to come back. Thus, nine starters are back on offense and nine on D.
LSU Offense
There’s competition for the starting QB spot. Last season’s original starter, Myles Brennan, and one of the guys who took over for him when Brennan was injured and out for the rest of the season, Max Johnson, return. Brennan and Johnson were both solid performers. Thus, whoever starts, LSU will have an experienced and skilled backup waiting to go. Two of LSU’s top three receivers return. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte led the Tigers with 45 receptions and 735 yards. He scored five times. Jaray Jenkins, also at wideout, recorded 23 catches for 397 yards and two TDs.
The one-two punch of the rushing unit are back. Tyrion Davis-Price recorded 104 rushes for 446 yards and three TDs. He averaged 4.3 YPA. John Emery ran the ball 75 times for 378 yards and three scores while averaging 5.0 YPA. The entire starting front five return, and they are focused on providing premium quarterback protection and rush blocking.
LSU Tigers Preview 2021 - Defense
Last season, the defense was abysmal, as they allowed a FBS worst 323 passing YPG. Four senior starters comprise the front four. Last season, DE Ali Gaye posted 32 tackles, two sacks, 7.5 TFL, and six PBU, while DE Andre Anthony notched 24 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and four QBH. The team’s leading tackler, LB Damone Clark, is back after making 63 tackles and recording one sack, three TFL, and three QBH. LSU’s other starting linebacker, Micah Baskerville (55 TKLs, 4.5 TFL, 2 QBH), missed spring practice due to academic issues. Junior college transfer Navonteque Strong was impressive in practices and could replace Baskerville.
The secondary welcomes back four-of-five starters. Eli Ricks and Derek Stingley Jr. make up what many consider to be the best corner back duo in the country. Ricks posted four interceptions and five PBU, while Stingley was good for five PBU and 2.5 TFL. Ricks ran back two of his picks for scores. Safeties Todd Harris Jr. and Jay Ward grabbed two and three interceptions respectively. Ward also broke up six passes. There’s talent here, but they must find consistency.
Specialists
Our LSU Tigers preview 2021 sees kick returner Trey Palmer as a huge threat. Last season, he averaged 34.4 YPR and scored one TD on a 93-yard run back. Stingley averaged 16.2 yards per punt return and is a major force. In 2020, junior placekicker Cade York won second-team All-American honors as he converted 36-of-36 extra points and 18-of-21 field goals. His longest was a 57-yard boomer. Freshman punter Peyton Todd replaces Zach Von Rosenberg who turned pro.
LSU Tigers Preview 2021 - Projection
Our LSU Tigers preview 2021 projects that this team will find its footing on both sides of the ball and enjoy a winning season. The combination of new coaching staff and veteran players is the perfect recipe for success. However, LSU plays a challenging schedule that includes UCLA, Florida, Mississippi, Texas A&M, and Alabama. Thus, we don’t expect them to top neither the Alabama Tide nor LSU. Third place looks promising.
SEC Football - LSU Tigers 2021 - Predictions:
Third Place - SEC West
Citrus Bowl vs Iowa