Expectations are soaring higher than ever as the LSU Tigers embark on their 2024 season. Introducing the new 12-team format for the college football playoffs has reshaped the postseason landscape, offering more opportunities for teams to compete for the national championship. Under this new system, an unblemished record is no longer required for playoff qualification. However, teams must still dominate their opponents to secure one of the coveted 12 spots.
For the Tigers, this season marks their third year under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly. Kelly’s tenure has reignited the excitement within the program, reminiscent of the glory days of 2019 when LSU captured the national title. Over the past two years, Kelly has guided the Tigers to an SEC title game appearance and nurtured another Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in Jayden Daniels.
As LSU gears up for the 2024 campaign, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what year three under Kelly has in store. Today’s read will break down the toughest challenges on the LSU Tigers’ 2024 schedule, analyzing the key matchups that could define their path to the playoffs.
6. Arkansas Razorbacks: The Arkansas Razorbacks have consistently been a formidable opponent for the LSU Tigers under Brian Kelly’s tenure. The 2024 showdown between these two teams is expected to be no different. However, this season carries significant weight for Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman. With his job on the line, Pittman needs a winning season to secure his future in Fayetteville beyond 2024. A victory over the Tigers could be pivotal in achieving that goal.
The Razorbacks will feature a new quarterback, Taylen Green, a former Boise State Bronco who brings fresh talent to the team. Adding to the intrigue is the return of a familiar face, Bobby Petrino, now serving as the offensive coordinator. Petrino’s history with Arkansas is notable; he was the head coach from 2008 to 2011, leading the Razorbacks to considerable success, including a BCS Sugar Bowl appearance in 2010. His offensive acumen is well-regarded, and his return to Fayetteville brings a wealth of experience and a strategic edge to the Razorbacks’ offense.
With Green under center and Petrino calling the plays, Arkansas aims to present a challenging front against LSU. This game will test the Tigers’ defensive resilience and Pittman’s ability to steer the Razorbacks to a season that could secure his tenure. The stakes are high, and both teams are prepared for a clash that could shape their respective seasons.
5. USC Trojans: The LSU Tigers’ 2024 season opener promises to be thrilling as they face off against the USC Trojans. Leading the Trojans will be Miller Moss, who steps into the spotlight following the departure of 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. Although Moss may not possess the same dynamic skillset as Williams, he benefits from the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley. Known for his offensive ingenuity and quarterback development, Riley is considered one of college football’s brightest minds.
LSU fans will remember Riley from the 2019 Peach Bowl, a semifinal round of the college football playoffs. Back then, Riley was at the helm of the Oklahoma Sooners, and LSU delivered a commanding performance, winning 63-28. That victory was a testament to LSU’s dominant season, culminating in a national championship.
The stakes are high as LSU prepares to open its 2024 campaign in Las Vegas against the Trojans. This matchup serves as an early indicator of the Tigers’ defensive capabilities. Facing an offensive strategist like Riley will test LSU’s defensive improvements, a critical factor for their success this season. A strong performance against USC could signal that the Tigers are ready to contend for a playoff spot. At the same time, any defensive shortcomings must be addressed as they navigate their challenging schedule.
The clash with USC sets the tone for LSU’s season and provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of their offseason adjustments. As Miller Moss takes the reins for the Trojans, all eyes will be on LSU’s defense to see if they can interfere with Riley’s play-calling prowess and secure a statement victory to kick off the year.
Oklahoma Sooners: The Oklahoma Sooners, along with the Texas Longhorns, are the newest members of the Southeastern Conference, and their upcoming clash with LSU on November 30th in Death Valley is poised to be a pivotal showdown. With SEC title and playoff implications potentially on the line, this matchup promises high stakes and intense competition.
LSU and Oklahoma boast veteran quarterbacks expected to lead their teams in top-tier performances this season. The last encounter between these two programs revealed a noticeable talent gap favoring LSU. However, as Oklahoma transitions into the rigors of college football’s toughest conference, the Sooners are determined to prove they belong.
The November 30th showdown will be a litmus test for Oklahoma’s progress and adaptability within the SEC. Will the talent gap widen further, underscoring LSU’s dominance, or will the Sooners rise to the challenge and showcase the resilience and competitiveness required to thrive in their new conference home? This highly anticipated game will provide answers and set the stage for the postseason aspirations of both teams.
3. Texas A&M Aggies: The Texas A&M Aggies have consistently posed challenges for LSU during the Brian Kelly era. In a memorable 2022 encounter, the Aggies dashed the Tigers’ playoff hopes with a decisive 38-20 victory at Kyle Field. LSU avenged that loss the following year with a 42-30 triumph in Death Valley. The 2024 matchup returns to College Station, but this time with a significant change on the Aggies’ sidelines.
Texas A&M has parted ways with Jimbo Fisher, ushering in a new era under former Duke head coach Mike Elko. Elko’s tenure at Duke saw the program evolve into a formidable ACC contender, and the leadership at Texas A&M is banking on a similar transformation in College Station. Elko’s defensive expertise and ability to maximize talent will be critical as he aims to elevate the Aggies’ performance in the SEC.
Adding to the intrigue of this matchup is quarterback Conner Weigman, who many draft experts regard as a potential first-round pick. Weigman’s skill set and leadership will be pivotal for the Aggies as they look to challenge LSU once again. For the Tigers, this game is more than just a chance to secure a win; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate growth and resilience against a team that has previously thwarted their playoff aspirations. The 2024 clash between LSU and Texas A&M promises to be a high-stakes battle, with both programs eager to assert their dominance and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
2. Ole Miss Rebels: The LSU Tigers’ 49-55 defeat to the Ole Miss Rebels in 2023 starkly revealed their defensive vulnerabilities. Allowing a staggering 706 yards of offense, the game became one of the most thrilling spectacles of the 2023 college football season. As the 2024 matchup returns to Tiger Stadium, the Tigers will be fueled by a desire for payback.
However, this isn’t the same Ole Miss team as in the past. Under the guidance of head coach Lane Kiffin, the Rebels have evolved into a formidable contender with aspirations of securing one of the 12 coveted spots in the new playoff format. Kiffin’s strategic understanding and ability to recruit and develop talent have positioned Ole Miss as a potential powerhouse in the SEC.
The Rebels’ roster for 2024 is impressive, with the potential to compete for the SEC title and significantly impact the national championship race. The upcoming clash against LSU will be a critical test for both teams. For the Tigers, it’s a chance to demonstrate defensive improvements and avenge last season’s high-scoring loss. For Ole Miss, it’s an opportunity to solidify their status as a playoff contender and showcase their growth under Kiffin’s leadership.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide: The highly anticipated November showdown with the Alabama Crimson Tide is topping our list. This matchup is one of the most significant games of the college football season, drawing immense attention and excitement from fans and analysts alike. However, this year’s clash brings a notable change: the legendary Nick Saban will no longer be on the sidelines. Saban retired shortly after eventual national champion Michigan eliminated Alabama in the semifinal round of the playoffs.
Former Washington Huskies head coach Kalen DeBoer is stepping into Saban’s formidable shoes. Like Coach Kelly, DeBoer has cultivated a winning culture wherever he has coached. Boasting an impressive record of 104-12, DeBoer’s teams are renowned for their exceptional performance in high-stakes moments.
The LSU versus Alabama matchup has historically been a pivotal game, often determining which team has the inside track to the national title. With the introduction of the new 12-team playoff format, the 2024 encounter promises to be no different. The stakes are sky-high, and both teams will be eager to claim victory and bolster their playoff aspirations.
As the Tigers prepare to face the Tide under new leadership, this game will test their mettle and provide a glimpse into the future of both storied programs. The outcome of this clash will likely have significant implications for the SEC title race and the national championship picture, making it a must-watch event of the 2024 season.
