College Football Playoff Top 25: Final Championship Week Projections
By Zach Bigalke
LSU overcame losses to Mississippi State, Troy, and Alabama to finish the year 9-3 and lock up its place in the final College Football Playoff rankings. The Tigers took care of business against SEC West champion Auburn and closed out the regular season strong with 20-point victories over Arkansas, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.
In his first full season as the head coach in Baton Rouge, Ed Orgeron managed to keep the Tigers competitive throughout 2017. Defense played a big part in getting LSU to nine victories, as they held six of their 12 opponents to 10 points or less. They also benefitted from a one-two rushing punch of Derrius Guice and Darrel Williams in the backfield.
Expectations are always high in the SEC West. After years of falling short under Les Miles, though, the Bayou Bengals appear to be on an upward trajectory once again. They will get the opportunity for the school’s first 10-win season since 2013 if they can take care of business in the postseason.