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LSU Football: 5 Takeaways from breakthrough 2018 season

By John Mitchell

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU Tigers waits to take the field before the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between LSU and Central Florida at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU Tigers waits to take the field before the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between LSU and Central Florida at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3. There’s still a big gap between Alabama and LSU

As promising as this season was on the Bayou, there was still an elephant in the room that can’t be blocked out by 10 wins or a Fiesta Bowl trophy.

LSU’s 29-0 loss at home to Alabama, their eighth straight defeat at the hands of Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, showed that LSU was no closer to overtaking Alabama than they’ve been over this futile streak.

LSU came into the game ranked No. 3, and for two weeks the hype was built up that this was going to be the time the Tigers finally got the better of the Crimson Tide when the sun set on Death Valley.

Instead, LSU was never competitive, falling behind 16-0 at the half and ultimately suffering a 29-point defeat. Alabama managed nearly 600 yards of offense; LSU couldn’t even muster 200. The loss showed that the gap was as big as it has ever been.

One of the main reasons Orgeron had the interim tagged removed and the full-time head coaching gig was handed to him was his promise, and his plan, to beat Alabama. He’s now winless in three tries against the Crimson Tide, and will be facing a fourth loss to Saban’s Tide unless LSU can go on the road in 2019 and knock the Tide off in Bryant-Denny.

As much goodwill as Coach O built with this breakthrough campaign, it won’t last unless he can deliver on his promise, summit Mount Saban, and plant the purple and gold flag at its peak.

Another loss or two to the Crimson Tide will crank up the heat on Orgeron’s seat, and could lead to an unceremonious end to his dream position regardless of the amount of games he wins against teams not named Alabama.

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