No, really. Quit laughing, Alabama fans. A new study found that LSU football’s woeful number of NFL draft picks indicates a national title is in the offing.
LSU beat journalist Glenn Guilbeau did a study and found that in years where the LSU Tigers had a low number of draft picks, they emerged to win the national championship. Therefore, based on this year’s draft numbers from the Tigers, Guilbeau predicts an LSU title for the 2021 season.
Amazing Stat. The previous 2 times LSU had only 3 players taken in NFL Draft in 2001 and '05, it won the national champ. 2 years later in 2003 and '07 seasons. And top draft classes followed. LSU had 3 players drafted in 2019. So, national title in 2021?
— Glenn Guilbeau (@LSUBeatTweet) April 28, 2019
Yes, I know it sounds far-fetched, mainly because of Alabama. But Guilbeau does break it down with stats to support his case.
- In 2001, LSU had one of the worst NFL Draft classes in history with only three picks.
- I cannot stress this enough — Nick Saban was the coach at the time. He took the Tigers from 8-4 his first year to 10-3 in 2001.
- Saban then proceeded to sign the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.
- Then, in 2003, another No. 1 recruiting class followed.
- Four LSU players were picked in the draft, which was abysmal.
- Immediately after that, the Tigers won their first national championship since 19-freaking-58.
Guilbeau then points out that a measly two years after only three players went in the NFL Draft, LSU was No. 1 in the country.
The same phenomenon occurred in 2007, with Les Miles at the helm of LSU. In 2005, the Tigers had a horrendous draft with only three picks, but won the title handily two years later.
Now personally, I think this awesome turnaround had more to do with Saban than some wonky draft-related, N’awlins-style football voodoo, but it might be nice to have some new blood in the College Football Playoff. So what the heck — I’ll buy in. Geaux Tigers.