- Alabama +700 to +600
- Michigan +1000 to +900
- LSU +2000 to +1400
- Colorado
- Michigan
- LSU
LSU has been among the biggest movers in the National Championship futures market, moving from +2000 at open to +1400. Bettors are buying into Kelly’s vision for Year 2, but does he have the roster talent?
The Tigers won it all in 2019, so we know this school can compete for the best players and play at the highest level. This year’s squad returns 15 starters from a year ago, eight on offense and seven on defense.
Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock returns, and his second year leading the offense should lead to better results after averaging 34.5 PPG a year ago. Jayden Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback, emerging in a big way to end the year, while Garrett Nussmeier might be the best backup gunslinger in the country. He has Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, Kyren Lacy, and tight end Mason Taylor all returning, making this one of the best pass-catching groups.
They return four starters on the offensive line and bring in Logan Diggs (1,033 scrimmage yards, 6 TDs) from Notre Dame to bolster the backfield. All things considered, this is an elite offense.
The defense had a glaring weakness a year ago, with the secondary ranking 105th in Passing Explosiveness and 91st in Passing Downs EPA per Play. They surrendered far too many big plays. The staff addressed that by bringing in five transfer cornerbacks, many of whom will provide an upgrade. Star linebacker Harold Perkins returns, creating one of the best front sevens in the country.
The two most challenging games on the schedule are the opener against Florida State and a road game against Alabama on November 4. If they hold serve over the rest of the schedule, they could make the College Football Playoff whether or not they win the SEC West again. There are several scenarios where they earn a bid in the CFP:
- As an SEC Champion
- As a two-loss SEC team that lost in the conference championship
- A one-loss SEC team that didn’t qualify for the championship (presumably with that loss coming to Alabama)
Verdict: Buy LSU to win the National Championship at +1400
