LSU is heading into November sitting at 14th in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, a tough spot made even tougher because they are one of four top-15 teams out there with *zero* ranked wins this season. For first-year coach Lane Kiffin, this is it, folks. The margin for error is razor-thin as they dive headfirst into a brutal month that’s gonna make or break their season.
The “Wins” That Didn’t Stick
This isn’t just about the CFP committee being harsh, it’s about what LSU has shown so far. They’ve dropped games on the road against Ole Miss and Kentucky, which stings, but what really messes with the resume are those wins that just haven’t aged well. Remember when they beat Texas A&M and Mississippi State? Well, the Aggies’ offense has completely tanked since, and Mississippi State’s whole season fell apart after quarterback Kamario Taylor went down with a season-ending toe injury against Alabama, leading to four straight losses. Ouch. The committee is looking at everything, and while LSU’s game control (No. 4 nationally), strength of schedule (23rd), and strength of record (16th) metrics are decent, those quality wins are just *not there*.
Kiffin’s Toughest Gauntlet Yet
Now, Kiffin and LSU are staring down the barrel of the third-toughest remaining schedule in college football. This Saturday, it’s the No. 5 Crimson Tide, Alabama. And if you know college football, you know what that means. Kiffin, as a head coach, is 0-5 all-time against Alabama. His overall record against nationally ranked opponents? A rough 13-26. Some are already calling Saturday’s game a CFP eliminator for the loser, but hey, it’s the SEC, anything can happen with this much parity. Still, LSU *has* to start building that attractive resume, especially after missing earlier chances. Kiffin summed it up perfectly: “I think November meaningful games, I don’t mean this arrogantly, that’s what we’ve been used to for a lot of years now, really every year. I’m glad that’s where we are right now, we should be even better position, but you guys know the (one) game that haunts that of the position we’re in, so it is what it is and less margin for error than we would have. We’ve got to make sure that we perform really well against a really good team that’s coached really well.” He’s been preaching physicality and execution all week, because when he watches Alabama, he sees them, and they “look like old Alabama teams.”
After Alabama, it doesn’t get easier with No. 7 Texas, No. 13 Tennessee, and Arkansas still looming. This is the definition of a defining stretch. LSU needs to step up, starting this weekend, if they want any shot at the CFP.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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