The 2024 college football season was one full of ups and downs, and as the season came to a close, teams across the nation awaited the final AP Top 25 Poll. For LSU football, the final rankings were a significant reflection of both its successes and struggles throughout the year. This piece will explore LSU’s position in the final rankings, analyzing their journey, key performances, and how they ultimately landed in the last AP Poll of the season.
Overview of LSU’s 2024 Season
The LSU Tigers entered the 2024 season with high expectations after a strong 2023 campaign under head coach Brian Kelly. LSU had shown flashes of brilliance in 2023, finishing with a strong record and earning a New Year’s Six bowl appearance, which made them a team to watch in 2024. With a dynamic offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and a defense that, despite some question marks, had potential, LSU was positioned as one of the top contenders in the SEC.
However, the 2024 season did not come without its challenges. LSU had some remarkable highs, including a statement victory over top-ranked opponents, but also endured some lows that would ultimately impact their standing in the rankings. From losing key games in the SEC to facing injuries that affected their roster depth, LSU’s 2024 campaign was a mixture of triumph and disappointment.
LSU’s Key Games and Results in 2024
The Tigers’ season was defined by a series of high-profile games in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), where competition was fierce and every game carried significant weight in the standings. A few key moments stood out:
1. The Texas A&M Game
One of the most thrilling moments of LSU’s season came early on when they squared off against Texas A&M. The Tigers were considered a favorite going into the matchup, but the Aggies put up a strong fight. Jayden Daniels showed his dual-threat ability, and LSU’s offense was clicking, but they also faced challenges defensively. A close win against Texas A&M provided LSU with a much-needed confidence boost.
2. The Alabama Loss
When LSU traveled to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama, the expectations were high. Alabama, always a powerhouse in the SEC, was looking to bounce back after some early-season struggles. Despite a valiant effort from LSU, the Tigers were outmatched in the end. The loss to Alabama was significant not only because of the defeat itself but because it damaged LSU’s chances of securing a berth in the SEC Championship Game. Jayden Daniels played well in the loss, but the defense couldn’t stop Alabama’s balanced attack, and that defeat would be a turning point for LSU’s season.
3. The Florida Loss
Another loss that would impact LSU’s final standing in the AP Poll came when they faced Florida. This game was critical for both teams, as Florida had already established itself as a top contender in the SEC East, and LSU needed to keep pace with the league’s best. Unfortunately, despite home-field advantage and another strong performance from Daniels, LSU struggled defensively. The loss to Florida, combined with their earlier defeat to Alabama, put LSU in a difficult position heading into the final stretch of the season.
4. The Ole Miss Win
One of the key victories for LSU came in a thrilling contest against Ole Miss. The Rebels had been one of the surprise teams of the SEC, and LSU knew this matchup would be vital to their postseason hopes. A dominant performance from the offense, particularly the continued brilliance of Daniels, helped LSU secure a crucial win. It wasn’t just a win for the record book; it was a confidence-boosting victory that kept LSU in the conversation for a spot in the New Year’s Six bowls and the rankings.
5. The Georgia SEC Championship Game
LSU’s hopes of making the College Football Playoff were dashed when they met Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. The Bulldogs, reigning national champions, were as dominant as ever, and LSU could not match their intensity or execution on both sides of the ball. The loss to Georgia was a tough one, but it was expected given Georgia’s elite status and depth. Nonetheless, it was a reminder of how much work LSU still had to do to reach the very top of the SEC.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Offense: A High-Flying Unit
Throughout the 2024 season, LSU’s offense, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, was one of the more potent attacks in the nation. Daniels continued to impress with his passing and running ability, making him a serious Heisman contender. He had a wealth of weapons at his disposal, including standout wide receivers, a dynamic running back corps, and a solid offensive line. The offense was capable of putting up points against some of the toughest defenses in the country.
However, LSU’s offense had its inconsistencies. At times, they struggled to execute in critical moments, especially against top-tier SEC defenses like Alabama and Georgia. Despite Daniels’ heroics, LSU couldn’t always find a way to close out games against the best teams in the conference.
Defense: A Work in Progress
Defensively, LSU had some bright spots but also major areas of concern. The defensive line, with its strong pass rush, was one of LSU’s strengths. However, their secondary was inconsistent, and they struggled to contain explosive offenses. In games like the loss to Florida and Alabama, LSU’s defense was unable to get off the field when it mattered most, and that was a critical factor in their defeats.
Despite these shortcomings, LSU’s defense did show improvement as the season progressed. Young players stepped up, and by the end of the year, the defense was playing better than it had at the start. However, the early-season struggles were enough to hold the Tigers back from being a true championship contender.
Final AP Top 25 Poll: LSU’s Ranking
When the final AP Top 25 Poll was released, LSU had finished in the No. 14 spot. This ranking was a fair reflection of their season—showing that while they were a competitive team, they fell short in some key areas that ultimately kept them out of the upper echelon of college football.
Why LSU Ranked No. 14
The No. 14 ranking was indicative of a team that had a solid season but was not elite. LSU had impressive wins over teams like Ole Miss and Texas A&M, but their losses to Alabama, Florida, and Georgia were significant blemishes that affected their ranking. The Tigers were certainly one of the top 25 teams in the country, but they were not able to break into the top 10 due to their struggles in critical games.
Moreover, LSU’s ranking was a reflection of the strength of their conference. The SEC had multiple teams in the top 10, and LSU’s losses to those teams, while disappointing, were understandable given the high level of competition. With a 9-4 record, LSU was still considered one of the better teams in the nation, but they had room to improve if they hoped to reach the level of the true national title contenders.
Looking Ahead: LSU’s Future
As LSU looks toward the 2025 season, the future remains bright. Jayden Daniels, if he decides to return for another season, will continue to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. The Tigers also have a talented recruiting class on the way, with key players expected to contribute immediately. If LSU can continue to improve on defense and shore up its consistency, the Tigers could very well be back in the hunt for a playoff spot in the near future.
While 2024 was not the dream season many fans had hoped for, LSU remains a formidable force in the SEC and college football as a whole. With a strong coaching staff, a top-tier quarterback, and the potential for further growth, LSU is well-positioned to be a contender for years to come.
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