The final Associated Press (AP) Top 25 Poll for the 2024 college football season has been released, and LSU football’s position in the rankings marks a reflection of both success and areas for improvement. As the season drew to a close, LSU’s place in the AP rankings became a point of discussion for fans, analysts, and experts alike. Here’s an in-depth look at where LSU landed in the final rankings, the journey that took them there, and the broader implications of their performance.
LSU’s Final Position in the 2024 AP Top 25
In the final AP Top 25 Poll for the 2024 season, LSU football finished in No. 7. This position is a testament to the program’s continued strength under head coach Brian Kelly, though it also serves as a reminder of the inconsistencies that plagued them during the season. While LSU did not make it into the College Football Playoff (CFP), their performance was enough to land them within the top ten, ensuring a major bowl berth and keeping the team in national contention.
Recapping LSU’s 2024 Season
LSU’s 2024 season was a roller-coaster ride, characterized by highs, lows, and moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. After a highly promising 2023 campaign that ended with a strong bowl victory, expectations for the Tigers were high. With a seasoned roster and a formidable coaching staff led by Brian Kelly, LSU had aspirations of competing for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) title and making a playoff push.
Early Season Success
The season began on a strong note for the Tigers, as they managed to secure impressive victories in their first few games. With standout performances from quarterback Jayden Daniels, LSU showed promise on offense, and their defense appeared improved from the previous year. The Tigers quickly entered the conversation as a potential playoff contender, with their dynamic offensive play and solid defensive front making them a difficult matchup for anyone in the country.
Midseason Struggles
However, as the season progressed, LSU encountered some stumbling blocks that prevented them from sustaining their early momentum. A loss to Florida State in the early part of the season was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly as it was a close, hard-fought game. This defeat raised questions about the Tigers’ ability to perform on the big stage and their readiness for the national spotlight.
But it was a midseason loss to Alabama that had the most significant impact on LSU’s ranking and playoff hopes. A defeat in a primetime SEC showdown, where LSU had a chance to control its destiny in the SEC West, dashed their hopes of securing a berth in the SEC Championship Game. Despite a valiant effort from Daniels, who continued to display his dual-threat capabilities, LSU’s defense struggled to contain Alabama’s explosive offense. This loss effectively ended LSU’s hopes of making the College Football Playoff but did not eliminate their chances of finishing the season as a top-10 team.
Closing Strong
After the loss to Alabama, LSU regrouped and finished the season strong. They took care of business in their remaining regular-season games, securing a number of critical victories. Notably, LSU defeated several ranked opponents in the SEC, including Ole Miss and Texas A&M, which helped bolster their resume heading into the postseason.
A key factor in LSU’s late-season resurgence was the continued excellence of Jayden Daniels, who emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. His ability to make plays with his arm and legs allowed LSU to remain competitive in the SEC, and his performance was one of the key reasons the Tigers ended up in the top-10 of the final AP poll.
Analysis of LSU’s Ranking
Finishing at No. 7 in the AP Top 25 is a reflection of both LSU’s potential and its shortcomings throughout the season. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating where LSU landed:
Offensive Strengths
LSU’s offense, led by Jayden Daniels, was one of the most potent in college football. Daniels, a dual-threat quarterback, finished the season with impressive passing and rushing statistics, and his leadership was a driving force for the Tigers. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make precise throws downfield made LSU’s offense difficult to stop, even against some of the nation’s toughest defenses.
The Tigers’ wide receivers also played a significant role in their offensive success. Players like Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. made crucial plays throughout the season, giving Daniels reliable targets in both short and long-range situations. Running back Josh Williams provided stability in the backfield, adding balance to the offense.
Defensive Inconsistencies
While LSU’s offense was often firing on all cylinders, their defense was less consistent. The Tigers’ defense showed flashes of brilliance at times, but they struggled with key lapses in coverage and missed tackles, especially against high-powered offenses like Alabama and Florida State. This defensive inconsistency was a major reason LSU was unable to secure a playoff spot, as they were often outmatched in shootout-style games.
The defensive line, which had been a strength in previous years, showed signs of vulnerability. Despite the presence of talented players like Maason Smith and Harold Perkins, LSU’s defense struggled to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which contributed to their inability to slow down elite offenses.
Special Teams Play
Special teams also played a critical role in LSU’s season, both in positive and negative ways. While the Tigers had reliable kickers and returners, there were a few costly mistakes in the kicking game that proved costly in some close losses. Special teams play is often overlooked, but in a competitive conference like the SEC, even small errors in this phase of the game can have significant consequences.
The College Football Playoff Picture
As mentioned, LSU’s position in the final rankings of No. 7 was not enough to secure a place in the College Football Playoff. Their losses to Florida State and Alabama proved to be insurmountable in the context of the playoff race. However, their strong finish to the season and a couple of key wins against ranked teams helped them stay within the top-10.
The College Football Playoff field in 2024 was highly competitive, with teams like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State claiming the top spots. LSU’s resume ultimately did not stack up against the undefeated seasons of these teams, but their No. 7 ranking in the AP poll ensured that they would still play in a prestigious bowl game, likely one of the New Year’s Six Bowls.
The Future of LSU Football
While 2024 may not have resulted in a national championship or a playoff berth, LSU remains a powerhouse program with a bright future. Head coach Brian Kelly has quickly turned the Tigers into national contenders, and his recruiting efforts continue to bring in top-tier talent. The development of Jayden Daniels, in particular, suggests that LSU has the potential to be a playoff team in the near future, provided they can shore up some of their defensive issues.
LSU’s strong finish to the season gives fans hope that they will remain a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and on the national stage. With another year of experience for Daniels and a promising recruiting class on the horizon, the Tigers are well-positioned to challenge for a playoff spot in 2025.
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