LSU Football Just Misses the Cut in Final US LBM Coaches Poll
The LSU Tigers have consistently been one of the most formidable programs in college football, with a rich history of success on the field. As the 2024 season concluded, the Tigers were left on the outside looking in, just missing the cut in the final US LBM Coaches Poll. This marked a bittersweet moment for LSU football, as they had hoped to end the season among the top 25 teams in the country, but fell just short in a highly competitive year.
A Season of Promise and Missed Opportunities
LSU entered the 2024 season with high expectations. Coming off a strong 2023 campaign under head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers had the pieces in place to make a serious run at a national championship. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returned for his senior season, with hopes of leading the team to a playoff berth. Alongside him, an explosive offense and a defense loaded with talent made LSU a team to watch.
However, the season proved to be one of highs and lows. While LSU had some impressive victories, including a thrilling win against rival Alabama, they also stumbled in key games. The Tigers’ loss to Ole Miss and an unexpected defeat to Texas A&M left them with too many blemishes on their record to crack the final Coaches Poll.
Despite finishing with an 8-4 record, LSU’s strength of schedule and quality of play against some of the nation’s best teams kept them in the conversation for a top-25 finish. However, their inability to avoid costly losses ultimately kept them just outside the rankings.
The Tight Battle for Rankings
The Coaches Poll is notoriously difficult to predict each year, especially in a season like 2024, where several teams finished with similar records and had to be compared on a variety of factors. LSU’s case was particularly challenging, as they had both marquee victories and disappointing losses, which made it difficult for voters to place them definitively in the rankings.
Several key factors worked against LSU’s inclusion in the final Coaches Poll. First, their overall record of 8-4 was solid, but not enough to impress voters when compared to other teams in the mix for the top 25 spots. Furthermore, while their offense was explosive at times, their defensive struggles in key moments, particularly in losses to teams like Ole Miss and Texas A&M, raised questions about their overall consistency.
Another issue for LSU was their performance in non-conference games. While their tough SEC schedule helped bolster their resume, losses in non-conference matchups hindered their chances of securing a higher rank. In particular, the loss to Florida State in the season opener had a lasting impact on LSU’s placement in the rankings, as the Seminoles themselves finished the season strong and received significant attention in the final poll.
Strength of Schedule and Conference Competitiveness
One of the key reasons why LSU remained in the conversation despite missing the top 25 in the Coaches Poll was the strength of their schedule. Playing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) – widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football – LSU had to contend with some of the best teams in the country on a weekly basis.
The SEC is home to powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, all of which finished in the upper echelon of the final rankings. LSU’s close loss to Alabama in a high-scoring shootout and their narrow defeat to Ole Miss demonstrated their potential to compete with top-tier teams. Despite these narrow losses, LSU was able to showcase their ability to hang with the best, even if they fell just short in the end.
Additionally, LSU’s victory over a ranked Arkansas team and their strong performance against Mississippi State and Auburn kept them competitive in a crowded field. However, when compared to other teams with more consistent records and fewer losses, the Tigers ultimately fell short of making the top 25.
Impact of Coaching and Leadership
Head coach Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU has been marked by an emphasis on building a strong, disciplined program that could compete at the highest level. Kelly’s experience at Notre Dame and his ability to recruit top talent has helped LSU remain relevant on the national stage. However, in his second year as LSU’s head coach, the team’s inconsistency led to a season that ultimately didn’t meet the expectations of both the coaching staff and the fanbase.
Despite the team’s overall performance, Kelly’s leadership was praised throughout the season. The Tigers showed resilience in bouncing back from tough losses, and his ability to develop young players, including freshman defensive lineman Jaquez Johnson, earned widespread acclaim. But as is often the case in college football, coaching can only do so much when a team struggles with consistency and execution in critical moments.
Looking ahead, Kelly’s program remains poised for success, but the 2024 season served as a reminder that even the most talented teams need to avoid mistakes in order to secure a spot among the nation’s elite programs.
The Future of LSU Football
While LSU’s failure to crack the final Coaches Poll is a disappointment, it is by no means an indication that the program is on the decline. The Tigers have a deep recruiting class coming in for 2025, and with Jayden Daniels returning for his final year, they are positioned to be a strong contender for a top-10 finish next season.
Additionally, LSU’s defense – which showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season – should benefit from further development and the addition of several top defensive recruits. The Tigers will also benefit from a full offseason to refine their strategy and build a more consistent game plan.
LSU’s offense, led by Daniels, will continue to be explosive, and the return of key skill position players, including wide receiver Malik Nabers, provides the team with a dynamic and dangerous unit. If they can shore up their defense and avoid the costly mistakes that plagued them in 2024, LSU will be a team to watch in the 2025 season.
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