A win over FSU could usher in a banner year for LSU

LSU vs. Florida State. Boy, that year went by in a hurry, didn’t it?

Last Labor Day weekend, on a Sunday night, a blocked extra point ended LSU’s hopes of a dramatic comeback. After a 24-23 loss to the Seminoles, those who bet the under on the Tigers’ win total for the season – seven – looked to be sitting pretty good.

You know the rest of the story.

In a stretch of three games from mid-October to early November, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels performed like one of the best players in the country. At Florida, and in home games against Ole Miss and Alabama, Daniels threw seven touchdown passes (and zero interceptions) and rushed for seven more scores.

Earlier in the season, head coach Brian Kelly had implored his quarterback to have confidence and let some throws rip. And, before you knew it, magic dust was sprinkled over the LSU football season.

The crescendo was a 32-31 overtime win over “you know who” Nov. 5. As fans stormed the field, police surrounded the equipment folks on the Alabama sideline. They had to sit there and watch the entire celebration.

Oh well.

But, that was then. This is now.

And, if you are wondering if LSU can live up to its No. 5 ranking in the country, the answer is, well probably.

There will never be an offense in purple and gold like 2019, but the 2023 version has a chance to be special.

Kelly has one of the best starting quarterbacks in the country, an hor d’oeuvres tray full of running backs, a host of talented wide receivers, one of the best tight ends in the nation, and two offensive tackles who could both be first-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft.

And, for a little lagniappe, if Jayden Daniels had to miss time, LSU could turn to quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who could start on most SEC teams (including Alabama), this season.

Defensively, there are a lot more questions. Defensive lineman Maason Smith is suspended for the Florida State game, and the Tigers have a ton of question marks at cornerback.

However, a year ago, not many knew a thing about corners Mekhi Garner and Jarrick Bernard-Converse. And, they both turned in outstanding seasons.

Regardless of what happens Sunday night, and what happens this season, it is time to make a prediction.

It won’t be long before Brian Kelly joins Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson in the big winner’s circle.

Kelly is recruiting well, he has good coaches and, in two seasons, he’s aced the transfer portal.

The present and the future in Tigertown looks down right enticing.

Ed Daniels is sports director at ABC26 WGNO. He can be reached at [email protected].