As the margin for error narrows following the start of the season, head coach Lane Kiffin is entering a defining stretch for his two-loss LSU team. The Tigers are set to face a gauntlet of nationally ranked competition this month, a run that will heavily influence how the College Football Playoff selection committee views their resume.
In the initial rankings revealed on Tuesday night, the selection committee placed LSU at number 14, positioning them behind six other Southeastern Conference teams. Factors such as strength of schedule, quality wins, and overall performance will be critical in the coming weeks. LSU is currently one of only four teams in the top 15 without a victory over a ranked opponent, joining the ranks of Notre Dame, UCLA, and Wake Forest.
The Tigers' existing wins over Texas A&M and Mississippi State in Baton Rouge have not aged well. Texas A&M has since struggled offensively, while Mississippi State has lost four consecutive games after their quarterback, Kamario Taylor, suffered a season-ending toe injury against Alabama. LSU's previous defeats at the hands of Ole Miss and Kentucky further complicate their standing.
Despite the challenges, several metrics are currently working in the Tigers' favor. LSU ranks fourth nationally in game control, 23rd in strength of schedule, and 16th in strength of record. Looking ahead, their remaining schedule is the third toughest in college football, featuring visits from No. 7 Texas, No. 13 Tennessee, and Arkansas after this weekend's game.
Many observers have labeled Saturday's matchup against the No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide as a potential playoff eliminator for the loser. However, the high level of parity in college football, particularly within the SEC, suggests that neither team can be written off with three games remaining on their schedules.
Nevertheless, it is imperative for LSU to build an attractive resume for the selection committee after missing opportunities on the road against the Rebels and Wildcats. Kiffin, who is 0-5 all-time against Alabama as a head coach and 13-26 overall against nationally ranked opponents, understands the high stakes involved in this contest.
"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," Kiffin said on Monday. He noted that while the team should be in a better position, the loss against Ole Miss haunts their current standing, leaving them with less margin for error.
Kiffin emphasized the need to perform well against a well-coached and talented opponent. He stated that the team must ensure they execute properly to overcome the current defensive and offensive challenges posed by the Crimson Tide.
Alabama's two ranked victories this season came against Kentucky and South Carolina. Although these teams were not in the AP poll at the time of those games, they have since emerged as two of the hottest teams in the SEC.
During the open week, Kiffin preached physicality and execution to his players. He described the Alabama squad as looking like older, established versions of the team, adding, "I do think this is the most talented, when you take the 22, this is the most talented team we've played so far."
The upcoming weekend will test the resilience of the Tigers as they look to secure a victory that could keep their playoff hopes alive in the final stretch of the regular season.
