On the College GameDay podcast, ESPN host Rece Davis warned that LSU’s two‑loss season could still culminate in a national championship if the Tigers crack the playoff field.
Key points
- Rece Davis believes LSU’s recent offensive and defensive performances make it a playoff‑worthy team despite a No. 14 ranking.
- A win over Alabama at home is viewed as the pivotal game that could propel LSU into the CFP.
- LSU’s schedule includes matchups against Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas, all of which must be won to reach the 10‑2 mark cited as sufficient for playoff selection.
LSU entered the first College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings at No. 14 with a 6‑2 record, sitting just outside the 12‑team cutoff, yet ESPN College GameDay host Rece Davis argued the Tigers remain a legitimate title contender if they secure a playoff berth.
Davis drew a parallel to Miami’s 2022 campaign, noting that the Hurricanes entered the playoff as the No. 10 seed, defeated Texas A&M, Ohio State and Ole Miss, and reached the championship game, suggesting a similar path could be open for LSU.
Davis likens LSU to Miami’s 2022 run
The Tigers have shown a surge in form, posting a 31‑0 shutout of Mississippi State and a 38‑17 victory over Auburn that snapped an eight‑game SEC road‑loss streak. Quarterback Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Arizona State, threw for 387 yards with three passing touchdowns and added a rushing score against Auburn, while receiver Jackson Harris recorded nine catches for 178 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, LSU has limited opponents to 16 points per game under coordinator Blake Baker, and edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen has already tallied nine sacks this season.
Key recent performances and player stats
According to Davis, the first hurdle is beating Alabama at home—a feat LSU has accomplished only rarely, with the Crimson Tide holding a 30‑10‑2 all‑time record in Baton Rouge and the last home win coming in overtime in 2022. A victory over the No. 5 ranked Crimson Tide would give LSU its strongest résumé win.
If LSU can also defeat No. 7 Texas, followed by wins over Tennessee and Arkansas, the team would finish 10‑2. Co‑host Dan Wetzel said that such a finish would likely earn LSU a playoff spot, setting up a potential showdown with Alabama on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Reader questions
What does Rece Davis mean by calling LSU ‘this year’s Miami’?
He is referencing Miami’s 2022 run, where the team entered the playoff as a low seed, won three games, and reached the national championship, suggesting LSU could follow a similar path if selected.
Why is beating Alabama considered LSU’s biggest hurdle?
Alabama holds a dominant 30‑10‑2 record in Baton Rouge, and a victory would give LSU a marquee win against a top‑5 opponent, strengthening its case for a playoff berth.
What are LSU’s key recent player performances?
Quarterback Sam Leavitt threw for 387 yards with three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown against Auburn, while receiver Jackson Harris posted 178 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the same game.
Source: si.com
