2020 Expectations for LSU Football

LSU had a historic, exciting, and unexpected season in 2019. It was one that ultimately lead them to winning a championship, and their quarterback going first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. In the season after, however, it is fair to wonder what this team is going to look like without many of the stars that took them to that final stage. So what can we expect from LSU in 2020?

The best place to start is to look at who is gone. The most notable player is Heismen winning quarterback Joe Burrow. He was followed by pass-rusher K’Lavon Chassion, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, linebacker Patrick Queen, and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. All were taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. Ultimately, LSU set a SEC record for picks in the draft from one team with 13 in total. That doesn’t count in players like Thaddeus Moss, who went undrafted after a season where he began to find his footing with the team.

Losing five players all deemed first round talent is difficult enough. The additional loss of Burrow makes for a difficult situation to be in for the 2020 season.

Penciled in for the start of the 2020 season is is quarterback Myles Brennan, though he’ll be forced to compete with two incoming freshmen. Aside from his competition, one does have to wonder how he’ll fair.

Despite all this change, the Tigers still have the ability to succeed in 2020. With that, it really has to be reiterated that LSU was not expected to preform like they did last year.

It will also help Brennan to have wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on the roster. Considered to be one of the best receiving prospects in the nation, Chase will help elevate any quarterback’s game.

At the end of the day, we won’t know how LSU will do until they play the season; but coaching matters. This coaching staff gives this team a real chance. While the expectation for a second consecutive championship is unrealistic, it’s unfair to count the Tigers out.