2019 LSU Tigers Football Team Preview: Odds and Predictions

The 2018 season was a mixed bag for the Bayou Bengals, as coach Ed Oregeron’s team started off the year with wins over ranked opponents Miami and Auburn. Wins over number two Georgia and a ranked Mississippi State squad were sandwiched between losses to 20th ranked Florida and top dog Alabama, the latter of which was an embarrassing 29-0 shutout. The 9-3 Tigers capped off their year with a win over the upstart UCF Knights in the Fiesta Bowl.

After ranking in the middle of the pack among FBS offenses the last few seasons, LSU took a step forward in 2018. Their balanced approach on that end helped them improve to 38th in the country at 32.4 points per game, while still managing to field the 26th ranked defense that held opponents to 21.8 points per game.

Stronger.
Faster.
Tougher.
Better.#LSU pic.twitter.com/fKuBVADks8

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) June 4, 2019

Key Returning Players (2018 Stats)

• QB Joe Burrow (Senior) – 2,894 Pass Yards | 16 Pass TD | 5 INT
• WR Justin Jefferson (Junior) – 54 Receptions | 875 Rec Yards | 6 Rec TD
• DE Rashard Lawrence (Senior) – 54 Total Tackles | 10.0 TFL | 4.0 Sacks
• S Grant Delpit (Junior) – 74 Total Tackles | 5.0 Sacks | 5 INT

Quarterback Joe Burrow will get another year to show off the abilities he was not able to display during his Ohio State days. Burrow will be joined by last year’s number two back in Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who is sure to get his fair share of touches out of the backfield. Top receiver Justin Jefferson is also back in Death Valley, along with his sophomore counterparts Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr., who should see increased roles in their second years.

The headliner on defense is without question All-American safety Grant Delpit, who will team up with senior corner Kristian Fulton and a plethora of defensive backs hungry for playing time such as JaCoby Stevens, Todd Harris Jr., and Kelvin Joseph. The linebacking group is also well stocked, with second leading tackler Jacob Phillips manning the middle, while partnering with Michael Divinity Jr.

Key Departures

• MLB Devin White (NFL Draft)
• CB Greedy Williams (NFL Draft)
• RB Nick Brossette (Graduation)
• TE Foster Moreau (Graduation)

Although the Tigers did not lose as much to the draft as they have in previous years, their losses in the draft were tough pills to swallow. The most noticeable departure is middle linebacker Devin White, who was selected fifth overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lockdown corner Greedy Williams is also gone, having left school early for a pro career which will start with the Cleveland Browns.

Other key losses include tight end Foster Moreau, who was selected by the Oakland Raiders, top rusher Nick Brossette, kicker Cole Tracy, and safety John Battle.

Notable Recruits (Star Ratings and Rankings According to Rivals.com)

Why so serious?. pic.twitter.com/epN5EsI9y8

— ³³ (@Treythekiid7) December 16, 2018

• WR Trey Palmer – 5 Star | 6-1, 166lb | Kentwood HS | Kentwood, LA
• CB Derek Stingley Jr. – 5 Star | 6-1, 185lb | Dunham HS | Baton Rouge, LA
• OLB Marcel Brooks – 5 Star | 6-3, 200lb | Marcus HS | Flower Mound, TX
• OG Kardell Thomas – 5 Star | 6-4, 328lb | Southern Lab HS | Baton Rouge, LA

“Coach O” and his staff put in serious work on the recruiting trail, assembling the third ranked class in the nation, which included four 5-star prospects. The Tigers got their pick of the best from the state of Louisiana, nabbing the top corner and guard recruits in Derek Stingley Jr. and Kardell Thomas, respectively.

LSU also added to their talented stable of running backs by locking up the second ranked recruit at the position in John Emery. Their search for talent was not limited to the south, however, as they managed to haul in the top prospect from Utah in 330 pound defensive tackle, Siaki Ika.

2019 Schedule

The Tigers will get their chance to shine on a big stage early in the season, as they take on the Texas Longhorns in Austin. The big game that every LSU fan likely has circled is the road date with Alabama in Bryant-Denny Stadium, a venue they have not won in since 2011. Home games against Texas A&M and Florida will be crucial, as home field advantage could be the deciding factor against these two tough opponents.

Where to Bet on Win Totals and Conference Title Odds in New Jersey

New Jersey residents can log on to 888Sport to wager on LSU’s SEC title odds as well as their win total. With the over/under for wins currently set at nine, over bettors and Tiger fans alike can only afford two losses against a schedule that is far from forgiving.

Number of Games Won – Excluding Bowl Games & Play Offs

Regular season only. Conference championship games do not count.

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