Can the LSU Tigers still make the CFP after devastating Week 1 loss to USC Trojans?
The LSU Tigers suffered a heartbreaking 27-20 Week 1 loss to the USC Trojans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday. They entered the fourth quarter with a 17-13 lead, however, they were outscored by 11 points in the final frame. The loss dropped coach Brian Kelly's team from No. 13 to No. 18 in the latest AP Top 25 Poll.
While LSU has been to the College Football Playoff just once in the 10-year format – winning the national title in 2019 – they entered this season with high hopes. The Tigers are one of many teams looking to benefit from an expanded field in the first season after the change from four to 12 postseason teams.
Here's a closer look at whether or not they can still make the College Football Playoff after the Week 1 loss.
Can the LSU Tigers still make the CFP after devastating Week 1 loss to USC Trojans?
The Tigers still have a shot at making a push for the postseason. Their next four games will come against unranked opponents, allowing them to potentially climb back up in the rankings. LSU will hope it enters their Oct. 12 meeting with the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels with a 4-1 record.
A victory in that game would give their postseason hopes a tremendous boost. In addition to Ole Miss, the Tigers still have meetings with the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners. They also have games scheduled against the Texas A&M Aggies, Arkansas Razorbacks and Vanderbilt Commodores – who all received votes in the latest AP Top 25 Poll – and could be ranked by the time they meet on the field.
Finally, LSU could still win the SEC championship to earn the conference's automatic bid and likely a first-round bye. While the loss to the Trojans undoubtedly hurts, a win over a ranked opponent could help their postseason case later in the year. Furthermore, it ultimately does not affect their conference record.
However, it does hurt their postseason chances. LSU's postseason hopes will ultimately come down to their ability to thrive in a stacked SEC, which has eight ranked teams and five others who received votes.
Do you think the LSU Tigers will make the College Football Playoff this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.