The 2024 college football season promises to be top-notch, with plenty of exciting storylines in each top conference. After expanding to 16 teams, the SEC is home to several such stories. Kirby Smarts Georgia is still strong. Who will reach the SEC Championship game in December? Can any team that halves Georgia’s performance make it to that game or beat them in the finals? There are some obvious contenders in Alabama and Ole Miss. One unlikely team looking to improve on its 2023 performance is LSU, coached by Brian Kelly.

Georgia finished No. 1 in both the AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll rankings. In 2023, Smart’s men lost to Nick Saban’s Alabama in the SEC Championship game and missed the playoffs. Despite this, everyone is still wary of the Bulldogs because of their strong roster and brilliant coaching apparatus. Looking to improve on his first two seasons at LSU, Brian Kelly has taken Smart’s lead in rebuilding his team.

LSU ranks 13th in the AP Top 25. However, with numerous offensive reinforcements, LSU in 2024 could mirror Georgia’s team from last year. The similarities are too obvious for anyone to ignore! Following the departure of 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, LSU will have the services of 4-star QB Garrett Nussmeier in 2024. Nussmeier got the chance in his 4th year, much like Carson Beck did for Georgia in 2023. Additionally, there are obvious similarities between the Tigers’ RB Kalab Jackson this year and the Bulldogs’ RB Kendall Milton last year. In 2023, Georgia’s offense gained strength by adding some quality wide receivers; the same can be said for the Tigers in 2024. The biggest similarity? The strength of their respective O-lines.

Can the Tigers really pose a challenge under Brian Kelly?

So far, we’ve needed the services of the GOAT Nick Saban to stop Georgia’s progress of the last three years. With Saban retired, the task may be too big for other coaches in the conference. Importantly, Smart is the only remaining coach to have won a national championship. He’s done it twice. Brian Kelly’s Tigers, however, will not rest without putting up a tough fight.

LSU’s greatest strength in 2024 will be its O-line. Emery Jones, Will Campbell, Frazier, Dellinger and DJ Chester – this O-line can compete with any D-line. Also on defense, Harold Perkins is a promising linebacker. The Tigers will be without the services of Malik Nabers, but their wide receivers are still a force to be reckoned with. There are three worthy starters: Chris Hilton Jr., CJ Daniels and Kyren Lacy. The depth isn’t bad either. QB Garrett Nussmeier has something to prove. Replacing a Heisman Trophy winner is no small feat, but Nussmeier has already shown he could have what it takes.

Defense remains a problem for the Tigers. The D-line lacks experience. The same goes for the defensive backs. Despite these obvious weaknesses, however, the offense is just too strong and the team may have enough in the tank to make the playoffs this year. Can it make it to the playoffs? That is the question. What do you think? Tell us what you think!