2016 record: 8-4 5-3 SEC
Coach: Ed Orgeron (second year)
Sked or alive? Barring an upset at Mississippi State in Week 3, LSU should be undefeated entering October. That’s when the real fun begins: at Florida, vs. Auburn, at Ole Miss, at Alabama. The good news: The Tigers have a bye before visiting Tuscaloosa.
Why they’re here: There’s considerable optimism in Baton Rouge that new coordinator Matt Canada can lead the LSU offense out of the dark ages. Running the ball with Derrius Guice won’t be an issue. But is Danny Etling really the guy at QB? And is Orgeron ready for this after two promising interim gigs?
