LSU — that team from week one that was muffing punts and missing an extra point against Florida State, that team that was severely outplayed against No. 3 Tennessee just two weeks ago — controls its destiny when it comes to winning the SEC and perhaps forcing the committee’s hand in placing them in the College Football Playoff.
As unlikely as it seems, LSU’s dominant 45-20 showing against No. 7 Ole Miss means their game against No. 6 Alabama on Nov. 5 will not only be the first Brian Kelly-Nick Saban SEC clash but also will have the added stakes of being for first place in the SEC West.
The Tigers (6-2, 4-1 in SEC) are aiming not only to beat Alabama (6-1, 3-1 in SEC) two Saturdays from now but also to keep their hopes alive of becoming the first two-loss team to ever make the playoff. No SEC champion has missed the CFP.
For a team that averaged 5.5 wins the past two seasons, LSU wasn’t supposed to be in contention for an SEC title this late into the season. Now that they are, the team will need to recalibrate expectations.
Jayden Daniels turned in a stellar performance for the second week in a row. He went 21-of-28 for 248 yards and two touchdowns and added 121 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He’s been responsible for 11 touchdowns in the past two weeks.
