The LSU Tigers were the center of conversation in the college football world for the entirety of the offseason. After Week 1, the Tigers still have the sport’s attention, but for their on-field actions.
Lane Kiffin and Co. were the biggest risers of any preseason top-10 team in ESPN’s power rankings, jumping from No. 10 to No. 7 following its dominant triumph against Clemson. The Tigers out-gained Dabo Swinney’s team by 499 total yards (644-145) last Saturday in what wound up being the worst loss of Swinney’s career.
Here’s analysis from ESPN’s David Hale:
The buzz in the weeks leading up to the Tigers’ opener was all about Kiffin’s very public fight with commissioner Greg Sankey, the SEC, numerous lawmakers and, seemingly, his own best interests. But that was silly. Kiffin thrives when he’s trolling the masses, and LSU showed that no amount of public scorn would even begin to disrupt his debut.
Tennessee (unranked to No. 18) and Alabama (No. 16 to No. 10) were the biggest overall risers in the country.
The SEC went undefeated in Week 1 for the first time since 1997, showing off its unparalleled depth once again to collectively earn their new rankings.
LSU faces Louisiana Tech in Week 2.
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