It’s an exciting time for college football fans, particularly for LSU supporters who are eagerly anticipating the 2024 season. The Tigers are generating a lot of buzz as the new season approaches. With August here, the long offseason is coming to an end, and the first games are set to kick off on the 24th. Enthusiasm is high among college football fans everywhere as we approach the season, and this offseason has been somewhat easier to bear thanks to the release of the new EA Sports NCAA 25 video game in mid-July.
This year, college football will see some rule changes that might not sit well with everyone. One significant change is the introduction of a two-minute warning, similar to the NFL. If you’re tired of the frequent commercial breaks during games, the two-minute warning might feel like just another opportunity for TV networks to insert another pause in the action.
There are additional changes that have garnered more support, though not everyone is happy about them. The College Football Playoff is expanding to 12 teams, and conference realignment is reshaping the landscape. Next year, college football will look very different, with California schools joining the Atlantic Coast Conference—a major shift.
Conference realignment has significantly altered the landscape. The Pac-12 has largely disintegrated, with most teams moving to new conferences, leaving only Oregon State and Washington State, which have scheduling alliances with the Mountain West but aren’t actual members. Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Arizona State have moved to the Big 12, while Oregon, Oregon State, USC, and UCLA have joined the Big Ten. Cal and Stanford have moved to the ACC, which might seem a bit strange.
The SEC will also see changes as Oklahoma and Texas leave the Big 12 to join the SEC. With the Big Ten and the SEC now brimming with top teams, there’s speculation that college football might be heading towards two dominant super conferences.
This season will also feature an expanded College Football Playoff, with 12 teams competing instead of just four. While some are skeptical about this expansion, it will bring more high-profile games, which is a positive aspect for fans.
Overall, this season promises to be one of the most significant in college football history, marking the beginning of a new era for the sport.
LSU football has high hopes for 2024
Year one of the Brian Kelly era at LSU was unexpectedly successful, highlighted by the Tigers’ victory over Alabama and their appearance in the SEC Championship game. Although they were decisively defeated by Georgia in the title match, reaching that point was a notable achievement.
Following that promising debut season, expectations for LSU’s 2023 campaign soared. The Tigers were anticipated to be among the top teams in the SEC, with aspirations of clinching the SEC title and making the College Football Playoff. While these goals seemed attainable, they fell short. Quarterback Jayden Daniels had an outstanding season, earning the Heisman Trophy, but the team’s overall performance did not live up to the hype.
Despite a solid season, LSU fans were disappointed with a 9-3 record. The Tigers suffered a tough loss to Florida State in their opener and were also defeated by Alabama and Ole Miss. The key issue for LSU was their defense, which struggled significantly.
LSU boasted one of the most potent offenses in college football, led by the Heisman-winning Daniels. However, their defense was porous, conceding 45, 42, and 55 points in their three defeats, making it difficult to secure wins under such circumstances.
The silver lining for LSU is that their offense remains strong enough to ensure a successful season, even if the defense continues to have issues. Though they need to replace Jayden Daniels, now in the NFL, they still have several talented offensive players, including a significant transfer who is expected to make a notable impact.
CJ Daniels, WR, Liberty
While Jayden Daniels has moved on, CJ Daniels has joined LSU. Transferring from Liberty, CJ Daniels arrives with significant experience and a strong track record. Over his four seasons at Liberty, he posted impressive stats, including 55 receptions for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. Apart from a brief stint in 2022 due to injury, Daniels consistently delivered standout performances.
This year, LSU will feature a new quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier, who might need some time to adjust. However, having a talent like CJ Daniels on the roster will be crucial. Elite playmakers like Daniels can significantly ease a quarterback’s transition by providing reliable targets.
CJ Daniels is an ideal transfer with a nearly flawless resume. Although the SEC will present tougher competition compared to Liberty, Daniels has some experience against strong teams, such as his eight receptions for 79 yards against Oregon last year.
LSU has bolstered their roster with several transfers this offseason, adding nine players from the portal, but CJ Daniels stands out with his particularly impressive career.
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