Paul Finebaum Names College Football Powerhouse On 'Verge Of The Playoffs'

The LSU Tigers are among the unpredictable teams in the SEC. Under head coach Brian Kelly, they have come close to reaching the College Football Playoff in the past two seasons.

Some believe this might be the season the Tigers surpass obstacles and make a return to the CFP for the first time since the 2019 season. ESPN's Paul Finebaum is optimistic about LSU for the upcoming season. He believes the Tigers have some toss-up games on their schedule, including the season opener against USC, which he considers a must-win for LSU.

Finebaum thinks that if LSU can win that game and perform well at home against some tough opponents, the Tigers have the potential to make it to the playoffs.

"They have to take advantage of the home games against the likes of Alabama and Ole Miss," Finebaum said. "I think if they can beat USC, which I think they will, (also) maybe win one of the other ones, then they're on the verge of the playoffs."

The ESPN Football Power Index predicts that the Tigers will finish the season with an 8-4 record and ranks them 13th overall. Additionally, it gives the Tigers the 14th-best odds to make the College Football Playoff.

So, the season could come down to the three games Finebaum mentioned. If the Tigers have a winning record in those games, it could mean a return to the playoffs for LSU this season.

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