Breaking down LSU vs USC with Tony Barnhart

USC and LSU are set to face off on Sunday night. I spoke with college football expert Tony Barnhart, Mr. CFB, about his expectations for the game and LSU’s chances of making the College Football Playoffs.

Craig: Let's talk about the opener vs USC. How do you feel about LSU starting the year 1-0?

Tony: I like the Tigers a lot. They had a great offense last year with a Heisman winner in Jayden Daniels, but their defense was beyond awful. If LSU can just be bad (laughs) on defense, they've got a shot of running away with that contest. I like Brian Kelly a bunch, he just had a horrible defense last year.

Craig: Have you been impressed with Garrett Nussmeier?

Tony: He's going to continue to do a great job. I saw him two years ago throw for over 300 yards against Georgia in the SEC Championship game. He's going to be the next leader without question.

Craig: It also surely helps when you're playing QB for LSU and your offensive line is anchored by guys like Will Campbell and Emery Jones.

Tony: I agree. That's a really good offensive line. Campbell is one of the great players in the SEC. We'll see what happens, the LSU folks were not happy with the losses a year ago.

Craig: Expand on that. Players have been saying that only 10 wins get coaches fired in Baton Rouge (laughs). But realistically, when looking at the twelve team playoff, a 10-win team from the SEC gets into the field does it not?

Tony: You're in with only two losses. No question there. I've got four SEC teams in my playoff bracket now.

Craig: Do you think it's harder to win the SEC Championship this year or the National Championship?

Tony: I know this, you'll play more quality teams in the SEC throughout the year. The matchups in the SEC are just insane. Georgia is on the road against Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss. Those teams are all ranked in the top 8 and Georgia is the top ranked team in the country. It's going to be incredibly fun to watch.

Craig: Is there a path for LSU to reach the playoff?

Tony: I think four teams go from the SEC to the playoff. I have Georgia, Texas, Alabama and there's a question of who's going to grab that fourth spot. Right now, I have it going to Ole Miss, but it could be Missouri, Texas A&M or the LSU Tigers. We don't know, but LSU can get there if they play well at home.

Give Tony a follow on the X app by going to @MrCFB.