Paul Finebaum Names Top College Football Program That Cannot Afford To Lose In Week 3

The College Football Playoff is expanding this season to 12 teams. The SEC has won the playoff six times, with the ACC and Big Ten winning two national titles in the playoff era.

Even though it is only Week 3, the playoff race is heating up. On "SEC Nation," Paul Finebaum discussed a team that can not afford to lose its game in Week 3.

"SEC Nation" was in Gainesville for Week 3 for the game between the Florida Gators and Texas A&M Aggies. However, Paul Finebaum focused on the game between the LSU Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks.

South Carolina dismantled Kentucky at Kroger Field in Week 2. LSU is trying to reach its first playoff since 2019. LSU has had significant wins under Brian Kelly but has been unable to challenge for a playoff spot.

Finebaum warned LSU that it could not lose in Week 3.

"The opportunity is to continue on," Finebaum said. "They're expected to be on the fringe of the playoff. So, everything thinks they're gonna win this game. Except all of the injuries are happening. You start to have doubts after what we saw against Southern Cal. They cannot afford to lose this game."

LSU is coming off of a 10-win season in 2023. After Jayden Daniels won the Heisman and left for the NFL, the Tigers are led under center by Garrett Nussmeier. According to the On3 Industry Rankings , Nussmeier was a former four-star quarterback. Nussmeier was the No. 11 QB in the 2021 class.

LSU takes on South Carolina at noon ET on ABC and ESPN+.

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