LSU Tigers College Football Betting Predictions

The LSU Tigers almost parted ways with longtime head coach Les Miles after underachieving in a big way a year ago. Now, with the Tigers looking to rebound in 2016, a handful of college football predictions on LSU’s upcoming campaign is just what the doctor ordered. Let’s get started.

LSU Tigers College Football Betting Predictions

Offense

The Tigers (9-3 SU, 6-6 ATS) ranked 39th in total offense in 2015 (437.9 ypg) and 44th in scoring (32.8 ppg) thanks mostly to their seventh-ranked rushing attack (258.0 ypg). And speaking of their rushing attack, LSU will once again lean heavily on Heisman Trophy candidate Leonard Fournette after the bruising big back rushed for a stunning 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2015. Ultimately though, it will be he play of talented but inconsistent quarterback Brandon Harris that could determine just how far the Tigers go in 2016. Harris underachieved in 2015 by completing just 53.8 percent of his passes while tossing just 13 TD passes and six interceptions and that just won’t cut it in 2016. The Tigers do need to replace starting tackles Vadal Alexander and Jerald Hawkins, but with nine returning starters on offense, all excuses are out the window if you ask me.

Defense

LSU will be on its third defensive coordinator in the last three years as Dave Aranda takes over a unit that ranked 25th in total defense (347.1 ypg) and 41st in points allowed (24.2 ppg). More importantly, LSU returns a whopping 10 starters on the defensive side of the ball, including All-SEC safety Jamal Adams. The bad news is that the Tigers will find replacing superstar defensive back Jaylen Mills and stud linebacker Deion Jones an unenviable task to say the least. Jones recorded a team-high 100 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks and two interceptions.

By The Numbers

LSU is 2-3 SU and ATS in its last five games. The Tigers are 5-5 ATS over their last 10 games. LSU is 1-3 SU and ATS in its last four conference games.

2016 Betting Prediction

Maybe it’s me, but unless I see a different Brandon Harris than the one I saw last season, I just can’t put as much faith in LSU as some other folks. Yes, the Tiger could reach 10 wins and challenge for the SEC crown, but again, if Harris doesn’t come to play and LSU is the same one-dimensional team they were a year ago, they may not win 10 games. The best case scenario is that Harris plays like Clemson star Deshaun Watson, but that’s kind of like hoping to win your state lottery.