Alabama Crimson Tide: 2020 Opponents rated better or worse than 2019
By Ronald Evans
Worse than 2019 – LSU Tigers (Nov. 7 in Baton Rouge)
LSU fans talk about reloading. It is wishful thinking. Ed Orgeron must rebuild the Bengal Tigers and he must do it without Joe Brady and Dave Aranda.
The Bengal Tigers return just 30 percent of their offensive production from last season. The defense is in somewhat better shape, returning 54 percent of its production. Overall, based on Bill Connelly’s calculation, LSU is No. 127 among FBS teams, in returning production.
The new coordinators, Bo Pelini and Scott Linehan are experienced coaches. Neither one is at the level of their predecessor. Despite the large number of departures, mostly to the NFL, LSU still has plenty of talent. There will be time to mold that talent before hosting the Crimson Tide. Whatever formation and scheme changes they make and how much rebuilding they can accomplish, will be known before the Tide arrives in Baton Rouge. Mark that up as a Crimson Tide advantage.
Both Linehan and Pelini can do an excellent job and LSU will still not be as good as last season. The Bengal Tigers could be a two-loss team before the Alabama game. A November with the Crimson Tide, Auburn and Texas A&M will finish a fall from National Championship grace.
Coach O will learn that getting to the top of the mountain, while hard, is easier than staying there.