Brian Kelly analyzes LSU's chances to compete for SEC championship

In his first season at LSU, Brian Kelly and the Tigers exceeded expectations by winning the SEC West. In the SEC Championship Game, LSU ran into the buzzsaw that was Georgia. However, a season later, expectations are quickly growing in Baton Rouge.

Now, Kelly has analyzed the chances that LSU can compete for the SEC.

“Well, I think we’re getting closer to that,” Brian Kelly said. “I think, you know, clearly the area of concern for us is in depth. We’re not at 85 scholarship players, yet. We’re below that line. So, two or three key injuries puts us in a very difficult position.”

Kelly explained that it’s unlikely to play a season without injuries. So, you need to be prepared for them and LSU isn’t at that place yet.

“We should be able, in the SEC West, to sustain some key injuries to key players. I don’t believe we’re at that point, yet. If we, knock on wood, stay injury free and continue to develop, we’re gonna be fine. But, that’s not where you want to be in this league. You have to, I think, go into a season and expect to lose some key players and still win this league,” Kelly said.

“So, I think that’s probably our Achilles’ Heel, if you will, is that we’re still not at 85 scholarship players and it’s still going to require us to keep this team injury free.”

Ahead of the spring game, Brian Kelly acknowledged this depth issue and said that LSU is likely to address those issues in the transfer portal.

“I still think that there’s a couple of needs on defense and I think that we’re still maybe interested on the offensive line. You know, I think there’s still an interest to add to our offense,” Kelly explained.

“But, I would say that we’re guarded at this period of time as to somebody that’s going to make a difference in an LSU football lineup. These are probably going to be guys that can add depth to what you’re doing.”

Paul Finebaum on the big problem with LSU winning an SEC championship

ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum likes a lot that he sees at LSU. However, he does have a major doubt about the Tigers in 2023.

“Well I think ultimately the biggest reason I’m not sure LSU can repeat is the game in Tuscaloosa, because by all accounts that should settle the west. But I understand the optimism and it should be there,” Finebaum said.

“And I talked to Kelly on I believe it was Thursday and I asked him about the quarterback situation and he said matter of factly we have two quarterbacks. That’s a plus, and the receivers are even a bigger plus. I think is this team deep enough, we know [Harold] Perkins, we know other players that stand out, but are they deep enough to make that run? And that’s ultimately really an Alabama, LSU, maybe you wanna throw somebody else in there you can.”