LSU: ESPN predicts every game in the 2021 season

The LSU Tigers are looking to bounce back from an underwhelming 2021 season that ended in a 5-5 record and ESPN believes they can right the ship to do just that, according to their Football Power Indicator (FPI). After a disappointing 2020 campaign, they’re predicting an incremental uptick in wins by finishing the season 7-5.

The FPI measures the strength of a team to predict their future performance using simulations to determine quality based upon expected point margin versus average opponent on a neutral field.

LSU returns just five seniors, which means this team is very young and going to rely on coaching and veteran players for leadership. Head coach Ed Orgeron ultimately has to make the toughest decision. Who will be his starting quarterback? He has to pick between redshirt senior Myles Brennan, sophomores Max Johnson and TJ Finley, and true freshman Garrett Nussmeier.

ESPN season predictions for LSU

Sept. 4th: at UCLA: While the young squad starts their season on the road, there is plenty to be optimistic about with this first matchup. The Bruins are coming off a 3-4 season and they also have just five seniors returning. ESPN has given LSU a 65.3% chance of winning the season opener.

Sept. 11th: vs. McNeese: LSU returns back to Death Valley and faces off with an FCS and inexperienced McNeese football team who also went 3-4 the previous season. ESPN has given the Tigers a 99% chance of winning this game. 

Sept. 18th: vs. Central Michigan: After a favorable start to the season, the Tigers continue to play in Death Valley, and they run into a Chippewas team who is also coming off of a disappointing season. ESPN has given LSU a 90.2% chance of winning a fairly easy game at home.

Sept. 25th: at Mississippi State: ESPN has given LSU a 49.1% chance to win this game on the road. With both teams coming off an underwhelming 2020 season, the Tigers and Bulldogs will be highly motivated. This is a pure grudge match and could go either way, clearly.

Oct. 2nd: vs. Auburn: After a tough week at Mississippi State, they return home to play the Auburn Tigers in Death Valley. LSU is given a 54.8% chance of pulling this game out at home. These toss-up games against more experienced opponents may cause a need for Orgeron to display his coaching abilities.

Oct. 9th: at Kentucky: After a predicted loss to Auburn, the Tigers take a trip on the road to Kentucky where they have a 56.1% chance of winning. This is a winnable game if the Tigers don’t turn over the ball and play stout defense. 

Oct. 16th: vs. Florida: LSU’s schedule begins to pick up around the midway point of the season. They take on the talented Gators at home, where ESPN has given the Tigers a 47.2% chance of winning this game.

Oct. 23rd: at Ole Miss: As the weeks continue it only begins to get harder for LSU, such is life in the SEC. ESPN has given them a 45% chance of winning this game on the road.

Nov. 6th: at Alabama: LSU, according to ESPN, doesn’t stand a chance on the road against the previously 10-0 Crimson Tide. They have given the Tigers a 9.3% chance of winning that game. If LSU can come out of the game healthy and holding their own this can be a moral victory and something to take going forward next week. 

Nov. 13th: vs. Arkansas: Following back-to-back weeks on the road, the Tigers return home to play Arkansas where they have a 71.2% chance of winning. LSU can look to bounce back and gain momentum going forward to close out the season. 

Nov. 20th: vs. UL Monroe: ESPN is giving LSU a 98.1% chance of winning this game. This could be a blowout win for the Tigers if they can capitalize on the opportunity. 

Nov. 27th: vs. Texas A&M: LSU closes the season in Death Valley, against the Aggies. They have a 35.7% chance of victory according to the ESPN FPI. The Aggies are coming off an 8-1 season. A season in which they defeated LSU, 20-7.