Nick Saban believes this LSU team is 'very similar' to 2019 Tigers
When talking about LSU Football, most people’s first thoughts will go to 2019. A team led by Joe Burrow is widely considered the greatest in college football history. So, when somebody like Nick Saban is comparing the 2023 LSU team to that one, you know something special is happening on the field.
Saban believes Brian Kelly‘s team is “very similar” to the national championship-winning team. It mainly stems from the explosive offense led by Jayden Daniels and the incredible skill position players surrounding him. At the very least, their offensive rankings are comparable.
“I think it’s comparable to what they had then,” Saban said on Thursday. “Very comparable skill set. They had a first-round receiver, they had a second-round receiver. They had a really good receiving tight end, great quarterback. They had a great runner. All these guys playing in the NFL now and having outstanding careers. And this team they have right now is very similar to that. Very similar in many, many ways.”
From a college perspective, you will be hard-pressed to find a better receiving core than Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall. The first two have turned into some of the best the NFL has to offer, while Marshall is enjoying a nice career.
These days, it’s Malik Nabers primarily running the show, with Brian Thomas Jr. being a pretty good No. 2 in the offense. They have combined for nearly 1,7000 yards through eight games and an absurd 20 touchdowns.
Saban even referenced Thaddeus Moss and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who certainly had to make a good impression a few years ago.
Of course, the moment everyone knew 2019 LSU was special was during the Alabama game in Tuscaloosa. Burrow sealed his Heisman Trophy campaign that night as well, putting on a heroic performance for the visitors. LSU never looked back and somewhat breezed toward winning a national championship.
People in Baton Rouge are hoping Daniels is able to pull off something similar. Yes, they already have two losses and are not completely comparable on the defensive end. But the offense has been incredibly special this season. Saban knows his defense — one that has been playing well in recent weeks — will have a tough challenge ahead of them.
But in order to even be considered in the same breath as 2019 LSU, a big performance will be needed on Saturday in what the fans hope is a repeat four years later.