LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly, left, and Nick Saban. Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban gives his stamp of approval for Brian Kelly and LSU

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 4/25/24

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban has stamped his seal of approval on LSU heading into next season.

Saban on Thursday appeared on ESPN alongside LSU head coach Brian Kelly. The seven-time national title winner predicted that Kelly’s squad is just a few defensive tweaks away from contending for the national championship.

“You had a national championship offense. You get your defense fixed a little bit, and you guys are going to go for it.”

Nick Saban to Brian Kelly on ESPN: “You had a national championship offense. You get your defense fixed a little bit, and you guys are going to go for it.”

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) April 25, 2024

LSU had a supercharged offense during the 2023 campaign. The 10-3 Tigers led the country in total yards per game (543.5) and points per game (45.5).

However, LSU had a subpar defense. They allowed 408.8 total yards per game, placing them in the bottom 30 among NCAA Division I schools last year. In LSU’s three losses last season, the team allowed an average of 47.3 points.

LSU was ranked fifth in the AP poll before the start of the 2023 campaign. The team opened the season with a 45-24 loss to Florida State. LSU dropped down to 14th on the AP poll heading into their second week and never got back within the top 10 for the rest of the year.

LSU’s offense will have to adjust to life without last season’s starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who revealed his one lofty goal as he enters the NFL ranks with the Washington Commanders.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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