LSU #5 in Preseason AP Poll – Should They Be Higher?

The much anticipated college football Pre-Season AP Top 25 poll that was released Sunday has the Tigers of LSU ranked at #5. Defending National Champion Alabama holds the number one spot followed by Clemson, Oklahoma, Florida State, and the home state Bayou Bengals rounding out the Top 5.

It seems that more than just the Tiger faithful have jumped on the Purple and Gold hype train.

So the question being asked by many Tiger faithful is: is LSU ranked too low? Should they be higher?

Are they being “dissed” or slighted by the voters, or — are they right about where they should be, until they can prove that they deserve to be ranked much higher?

That’s an answer that varies, depending on your point of view.

Nov 8, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

What we do know is that this time last year, LSU was ranked 14th with little to no talk of a national title run. That ranking was justified as LSU finished the season ranked 17th with a record of 9-3.

This is actually the highest LSU has been ranked since the AP had the program at #3 in 2012; and it’s the third time in six seasons that they have been ranked in the Top 5.

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The Bayou Bengals will face three opponents ranked in the Top 25 this season: Alabama (1), Ole Miss (11) and the Florida Gators (25). Fortunately, two of the three contests will take place in Baton Rouge.

LSU will very likely stay ranked in the Top 5 at the very least, for the first part of the season.

This is reminiscent of 2015 when they rattled off 7 straight wins before losing 3 straight to SEC Western Division foes.

Keep an eye on Ole Miss and Florida, as those teams have the ability to play spoiler for LSU’s playoff hopes. It goes without saying that the key is knocking recurring nemesis Nick Saban and ‘Bama from their perch atop the college football elite.

Nov 5, 2011; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles talks with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban before the game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

With that said, keep in mind that the season opener against Wisconsin is a little more than one week away.

LSU Football is back —and the anticipation of a title run is first and foremost on the minds of Tigers fans everywhere.

Be sure to stay with Big Easy Believer for updates and breaking news, as LSU begins their quest for the 2016 National Championship……