Brian Kelly thinks LSU can put a stop to Georgia dynasty, just not yet
By Scott Rogust
LSU head coach Brian Kelly sees the Tigers eventually taking down the Georgia Bulldogs but doesn’t see it happening this upcoming season.
There has never been a team to win the National Championship in the College Football Playoff era. That was until last season when the Georgia Bulldogs won the title for the second consecutive year and did so in dominant fashion in the form of a 65-7 win over the TCU Horned Frogs. Now, with the mass exodus of talent to the NFL, fans and media are wondering which team can overthrow the Bulldogs at the top of the college football world this upcoming season.
Monday was the first day of SEC Media Days, taking place in Nashville, Tenn. LSU head coach Brian Kelly was one of the speakers made available on the first day of media sessions, and spoke about closing the gap on Georgia this upcoming season. While saying that he feels they have the roster to compete against the Bulldogs, he doesn’t envision it happening this upcoming season.
Kelly’s quote comes courtesy of Action Network’s Brett McMurphy.
LSU's Brian Kelly: "Is the gap closing (w/Georgia)? We'll only have that opportunity if we get into the championship game vs. Georgia. I know based on how we've recruited we'll have a football roster that will be able to compete against Georgia. Is that right now? No it's not."
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) July 17, 2023
Brian Kelly believes LSU can compete with Georgia eventually
LSU did have a strong 2023 recruiting class, ranking sixth in the nation by 247Sports. The Tigers recruited two five-star players — offensive tackle Zalance Heard and edge rusher Dashawn Womack. Additionally, they brought in 16 four-star recruits.
As for Georgia, they had the second-best recruiting class as determined by 247Sports, which saw them bring in five five-star recruits and 17 four-star recruits.
LSU had a strong first season with Kelly as head coach, even picking up huge wins over Alabama and Ole Miss. They clinched a spot in the SEC Championship Game but matched up against Georgia. As for the result? The Bulldogs picked up the 50-30 victory and clinched their spot in the College Football Playoff.
Even though Georgia lost pivotal members of their championship-winning teams over the years, like Travon Walker, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Kelee Ringo, and Stetson Bennett, they are a recruiting machine, as evidenced by the number of five-star recruits they were able to bring in for this season.
The only way that LSU and Georgia will match up this season is if it’s in the SEC Championship Game or the College Football Playoff. LSU fans will certainly hope that the Tigers can get the better of the Bulldogs this year if they do match up. But, Kelly believes that they can certainly compete with them shortly.
College Football Rankings 2023: Projected preseason AP Top 25. dark. Next
For more College Football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.