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3 Reasons LSU Will Win the SEC West in 2020

By Alexander Wolz

The first step to another national title comes through winning the SEC West for LSU.
The first step to another national title comes through winning the SEC West for LSU. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

LSU could not have possibly had a better year in 2019. In one of college football's best overall seasons, Joe Burrow made a shocking leap to fame culminating in a national championship.

But with a year of success comes equally devastating losses, as LSU tied an NFL Draft record with 14 selections this year. Those losses do not mean they will fall behind in the SEC West, as there are three reasons LSU will remain atop the division in 2020.

3. 2020 Recruiting Class

Arik Gilbert is one recruit who will attempt to fill the void for LSU following this year's NFL Draft.
Arik Gilbert is one recruit who will attempt to fill the void for LSU following this year's NFL Draft. / Logan Riely/Getty Images

The best way for LSU to replace all that missing talent? A top-ranked 2020 recruiting class, which is exactly what they have. Three 5-star recruits headline a class ranked fourth in the nation. Those top recruits also play important positions with Arik Gilbert stepping in for Stephen Sullivan at tight end, Elias Ricks at corner, and Kayshon Boutte attempting to fill the massive shoes left by Justin Jefferson. If LSU wants to stay on top, recruits must make up at least some of the losses of this year's draft.

2. Coaching Talent

Ed Orgeron's coaching abilities will be put to the test this season.
Ed Orgeron's coaching abilities will be put to the test this season. / Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images

Despite losing Joe Brady, LSU returns with some of the nation's best coaches. Ed Orgeron becomes more fascinating over time, but equally as crucial is new offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger, quarterbacks coach since 2018. Considering Joe Burrow's success, Ensminger is clearly doing something right. Dave Aranda will likely continue to improve the defense, but Ensiminger's knowledge will need to translate to his new role to carry LSU to another year of offensive brilliance.

1. Rushing Attack

John Emery Jr. and the supporting cast will lead the LSU rushing game to fame this season.
John Emery Jr. and the supporting cast will lead the LSU rushing game to fame this season. / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

It is no secret that the loss of Clyde Edwards-Helaire will impact LSU, but having stability in the backfield amid a quarterback turnover will prove essential this season. John Emery Jr., Chris Curry and Tyrion Davis-Price are all returning after productive years in 2019. The healthy competition will help to improve LSU's rushing output, while also lifting pressure off each other and whoever takes the reins on offense. While Burrow stole the show last year, do not be surprised if it is LSU's rushing game that drives them to defend the SEC West in 2020.