Overview
- ESPN’s Paul Finebaum said on the Crain & Cone podcast he will label Lane Kiffin overrated if LSU fails to reach the College Football Playoff this season.
- Finebaum argued Kiffin deserves less credit for last year because he left Ole Miss before the playoff and pointed to a thin record against top‑10 teams, including not beating Georgia in those marquee spots.
- Brett McMurphy’s post‑spring bowl projections, shared via On3, forecast LSU to the Cheez‑It Citrus Bowl rather than the 12‑team playoff, which would align with Finebaum’s warning if it comes to pass.
- Expectations in Baton Rouge are high after LSU fired Brian Kelly midseason and hired Kiffin from Ole Miss, then built a top transfer‑portal class that reports describe as a major, high‑dollar talent haul.
- Kiffin has never coached a team in the playoff as a head coach, so this season doubles as a test of his reputation and could influence patience from boosters if early results lag.