LSU football proves how quickly power can change in sports. In 2019, the Tigers fielded one of the best teams in college football history and won their first national championship since 2003. Since then, they have a record under .500 and many questions surrounding the program.

LSU showed Ed Orgeron the door last season, just two years after he led the program to a national title. Whether the Tigers fired Orgeron due to on-field performance or off-field controversy, his departure so soon after the championship shocked the college football world. LSU hired former Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly to replace Orgeron and usher in a new era.

Kelly has his work cut out for him in his first season in Baton Rouge. The Tigers return just six starters from last year's team and quarterback is a position of uncertainty. LSU also faces a brutal schedule playing in football's toughest division.

So much uncertainty makes it difficult to accurately predict the upcoming season for LSU football. That hasn't stopped anyone from trying, though.

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2022 LSU Football Predictions

3. Kayshon Boutte finishes with over 1,000 receiving yards

As mentioned previously, LSU lacks a clear No. 1 quarterback heading into the season. Max Johnson, who took the majority of snaps last season, transferred to Texas A&M this offseason. The Tigers' options under center include sixth-year senior Myles Brennan, Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels and true freshman Walker Howard.

Despite questions at quarterback, there's no question on who the quarterback will be throwing to. Junior wide receiver Kayshon Boutte showed great upside last season. In just six games, Boutte led the Tigers with 509 yards and six touchdowns through the air.

A leg injury cut Boutte's season short halfway through, but not before he showed himself to be one of the SEC's best wideouts. He should have no problem crossing the 1,000-yard threshold if he stays healthy, and could even pass 15 touchdowns as well. Even with the questions under center, Boutte should join the l0ng list of elite LSU receivers like Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase.

2. LSU's defense will get after the quarterback

The one position of strength LSU football should feel most confident in is the defensive front. B.J. Ojulari, who led the Tigers with seven sacks last season, should take another step forward in his junior season. Maason Smith should also elevate his game after a four-sack 2021 campaign that earned him freshman All-SEC honors.

LSU also retained other key pieces on its front seven. Defensive end Ali Gaye and linebacker Micah Baskerville, who finished second on the team with 83 total tackles, both decided to return for their senior seasons. A strong front will be the anchor of the Tigers' defense in 2022.

1.  LSU wins eight games

LSU's main goal for 2022 should be to set a foundation for the future. Winning a lot of games is a nice bonus, but this is a rebuilding year in the big picture.

The Tigers have three sure wins and one probable win on their non-conference slate. The season-opener against Florida State is the one uncertainty, as the Seminoles are in a similar spot as the Tigers in terms of rebuilding. However, the Tigers' superior talent and de facto home crowd in New Orleans give them the edge.

LSU's SEC opponents will pose more of a challenge. The Tigers should beat rivals Auburn and Florida, but games against both Mississippi teams and Tennessee are more of a toss-up. LSU's toughest games are against SEC West opponents Alabama, Texas A&M and Arkansas, all of which are likely losses.

The Tigers should finish the regular season with eight wins, or nine with some good fortune. They have greater goals for the future, but Kelly's first season will allow LSU football to reach those goals soon.