‘Absolute Crime’ — Super Bowl Champion Expresses Disbelief Over Lane Kiffin’s LSU’s Controversial AP Poll Ranking
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The LSU Tigers made a major jump into the AP Top 25’s top 10 after their dominant win over Clemson. However, some believe the Tigers still did not receive enough respect from voters.
LSU was ranked No. 8 in the first regular-season AP Poll after opening the season with a 51-10 win over Clemson. The victory marked Lane Kiffin’s debut as LSU’s head coach and quickly put the Tigers among the teams to watch this season.
Chase Daniel Questions LSU’s Ranking
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel was among those who felt LSU deserved a much higher spot.
PREDICT THE CFB SEASON:PFN’s Free CFB Playoff Predictor
Daniel, who won a Super Bowl ring as a backup quarterback with the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV, did not hold back when reacting to the ranking. “The fact that LSU isn’t ranked Top 3 is an absolute crime,” he said.
It’s easy to see why Daniel reacted that way after LSU dominated Clemson from start to finish.
Analyst Josh Pate also questioned the AP voters’ decision to place LSU at No. 8. He suggested the ranking was influenced more by preseason expectations than by what happened on the field.
How LSU Obliterated Clemson in Baton Rouge
The Tigers finished with 644 total yards, while Clemson managed only 145. LSU also controlled the ground game with 309 rushing yards.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt led the way with 230 passing yards and a touchdown through the air. He added another 113 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
Running back Dilin Jones also made a major impact, rushing for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The LSU defense was just as impressive. Clemson converted only 1 of its 13 third-down attempts and struggled to move the ball for most of the night. Linebacker Whit Weeks helped lead a disruptive front seven, while edge rusher Jordan Ross returned an interception for a touchdown in the first half.
DIVE IN:PFN’s Free CFB HQ — Team and Player Stats, Info, and More
LSU also forced four straight three-and-outs and, at one point in the second half, held Clemson to negative rushing yards.
LSU’s No. 8 ranking gives the Tigers a strong start, but Daniel and Pate believe they deserve a spot much higher. Kiffin’s team will have to keep winning to climb the AP rankings.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos