Nick Saban had message for LSU coach Brian Kelly

Alabama coach Nick Saban looks on. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban has stamped his seal of approval on LSU heading into next season.

Saban on Thursday appeared on ESPN ahead of the NFL Draft. He talked with LSU head coach Brian Kelly at one point. The 7-time national title winner predicted that Kelly’s squad is just a few defensive tweaks away from contending for the national championship.

“You had a national championship offense. You get your defense fixed a little bit, and you guys are going to go for it.”

Nick Saban to Brian Kelly on ESPN: “You had a national championship offense. You get your defense fixed a little bit, and you guys are going to go for it.”

— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) April 25, 2024

LSU had a supercharged offense during the 2023 campaign. The 10-3 Tigers led the country in total yards per game (543.5) and points per game (45.5).

However, LSU had a subpar defense. They allowed 408.8 total yards per game, placing them in the bottom 30 among NCAA Division I schools last year. In LSU’s three losses last season, the team allowed an average of 47.3 points.

LSU was ranked 5th in the AP poll before the start of the 2023 campaign. The team started the season with a 45-24 loss to Florida State. The opening loss dropped LSU down to 14th on the AP poll and the Tigers never got back within the top 10 for the rest of the year.

LSU’s offense will have to adjust to life without last season’s starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who announced one very lofty goal as he enters the NFL ranks with the Washington Commanders.