LSU’s narrow 35-34 overtime loss to Kentucky at Kroger Field cost the Tigers two spots in ESPN’s SP+ rankings but did not push them out of the top 10. The Wildcats secured the win with a successful two-point conversion in extra time, handing LSU their first loss under head coach Lane Kiffin after five straight victories.
The defeat dropped LSU to No. 9 in the SP+ rankings, with a rating of 21.7, down 0.1 from the previous week. The SP+ metric, developed by ESPN, measures team efficiency adjusted for tempo and strength of opponent, providing a nuanced look at college football performance beyond traditional polls.
Ohio State moved to No. 1 with a 29.5 rating following their Week 6 results, overtaking Georgia. The Bulldogs, who beat Alabama last weekend, slipped to No. 2 with a 28.3 rating. Alongside LSU, the SEC has three other teams in the top 10: Texas at No. 6 with 24.4, Alabama at No. 8 with 23, and Georgia. Alabama’s two-spot fall came after their first loss of the season.
LSU’s schedule tightens as they prepare to host Texas and Alabama in consecutive weeks starting in November. Before those high-profile matchups, the Tigers face Mississippi State on Saturday in Baton Rouge and then travel to Auburn. The back-to-back games against Texas and Alabama will test LSU’s ability to rebound after the setback in Kentucky.
The Tigers’ position in the SP+ rankings reflects ongoing respect for their efficiency despite the close loss. The narrow margin and performance against a strong Kentucky side suggest LSU remains a competitive team within the top tier of college football this season.
According to Yahoo Sports.