Paul Finebaum Picks College Football Team Ending 5-Year Playoff Drought in 2025
Among the returning teams, the Oregon Ducks had the longest playoff drought, having last qualified in 2014, the inaugural year of the playoff.
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The Clemson Tigers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish ended their nearly five-year droughts, as neither team had participated since 2020.
Meanwhile, several teams that have previously made the playoffs are hoping to return in 2025.
These teams include the Oklahoma Sooners, who haven't made it since 2019, the Cincinnati Bearcats, who last appeared in 2021, the Florida State Seminoles, who have not qualified since 2014 and the LSU Tigers, who last played in 2019. All of them are eager to end their respective playoff droughts this season.
On "The Paul Finebaum Show," the SEC Network analyst selected one of these teams to overcome their struggles and return to national title contention.
LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly reacts to a play against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Tiger Stadium.Stephen Lew
"Right now, I would have to think of LSU as a playoff team," Finebaum said. "It's crowded. In the SEC, you essentially have Texas, I believe you have Alabama, Georgia, LSU and who is next?"
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The Tigers have high hopes for the upcoming season after finishing last season with a 9-4 record. They return 62% of their production, which ranks No. 38 in the nation. A key player returning is star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season.
Additionally, LSU retains junior linebacker Whit Weeks and sophomore running back Caden Durham. Weeks led the team with 125 tackles and recorded 10 tackles for loss last season, while Durham rushed for 753 yards and scored six touchdowns as a true freshman.
The Tigers also benefit from a favorable schedule as according to Athlon Sports, they have the No. 6 easiest schedule in the SEC. Finebaum highlighted the critical game for LSU as the matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels on the road on September 27. He also mentioned that LSU cannot afford to lose to the Florida Gators, as it did last season.
The Tigers will kick off their season with a significant away game against the Clemson Tigers on August 30.
Related: Paul Finebaum Says This Major SEC Team Is Top Tier — But Not the Best
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