LSU Remains Steady In AP Poll Top 25 As Major Test Looms

The LSU Tigers didn't see the field this past weekend, so their positioning in the rankings was dependent on what happened around them. While there was still some chaos in the sport, it didn't affect Lane Kiffin's squad at all.

The AP Poll released its updated rankings on Saturday afternoon with the Tigers still ranked No. 15 in the country, with a bit of a gap between them and the No. 14 Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The only major shifts saw the USC Trojans move up to No. 18 after beating the now No. 11 Ohio State Buckeyes, so all the movement happened around LSU.

The Tigers remain the sixth-ranked SEC school, but a lot will change over the next couple of weeks as LSU has three straight games against opponents who are also currently in the Top 25. The end of the conference schedule will move a lot with so many teams sitting with one or two losses already.

Of course, the Tigers will face the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide on this upcoming Saturday afternoon. The Tide, like all three upcoming LSU opponents, are 6-2 right now. They have been riding the hot arm of sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell; whenever he is on, they pretty much win the game. That's what the Tigers have to focus on accomplishing; being at home will help even if it isn't a night game.

After that game, LSU faces Arch Manning and the No. 10 Texas Longhorns. Manning has been up and down throughout this season, and their offense ranks toward the bottom of the conference. They do, however, have arguably the best defense in the nation when healthy. Colin Simmons' status will end up playing a key role in this one. The Longhorns have to face the No. 19 Missouri Tigers on the road this coming weekend, so there could be another shakeup before Week 11 comes.

The final game of this stretch is against the No. 16 Tennessee Volunteers, on the road. The Volunteers have an elite rushing attack, picking up 213 yards per game. They also have a fantastic defense. The Volunteers have a big game this weekend against the No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats, so there is a chance that Tennessee is a third-straight Top-10 opponent.

LSU is in complete control of their own destiny right now, but it will be exceedingly difficult to survive. Should they win out, they'll certainly be in the College Football Playoff. With how much chaos has happened, there is a chance they make it at 9-3, but that will depend on how these games unfold.