Contenders or Pretenders: Oregon, Notre Dame, LSU, and Missouri in 2024

Contenders or Pretenders: Oregon, Notre Dame, LSU, and Missouri in 2024

By: John Shirley | 07/13/2024 DanLanning

As the 2024 college football season approaches, fans and analysts alike are debating which teams have a realistic shot at the national championship and which ones may falter under the pressure. We break down the prospects of four notable programs: Oregon, Notre Dame, LSU, and Missouri. Are they contenders or pretenders?

"In a landscape as competitive as college football, knowing who's real and who’s not can be the difference between celebrating and suffering."
- OTD Sports CFB Insider

Contender: Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks appear poised to make a serious run for the national championship in 2024. Under head coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks have shown consistent improvement, finishing 2023 with an impressive 12-2 record. With a strong returning roster paired with star transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Oregon is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.

Gabriel has showcased impressive stats during stops at Oklahoma and UCF. Last season, he threw for 3,660 yards with 30 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Sooners. Now, he's transferring to Oregon, where he'll lead an anticipated high-powered Ducks offense.

Oregon, under the leadership of Head Coach Dan Lanning—one of the nation's most respected and promising coaches—aims to return to national prominence. It will be fascinating to see if he can lead the Ducks to secure the National Championship that both the school and its fan base have long desired.

Key Stats

  • 2023 record: 12-2
  • Dillon Gabriel is the odds favorite to win the Heisman Trophy at +750 according to ESPN BET
  • Won the Fiesta Bowl last season 45-6 over #23 Liberty
  • Top-3 recruiting class

Pretender: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Despite their storied history and strong fan base, Notre Dame looks more like a pretender than a contender for the 2024 national championship. The Fighting Irish ended their 2023 season with a respectable 10-3 record but have struggled in big games under pressure. While they have talent, inconsistency and a daunting schedule make a championship run unlikely.

The Irish concluded their 2023 season with a commanding 40-8 victory over #19 Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. There are high hopes they can build on this success and carry the momentum into the 2024 season.

Key Points

  • 2023 record: 10-3
  • Struggled in high-pressure games
  • Daunting schedule ahead
  • Top-10 recruiting class

Pretender: LSU Tigers

LSU had high expectations heading into the 2023 season but fell short with a 10-3 record. While they have a talented squad and an experienced coach in Brian Kelly, inconsistency and defensive struggles have plagued them. Given the fierce competition in the SEC, LSU seems more like a pretender than a true championship contender for 2024.

LSU faces the challenge of moving forward at the quarterback position following the departure of Jayden Daniels to the NFL. Last season, Daniels won LSU's third Heisman Trophy, throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns with just four interceptions, while also rushing for 1,134 yards and an additional 10 touchdowns.

Key Points

  • 2023 record: 10-3
  • Inconsistent play
  • Defensive struggles
  • Beat Wisconsin 35-31 in the Reliaquest Bowl to close out the 2023 season
  • Top-7 recruiting class

Contender: Missouri Tigers

Missouri might surprise some as a contender, but the Tigers have quietly built a strong program under head coach Eliah Drinkwitz. Missouri finished the 2023 season with a 11-2 record and boasts one of the best defenses in the SEC. If their offense can take a step forward, Missouri could be in the mix for the national championship.

Key Stats

  • 2023 record: 11-2
  • Their only two losses in 2023 came to #23 LSU and #2 Georgia
  • Closed out the 2023 season with a 14-3 victory over #7 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl
  • Top-5 defense in SEC
  • Returning key starters on both sides of the ball
  • #19 recruiting class

Wrap-up

The 2024 season is set to be another exciting chapter in college football. While Oregon and Missouri look like legitimate contenders for the national championship, Notre Dame and LSU appear to be more pretenders based on their current trajectory and challenges. The beauty of sports, however, is the unpredictable nature of competition, and only time will tell who will rise and who will fall.

  • Published
    Jul 13, 2024
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