LSU’s Title Odds Improve to +1400 After Beating Texas in Week 2; Burrow Turns in Heisman-Worthy Effort

*Odds taken 09/08/19

LSU Excellent Through Two Weeks

The Tigers have looked really strong through two weeks of play. Burrow has answered the quarterback question and the team’s returning offense has been great. LSU had three receivers with more than 100 yards against Texas, including Justin Jefferson, who had three touchdowns in the game.

On 3rd-and-17 in the 4th quarter, Joe Burrow and Justin Jefferson did THIS. pic.twitter.com/uf95gKNdAp

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) September 8, 2019

Joe Brady is looking like a great aid to the offense as the team’s new passing-game coordinator and wide receivers coach. He previously worked with the New Orlean Saints and has meshed well with offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger thus far. LSU’s passing game has improved thanks to the addition.

Freshman kicker Cade York came through with in the clutch with 33, 36 and 40-yard field goals. Going 3-for-3 on the road in Texas is no easy feat, and he’s yet to miss a kick this year.

The defense, meanwhile, limited Texas to just seven points in the first half, had two goal-line stops, and had to deal with injuries in the second half.

LSU has a lot of the pieces to be considered a viable title contender this season.

Joe Burrow is Legit Heisman Candidate

Burrow may not be on the level as the two co-favorites, Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa, in the Heisman Trophy race, but he’s establishing himself as a legit contender.

One of the biggest questions about LSU this season was at the quarterback position. Burrow had an excellent finish to 2018 and he’s picked up right where he left off in 2019. He wasn’t fazed by an early interception against Texas and outdueled Sam Ehlinger after halftime, going 15-of-18 passing for 251 yards and two touchdowns.

Burrow threw a clutch 61-yard pass to Jefferson in the fourth quarter and then waved goodbye to the Texas fans.

Just savage. Joe Burrow icing the game with a TD and two-point conversion, then waving goodbye to Texas fans. pic.twitter.com/c4C5WxLorJ

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) September 8, 2019

LSU has seven returning starters on offense and Burrow has been connecting well with them early. His ability to deliver in a big matchup against Texas with the pressure on solidifies his place in the Heisman race.

Do Longhorns Have Value at +4000?

Texas losing to LSU in Week 2 doesn’t automatically mean they won’t make the CFP, but it’s going to be tough.

Burrow was the best player on the field on Saturday night, but Sam Ehlinger also turned in an epic performance. The Texas QB threw for 401 yards and four touchdowns, keeping the game close to the very end.

Sam Ehlinger is the first QB with 400 pass yds in a game against LSU since Geno Smith had 463 pass yds vs the Tigers in 2011.

Ehlinger is also the first Texas QB with at least 7 pass TD through the first 2 team games of a season since Colt McCoy in 2008. pic.twitter.com/Ic6upQ70NU

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 8, 2019

Keaontay Ingram dropped a pass in the end zone in the first quarter and Texas came within inches of recovering an onside kick with 22 seconds left in the game. They were very close to pulling off a victory.

I think LSU has the better value at +1400, but Texas could be worth laying money on at +4000. Oklahoma is still the team to beat in the Big 12, but the Longhorns have looked strong through two games and could still run the table and win the Conference, which would likely put them in the four-team playoff.

Analysis on LSU’s National Championship Odds

LSU has made their case for a top-four ranking in the next AP Top 25. Joe Burrow is a legit Heisman candidate and the offense is clicking on all cylinders.

I don’t see the Tigers beating Alabama in November, but it’s very possible they win all the other remaining games on their schedule. Joe Brady has been a great addition and the receiver group has looked promising.

LSU has a solid overall team and have a good chance to make the CFP this year. They may not be on the same level as Clemson or Alabama through two games, but Burrow and the lethal offense make them worth laying money on at +1400 odds.