Chris Doering Highlights SEC Coach Facing ‘Do-Or-Die’ Season

On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers added edge rushers Jack Pyburn and Patrick Payton to pair up alongside linebacker Whit Weeks. The defense also features commits such as five-star cornerback DJ Pickett, four-star linebacker Charles Ross II, four-star linebacker Jaiden Braker and four-star cornerback Jacob Bradford.

On offense, Kelly recruited four-star halfback Harlem Berry, four-star offensive lineman Solomon Thomas, four-star offensive tackle Carius Curne and four-star halfback JT Lindsey.

“A do-or-die year in Baton Rouge”

ESPN and SEC Network analyst Chris Doering believes Kelly and the Tigers are entering a big year. Doering said during a recent episode of “Locked On SEC” that if you compare Kelly’s team to Kalen DeBoer’s at Alabama, there are “a lot of positive things ahead in Tuscaloosa and this is a do-or-die year in Baton Rouge.”

The three previous head coaches at LSU — Nick Saban, Les Miles and Ed Orgeron — all won a national title within four years of taking over the program. If Kelly doesn't show fans and boosters in his fourth season that the Tigers are at least a national title contender, they might think strongly about looking for another coach who can.