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What if Ja'Marr Chase didn't opt out of LSU football's 2020 season?
TL;DR
LSU football is exploring significant 'what-if' scenarios in its history, starting with the 2020 season and Ja'Marr Chase's decision not to opt out. The series will examine pivotal moments that could have altered the program's trajectory.
LSU football has a rich history. The Purple and Gold is a stalwart in the college football landscape. LSU has won national championships and produced Heisman trophy winners. The program doesn't lack for lore and "Saturday Night in Death Valley" is an immediately recognizable phrase.
LSU fans have celebrated a lot over the years, and we often reminisce and look back on the story that is LSU football.
But what about the things that never happened? The events that almost transpired, things that would have changed the course of history for LSU.
LSU Wire is doing a series looking back at the biggest "what-ifs" in program history. We'll cover the modern era and head back into the 1900s, too. The series will span everything from injuries to close games to coaching hires.
We'll begin today with a look at the 2020 season.
What if Ja'Marr Chase didn't opt out of LSU football's 2020 season?
LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) loses his helmet as he escapes from Vanderbilt defensive back BJ Anderson (16) during the first half at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019. Syndication Nashville
2020 was a weird year. The COVID-19 pandemic upended the world, bringing changes to every sport. For months, we didn't even know if the 2020 college football season would happen.
After a chaotic summer of deliberations, FBS conferences went forward with the 2020 season. But it wasn't the same. Stadiums were empty -- and another trend emerged, too. Some star players opted out for the entire year and began NFL draft prep.
We had seen players opt out of bowl games, but missing an entire season was something new. Star LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was among the group that shut it down.
Chase was coming off a historic year. He racked up 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns on the way to winning a national title. He was set to return in 2020 with a chance to become one of the best WRs in SEC history. LSU was losing a lot from the title squad, but the return of players like Chase gave LSU hope to compete again.
Chase opting out was a blow to the Tigers and dramatically changed the look for LSU's offense. It came as a shock. A few weeks earlier, Chase's Dad told the media that Ja'Marr Chase planned on playing.
The specifics of Chase's decision were unclear, but a report from CBS Sports suggested agents could have been involved:
"Sources told CBS Sports on Aug. 30 that Chase's decision was not specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather, it is believed agents may have simply convinced Chase to leave before his third collegiate season."
LSU's 2020 season did not go to plan. Despite begining the year ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll, LSU went 5-5. It was LSU's first season without a winning record since 1999, when LSU went 3-8.
There were a lot of problems with this LSU squad -- most notably a defense that was among the worst in the SEC. But it's hard to ignore Chase's absence.
LSU started 1-2 with two competitive losses to Mississippi State and Missouri. Both games were shootouts where LSU's offense performed well, but the Tigers could have used a little more firepower.
LSU's offense got off to a shaky start vs. Mississippi State. Myles Brennan only completed 58.5% of his passes and averaged 7.5 yards per attempt. Fine marks, but could have been better.
Brennan likely would have been much more comfortable if Chase was on the field. That game got away from LSU early and the Tigers were forced to play catch-up.
Two weeks later, LSU dropped a four-point game to Missouri. LSU scored 41 points, but it was far from perfect. The offense still punted a couple of times, settled for field goals, and turned it over. If Chase were there, would LSU score one more touchdown? Probably.
If those two games go the other way, it changes the entire outlook on LSU's season. Other things happened, such as Myles Brennan's injury (we'll get to that later in the series), but if LSU goes into that Auburn game 4-0, the vibe is much different.
LSU ended up losing 48-11 to Auburn and the season spiraled.
If Chase stays, LSU still isn't competing for a national championship, but the tune around the program is much different. An available Chase prevents LSU from entering that spiral and allows the Tigers to present an admirable championship defense.
Ja'Marr Chase went on to dominate in the NFL
It all worked out for Chase. He's now one of the best wide receivers in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. Chase was a top-five pick and the opt-out did not harm his draft stock.
In Cincy, he was reunited with his LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: What if Ja'Marr Chase didn't opt out of LSU football's 2020 season?
Q&A
What impact would Ja'Marr Chase staying for the 2020 season have had on LSU football?
If Ja'Marr Chase had not opted out, his presence could have significantly improved LSU's offensive performance and potentially influenced their success that season.
What are some key 'what-if' scenarios being explored in LSU football history?
The series will cover various scenarios, including injuries, close games, and coaching hires that could have changed the course of LSU football history.
How has LSU football's history shaped its current status in college football?
LSU's rich history, including national championships and Heisman trophy winners, has established it as a powerhouse in college football.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Saturday Night in Death Valley' for LSU fans?
The phrase symbolizes the electrifying atmosphere of LSU home games, reflecting the passionate fanbase and the program's storied traditions.