Week 11 of college football has brought with it a wave of disappointment for the LSU Tigers, as a staggering 42-13 loss to Alabama—on their home turf in a typically electrifying Death Valley night game—has dashed their dreams of making it to the College Football Playoff. Athletic director Scott Woodward, known as a big game hunter in college sports, now stands under the scrutiny of fans who feel he has not fulfilled his primary role of positioning LSU football for national championship contention.

Since taking the helm in Baton Rouge, head coach Brian Kelly has put together a commendable but disappointing 26-10 record, raising eyebrows over whether he was indeed the right choice. When he was hired following a successful run at Notre Dame, where he had seemingly reached the peak of what he could achieve, the expectation was that LSU's superior resources and recruiting potential would elevate his success. Alas, the reality is that LSU has not even breached the top 10 rankings during Kelly’s tenure, consistently underperforming against similarly talented teams.

Another setback for Woodward’s credibility concerns the broader context of his coaching hires. While commendable hires such as Kim Mulkey in women's basketball and Jay Johnson in baseball have reaped national championships, Woodward’s legacy hangs heavily on the outcome of his football hires—currently, a point of concern as Kelly struggles with the intricate demands of SEC football.

The gulf between expectations and performance has become alarming, leaving LSU’s fan base disillusioned. According to the Misery Index, which gauges the dissatisfaction of college football fan bases, LSU currently leads the list, highlighting the urgency behind this football crisis.

Other Teams Feeling the Pain:

The scenario isn't unique to LSU; several other teams across the landscape are grappling with their own miseries this season.

Georgia Bulldogs:

Despite their powerful reputation, the Bulldogs suffered a 28-10 defeat to Ole Miss, exposing glaring issues such as lackluster quarterback play and defensive vulnerabilities. As they aim for a playoff spot, the eyes of fans question whether this year's squad possesses championship caliber.

Florida Gators:

After a tumultuous season, Gators fans want major changes, not just for head coach Billy Napier but also for the athletics director who brought him in. Following a crushing loss to Texas, with a larger Title IX investigation looming over the athletic department, Florida's athletic leadership faces a significant test.

Michigan Wolverines:

The reigning national champions have now become mere shadows of their former selves. With a 5-5 record and issues in the quarterback department, Michigan's struggle to adjust without Jim Harbaugh has left them on the brink of bowl eligibility.

UAB Blazers:

Coach Trent Dilfer is under fire as UAB sits at 2-7 after an embarrassing loss to UConn. With fans and administration questioning whether they can afford to keep Dilfer around much longer, the atmosphere around the program hangs heavy with disappointment.

As the season rolls on, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher. Will the LSU Tigers bounce back and redeem themselves, or will more teams continue to spiral into the depths of football misery? Only time will tell—stay tuned!