11 am Kickoff welcomes Vols to Baton Rouge
When LSU and Tennessee kick off later this morning, it will be much to the dismay of tens of thousands of Tiger fans. It doesn't seem to have a bearing on the throngs of orange clad Vols fans who made the trip from Knoxville. Actually, a number of them drove up from New Orleans after trying to wrap themselves around the full Gameday experience.
Tradition says that LSU games should be played under the lights after Tiger fans have spent all day tailgating, frolicking and just enjoying a Saturday in Baton Rouge. But Big Money and Big Network aren't concerned with tradition. For them it is about what fits their schedule. However, what game will get viewers and what is "fair". This is a game that should have a 6:30 start or at worst an 8 pm one. If they truly want to get the full Gameday Experience this should be a late-night kickoff.
But, as much as I hate to admit it, no one at any of the Big Networks with the fancy initials have been calling, or emailing, or DM'ing me or whatever form of communication is available.
Now with all that said, LSU has won 8 consecutive pre-noon kickoff games in Death Valley. So perhaps tradition can be said that there is nothing like a Saturday morning in Baton Rouge.
I can tell you this, the 11 am start did not take away from the fans carrying their 12 packs around at 6:30 this morning. It didn't stop the smell of Jambalaya (or pastalaya) hitting you as soon as you open your car door. After all it IS Gameday in Baton Rouge, it is LSU vs Tennessee.
This should be a tremendous matchup. How will LSU's defense fare vs the Vols' Hendon Hooker and this full speed high powered offense? We told you that there was a chance UT would be looking ahead to their matchup at Neyland against #1 ranked Alabama next weekend. I think that will give the Tigers the opportunity to keep close in the first half and get to the second half where they have been stingy in their 2 SEC games only allowing 3 points. To win this one LSU will have to avoid falling behind in the first have like they have done this year. A fast start involves getting Jayden Daniels some early runs to keep the Vol's D on their heels. Kayson Boutte needs to be Kayson Boutte. Watch for Noah Cain to have a bigger role in this one.
If the Tigers can continue to spread the ball around to several receivers and play this game at their tempo and not the fast pace that the Vols want, LSU wins this game. I think they do; I think it happens. LSU 38 - Tennessee 31
~Doug Gann ~ email Doug with your thoughts doug@446sports.com