NOV. 21, LSU
While the grind of the season takes its toll on Tennessee, the hangover from the loss to Texas A&M will be too much to overcome.
The last time new LSU coach Lane Kiffin came to Neyland Stadium, while leading Ole Miss a couple years ago, he was constantly harassed by Tennessee fans who didn’t forget when he left the Vols after one year (2009) as head coach to take over at Southern Cal.
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Don’t expect the reception in this game to be any nicer since he bailed on Ole Miss, which was ready to make the playoffs, to become head coach at LSU.
One thing working in Tennessee’s favor is the schedule. The Tigers will have played Alabama on Nov. 7, then Texas Nov. 14.
Trying to get the ship righted in time to play a Tennessee team that will be fighting for its playoff life will be a challenge, especially in front of a raucous crowd.
When Kiffin arrived, LSU opened its pockets. It landed the jewel of the transfer portal, quarterback Sam Leavitt, giving the Tigers a solid foundation on which to build.
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Dylan Jones, Kaden Durham and Harlem Barry should make for a solid group of running backs. Trey’Dez Green is expected to be a big-time receiver.
Like Texas A&M, the strength of LSU’s defense will come from the secondary. DJ Pickett, PJ Woodland and AJ Haulcy are all proven commodities.
Defensive lineman Princewill Umanmielen and linebacker TJ Dottery followed Kiffin from Ole Miss. They should be the anchors of LSU’s front seven.
Kiffin’s arrival, and his ability to land Leavitt, made LSU an immediate contender for the SEC title. But, the Tigers’ tough schedule, which includes Ole Miss and Texas A&M before the November gauntlet, could take a toll on their chances.
PREDICTION: Tennessee 27, LSU 24, OT
