Hours after Alabama dispenses with East Carolina on Sept. 5, the LSU Bengal Tigers will host the Clemson Tigers. The 'other' Tigers may think they have an upset trap set for LSU. Computer models calculate a different outcome. ESPN Analytics gives LSU a 75.3% probability of winning. Kenneth Massey's model is not so bullish on LSU, projecting the Bengal Tigers to win 27-24. Dave Congrove's model has LSU as less than a six-point favorite.
Maybe an upset will happen on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. But LSU has a bigger threat than Clemson. Many LSU faithful foolishly believe that in the SEC vs. LSU battle royale, the SEC has capitulated. There is little to no chance that belief is correct.
LSU fans are mistaken claiming the SEC has caved
The SEC announced it would follow the dictates of Louisiana's temporary restraining order (TRO), making professional players eligible to play for LSU. The SEC had no choice but to comply. An SEC appeal in federal court is almost certain. Legal experts with no dog in the fight believe that federal court judges will interpret the law in favor of the SEC and other conferences that have made new eligibility rules.
What should worry the LSU camp even more is that as soon as the former pros are placed on LSU's roster, the program and Lane Kiffin will be subject to the SEC's new eligibility rules and penalties. The SEC did not vote 16-0 on those rules and penalties, with no intention of not using them when necessary. LSU would be wise not to give Greg Sankey a 'necessary' justification.
LSU has another reason to be apprehensive. On Tuesday, the CFB Playoff Board of Managers may bring the hammer down on the Bengal Tigers. The Playoff's decision-makers have discussed disqualifying teams with former professional players on their roster. No action has been taken, but that could change in the next few days. LSU could be boxed into a corner before playing its season-opening game. If the Board of Managers takes such action, LSU should sensibly back down. However, the dynamics of power in the state of Louisiana and its connection to LSU football have a history of choosing ambition over good sense.
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