Week 1

LSU’s opener last week was cancelled. There was no way that game could have been played in Tiger Stadium with the human tragedy being played out on TV all week. I don’t know if the players were in any shape to focus on a game which was suddenly placed in its appropriate context. Could the Tigers have played at North Texas? Sure. Would they have won? Probably. Would this have been appropriate? I think each of us must answer that for ourselves.

This weekend’s upcoming game with Arizona State was also to be played in Tiger Stadium. However, it has been moved to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. While I think most folks would agree with the administration’s decision regarding North Texas, I think the feelings are mixed for this weekend’s game. It was reported that the game could have been played in Oxford on Ole Miss’ campus. That seemed to be a great solution to the problem facing the LSU decision makers. The game will go on, LSU fans could drive to Oxford and Ole Miss staff and support people would be in a great position to handle the logistics. LSU would lose home field advantage, but at least a large contingent of LSU fans would be present.

Instead we now have a road game at ASU. Plus we have the idiotic LSU chancellor encouraging people to head to Tempe for the game. Say what? Am I supposed to get plane tickets and a hotel room wrapped up in four days and head out for the weekend while my house is full of folks from New Orleans? At least the drive to Oxford would allow fans to leave early Saturday, play the game at 2:30 p.m., and then drive back to Louisiana. The chancellor’s plea for a big LSU turnout is asinine. But hey, at least he is hooking up his good buddy, the chancellor over ASU.

On top of everything else, LSU STILL has to travel to Tempe in 2008. I’m calling b---s--- on the entire deal.

As for the game itself, I have no idea what will happen. If LSU can collect itself and focus on the task at hand, the Tigers can make a BIG statement this weekend. But if the adversity proves to difficult to overcome, expect a sloppy, poorly played game marked by numerous mental errors. The Sun Devils have the advantages of playing at home and one game already under their belt. The Tigers are more talented and as of yet, unscouted. Who knows what new wrinkles Les Miles has brought to the Bayou Bengals?

LSU must run the ball to have any offensive success. Russell is not to the level where he can carry the offense. If the defense can get after ASU's new QB, Sam Keller, LSU can keep the game close and rely on that nasty offensive line to carry the day in the fourth quarter.

Of course I will be screaming at the TV Saturday night for the Tigers, but I can’t shake the feeling that all the distractions will be too much for LSU.

Arizona State – 24 LSU – 20.