Kiffin Accuses SEC of Sabotaging LSU via Daytime Alabama Kickoff
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin criticized the Southeastern Conference for scheduling the November 7 game against Alabama at 3:30 p.m. ET, breaking a 16-year trend of nighttime matchups in Baton Rouge. Kiffin suggested the SEC is deliberately denying LSU a home-field advantage due to ongoing legal disputes involving former NFL signees. The game features two 6-2 teams vying for College Football Playoff berths, with Alabama’s potent pass rush posing a significant threat to LSU’s offensive line.
Key points
- The SEC scheduled the Alabama-LSU game for 3:30 p.m. ET on November 7, ending a 16-year streak of nighttime games in Baton Rouge.
- Kiffin claimed the SEC is sabotaging LSU’s playoff hopes by removing the nighttime advantage, citing legal disputes over former NFL signees.
- Both teams enter the game with 6-2 records, making the outcome critical for College Football Playoff berths.
- LSU has a 30-3 home record since 2022, but Kiffin noted the team has won its last two afternoon games against Alabama.
- The SEC is involved in lawsuits with LSU regarding the addition of former NFL players to the roster.
Background
LSU and Alabama have played 14 of the last 16 matchups at night, including a rare 'Game of the Century' in 2019. Kiffin’s comments come amid legal disputes involving former NFL signees Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, as well as basketball player RJ Luis. LSU has a 30-3 home record since 2022, but Kiffin noted the team has won its last two afternoon games against Alabama.
How outlets are covering it
OutKick and USA Today both report Kiffin’s criticism of the SEC’s scheduling decision. OutKick emphasizes Kiffin’s 'fuming' reaction and his suggestion that the SEC is punishing LSU for its success. USA Today highlights Kiffin’s 'shock' at the daytime kickoff and his claim that the SEC is not interested in LSU winning. Both outlets note the legal disputes involving former NFL signees as context for Kiffin’s accusations.
Why it matters
The scheduling decision could impact LSU’s College Football Playoff hopes, as a loss to Alabama could jeopardize their bid. Kiffin’s accusations highlight the tension between the SEC and LSU, which could have broader implications for the conference’s reputation and future scheduling decisions.
What to watch
The Alabama-LSU game will be played on November 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The outcome will be critical for both teams’ College Football Playoff berths. Kiffin’s accusations may lead to further scrutiny of the SEC’s scheduling decisions and legal disputes with LSU.
- Lane Kiffin fumes over Alabama kickoff time, accuses SEC of not wanting LSU to win Fox News
- Lane Kiffin calls conspiracy on SEC for LSU-Alabama. Here's why USA Today
- Casagrande: The Lane Kiffin fantasy troll of Alabama is here AL.com
- SEC TV times, channels: Lane Kiffin infers bias in night game selection The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Lane Kiffin wants to know why LSU-Alabama kickoff isn't scheduled for prime time Yahoo Sports
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Fox News