Weighing the Risks for LSU and the SEC

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LSU and the SEC — | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Tony Siracusa, CFB Managing Editor

With only eight days until its season opener against Clemson, it appears that LSU is entering a different battle. We could soon see a fight between LSU and the SEC, and this contest is potentially even more consequential than any game on the field.

Unfortunately, the courtroom has become as prominent as the football field when it comes to the news surrounding college football. This conflict is no exception. Evidently, neither side is willing to back down.

LSU and the SEC

How Did We Get Here?

This collision course started with the NCAA implementing the well-intentioned “five-for-five” rule that simplified players’ windows of eligibility. The ruling ended redshirts of any sort and gave players five years flat to play. However, the fifth-year players (some of whom practiced and played for NFL teams) from the incoming class of 2022 felt left out and predictably sought out judges. Some of these players were successful, most notably the 16 in Louisiana from which LSU garnered two commitments.

Former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who got cut from the New Orleans Saints, and former Cleveland Brown tight end Dae’quan Wright committed to play for LSU. Regardless of the fairness of the situation for the players, the previous sentence sounds absurd. Obviously, the optics of NFL players going to a college team didn’t go over well for anybody besides fans of other programs that were recruiting temporary professionals.

So, the SEC, in its “limitless integrity”, conveniently instituted a rule one day after the Big 10 promised consequences for any member of the conference that signed and suited NFL players. Specifically, the SEC’s ruling bans teams from having players who have declared for the draft without properly withdrawing, signing a contract, or being listed on a professional roster. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has the authority to give significant suspensions to coaches and crippling fines to schools.

Tipping the Scales

Sure, Harris and Wright are impact players who could immediately bolster the Tigers’ roster at positions of need. But would they help the team enough to warrant LSU going toe-to-toe with the SEC? We find that unlikely, but it’s admittedly a matter of opinion. Any fine is unwelcome in the current age of programs being in an urgent and constant state of fundraising. Furthermore, the Tigers face two AP top ten teams in Ole Miss and Texas A&M in the first four weeks of the season. Starting the season without a head coach could end the Tigers’ playoff hopes before the midway point.

It’s well in the realm of realistic outcomes that the courts could protect LSU from the consequences of the SEC. That scenario allows the new Tigers to suit up and play, but that also comes at a cost. Nobody is sure of how long this battle could play out, so that leaves a completely new team with existing chemistry challenges with the distraction of an ongoing legal case. Besides that, the effort put forth to add these players doesn’t exactly exude confidence in the roster as it stands.

What About Week One?

Most odds makers currently favor LSU anywhere from 9.5 to 10.5 points in its opener vs. Clemson. Here’s the thing: Clemson doesn’t care. The ACC’s Tigers have named a starting quarterback in Chris Vizzina, have nothing to lose as an underdog, and are completely focused on LSU moving forward. A road win against LSU would restore confidence in Dabo Swinney and put Clemson in the playoff conversation considering the lack of competition in its conference.

Meanwhile, the talk around Baton Rouge during game week will certainly consist of potential implications of LSU’s fight with the SEC. Don’t fall victim to overconfidence in a favored team; Week One is famous for upsets. In fact, Duke embarrassed ninth-ranked Clemson in 2023. Other Week One upsets include Jacksonville State over Ole Miss and Appalachian State’s improbable win over Michigan in the Big House. Anything can happen, especially when your roster is littered with NFL talent like Clemson’s.

Pushing the Issue

At this point, it seems that LSU is continuing this fight with the SEC simply because it can. It’s hard to believe that this athletic program would willingly risk the season for two backup players if leadership thought it could set the program back. Backed by the ever-present Governor Jeff Landry, the Tigers are moving almost as though they have immunity from any negative consequences. For all we know, they could be college football’s “Untouchables”. We tend to think life would be easier for those involved if they allowed the potential repercussions to go away.

That said, we’ve learned in a short time under Lane Kiffin and his new regime at LSU that no matter regarding the program will be influenced by public opinion. Buckle up if you follow the Tigers. The path forward will be as unpredictable as it is polarizing.

Main Image: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect