SEC Schedules Alabama-LSU Daytime, Kiffin Suspects Bias
Lane Kiffin questions SEC’s scheduling of Alabama-LSU game, citing ongoing legal tensions.
3 min read
Lane Kiffin is questioning whether the SEC is working against LSU, citing the unusual daytime kickoff time for the Alabama-LSU game. The Southeastern Conference announced Monday that the game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Nov. 7, making it the first daytime meeting between the two programs in Baton Rouge since 2010. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially given the longstanding tradition of the rivalry being played at night.
LSU and Alabama will meet at 2:30 p.m. on ABC https://t.co/1Xu9Ya4MtY
Kiffin suggested Wednesday that the unusual kickoff time might be related to LSU’s ongoing legal issues with the conference. He said, “If someone thinks the SEC wants us to win this year after what’s been going on, they must have just been on Mars the last four months. So I guess when I look at it that way, I’m not surprised.”
Lane Kiffin on the 2:30 pm kickoff for Alabama at LSU:
Founder of Sport & State, Clay Travis, raised a similar question, suggesting that LSU might be facing an afternoon kickoff against Alabama due to its legal battle with the SEC.
LSU-Alabama not being played at night in Death Valley is ridiculous. Is the SEC punishing LSU for its lawsuit against the conference? I think there’s a Cold War going on behind the scenes, and LSU fans are getting screwed out of one of college football’s greatest atmospheres. https://t.co/3i7lOqHbeK
The tension between LSU and the SEC has been significant, particularly regarding eligibility rules. LSU attempted to add former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who had pursued NFL opportunities before returning to college football. A Louisiana court blocked the conference from enforcing its rule against players returning from professional ranks, leading the SEC to file a federal lawsuit against LSU officials and Kiffin. The legal battle has continued into October, with the conference arguing that LSU could face expulsion from the league.
The decision to schedule the game during the day is not without its complications. According to ESPN, the conference itself did not make the final call on the kickoff time. “Decisions on SEC game times are made by ESPN in compliance with the terms of our SEC agreement,” an ESPN representative told Sport & State. “The Alabama/LSU and Georgia/Ole Miss games were designated as ‘flex’ games back in June, meaning either game could end up in the late afternoon window or the prime window, with such decision to be made by ESPN on 12 or 6 days’ notice.”
ESPN stated that the decision was based on television strategy, aiming to maximize viewership for their overall schedule on Nov. 7. “Monday marked the 12-day decision deadline and ESPN, after considering all scheduling factors involved with the sport on Saturday, Nov. 7 (e.g., window by window competition and lead ins/lead outs), determined assigning Alabama/LSU to the 3:30 p.m. ET window on ABC and Georgia/Ole Miss to the 7:30 p.m. ET window on ABC was best to maximize viewership for ESPN/ABC’s overall schedule of games on that day.”
Despite ESPN’s explanation, Kiffin’s skepticism remains valid given the ongoing legal battle between LSU and the SEC. The conference and one of its most prominent programs are in a federal court fight, with LSU potentially facing severe penalties from the league. The loss of the traditional nighttime setting in Baton Rouge adds to the growing tension.
Source: Daily Wire
