LSU Tigers football coach Lane Kiffin has drawn criticism from college football fans for complaining about the kickoff time for the upcoming game against Alabama. Kiffin suggested that the SEC and ESPN were not prioritizing LSU by scheduling the highly anticipated matchup for an afternoon slot rather than primetime.
However, Kiffin's remarks have been met with skepticism, with many pointing out that LSU has already had more night games this season than any other team in the SEC. Furthermore, it is ESPN, not the SEC, that makes the final decision on kickoff times, although the conference likely has significant input.
Fans also noted that Kiffin has a history of making similar complaints, regardless of whether he was coaching at Ole Miss or LSU. This pattern has led some to believe Kiffin frequently plays the victim card. For example, Kiffin previously stated in 2022 that everyone was out to get him when he was coaching Ole Miss, and now he appears to be echoing similar sentiments while at LSU.
Adding to the controversy, the date of the Alabama-LSU game coincides with a significant weekend for college football, featuring other major matchups like BYU-Utah, Kentucky-Tennessee, Ole Miss-Georgia, and Miami-Notre Dame. The Miami-Notre Dame game is scheduled for NBC, leading ESPN to potentially place its premier SEC matchup in a less competitive timeslot to avoid directly challenging a major broadcast.
Fans have also pointed out LSU's recent record against Alabama in night games in Baton Rouge, where the Tigers have struggled. Some suggest Kiffin should be grateful for the afternoon kickoff.
Beyond the Kiffin controversy, the article also touches on the end of the MLB postseason, noting the Milwaukee Brewers' relatively subdued celebration after winning their first World Series. The author expresses a sentiment that the overall postseason lacked memorable moments, foreshadowing a potentially "long winter" for baseball fans due to an expected lockout. The piece concludes with a brief mention of a Halloween costume tease from Paige Spiranac.