Lane Kiffin's inaugural season as the head coach of the LSU Tigers is packed with challenges, but a trip to Jordan-Hare Stadium to face the Auburn Tigers on October 24 might not be the toughest test on the schedule. Analysts Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams have highlighted games against powerhouses like Clemson, Texas A&M, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee as the real gauntlet for Kiffin. And let's not forget the high-stakes return to Oxford against Ole Miss.
"LSU’s schedule includes Clemson, Texas A&M, Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee. Kiffin will coach road games in Oxford and Knoxville this season.
Talk about a hostile schedule. At least Clemson, Texas A&M, Alabama, and Texas will be home dates," they noted.
Auburn, meanwhile, hasn't been grabbing headlines lately, which has led some analysts to overlook them. However, the work Alex Golesh did with the USF Bulls suggests he could bring something special to East Central Alabama.
When LSU visits Auburn, they'll bring with them a top-tier transfer class. Kiffin has added 40 transfers, including 11 four-stars and three five-stars.
Among them are standout quarterback Sam Leavitt from Arizona State and top blindside tackle Jordan Seaton from Colorado. This influx of talent is expected to make an immediate impact.
Auburn, on the other hand, isn't receiving the same level of hype, despite having secured one of the nation's top QB transfers in Byrum Brown. Golesh's recruiting class was ranked 13th in the portal, which might not turn heads, but his culture and coaching could lead to unexpected success, similar to the defending champion Indiana Hoosiers.
By the time October 24 arrives, both LSU and Auburn will have a clearer sense of their identities. This could set the stage for an SEC showdown that surprises everyone.