No. 7 LSU’s trip to Oxford already had plenty of heat around it, but the biggest talking point of the week has been the status of quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Leavitt opened Wednesday’s SEC Availability Report as doubtful, then moved to questionable on Thursday after dealing with back spasms. Multiple sources told Geaux247 that he did not practice Wednesday before returning Thursday for a walkthrough. The update quickly sent the internet into a frenzy, even though the signs point toward him being available Saturday night.
Nick Saban, though, isn’t buying the concern.
“If I was a betting man, I would say there's absolutely nothing wrong with Sam Leavitt," Saban said via The Pat McAfee Show. "So, I would be psychologically telling the defensive players that this doesn't matter.
'Sam Leavitt is going to play, he's going to be the best, we've got to stop him. Don't lose your edge because you think he's not going to play.'
And then he shows up and plays and it's a downer."
Leavitt has been central to LSU’s start, completing 41 of 66 passes for 574 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions in two games. He’s also added a handful of scores on the ground, giving the Tigers a dual-threat element that has helped fuel the offense.
Thursday night’s SEC Availability Report added another layer to the picture. Leavitt’s status was upgraded again, moving from doubtful to questionable. TJ Dottery also remains questionable, while Trey’Dez Green is off the report.
The matchup itself carries plenty of weight. Saturday is the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams, and the weekly availability updates will continue on Friday and then again 90 minutes before kickoff.
Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford has already loaded the game with storylines, and Kiffin made clear Monday that the focus inside the building is on the players, not the noise around him.
"I know obviously a lot's going to be made about me, but this is about the players being prepared really well and playing really well. Pete's not going to tackle anybody. I'm not going to throw any touchdowns," Kiffin said on Monday.
"This is about our guys.. This is the first SEC game - both teams are 2-0, and we've got to prepare really well."
In Other News...
LSU Fans Have One More Reason To Hate This Ole Miss Loss
Ole Miss 32-24 win over LSU was already frustrating enough for Tigers fans, with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss putting together a big day through the air and on the ground in a game that helped the Rebels leave with a rivalry win. He threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns, added another score rushing and had just one interception, giving Ole Miss plenty to celebrate after the final whistle.
For LSU fans, though, the irritation did not end with the scoreboard. Chambliss postgame interview with ESPNs Holly Rowe added one more layer to the loss when he let an expletive slip while delivering the Ole Miss cheer Hotty Toddy, a moment that will only sharpen how this result is remembered in Baton Rouge. [Read more 🡒]
Lane Kiffins Family Is Forcing Ole Miss Fans To Confront Something Ugly
As LSU and Ole Miss prepare for a high-profile matchup Saturday night, the attention around Lane Kiffin has spilled far beyond the sideline. His family, including daughter Landry, has been hit with inappropriate jokes on social media, a reminder of how quickly rivalry week can turn ugly when football noise bleeds into personal attacks.
Layla Kiffin, Lanes ex-wife, posted a message calling for kindness, and Landry publicly addressed the offensive comments as well. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and will air on ABC, but the lead-up has already shown how much harder it can be for families attached to a marquee SEC game to stay out of the crossfire. [Read more 🡒]
LSU Suddenly Has A Trey'Dez Green Concern It Can't Ignore
TreyDez Green gave LSU a lift against Ole Miss before the fourth quarter turned troubling, and the Tigers immediately had to adjust to life without their tight end. Green hauled in a 19-yard reception before suffering an apparent right leg injury, then was evaluated on the field by medical staff as the LSU sideline watched a key pass-catching option go down.
By the time he was carted to the locker room, the LSU Football Radio Broadcast had ruled him doubtful to return, leaving the Tigers with a real concern in the passing game. Green had been LSUs leading receiver at the time of his exit with four catches for 60 yards, a reminder of how much the offense had already leaned on him before the injury interrupted the night. [Read more 🡒]