Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury doling out compliments like Black Friday coupons

After a long wait, the SEC bowl season gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday when LSU takes on Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl.

The first SEC game in 24 days also will be a celebration of sorts for coach Les Miles, whose job status was not certain following a regular-season win against Texas A&M.

The Tigers coach held a joint press conference with Red Raiders coach Kliff Kingsbury on Monday, and the Big 12 heartthrob had plenty of nice things to say about LSU.

Kingsbury on Fournette: "He's Sunday ready already." #LSU

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 28, 2015

Kingsbury says #LSU's defense will be the most athletic Tech has faced this season.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 28, 2015

Kingsbury on #LSU D: "It will be the best defense we've seen."

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 28, 2015

Kingsbury on #LSU offense under Miles: "When he was in the Big 12, he ran a more open style attack. (At LSU), he’s playing to his strengths"

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 28, 2015

Miles on similarities with Kingsbury: "Except for him being tall and having a lot more hair, there's a lot of similarities." #LSU

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 28, 2015

Considering Kingsbury and Arkansas coach Bret Bielema had a bit of a war of words earlier this season after the Red Raiders upset the Razorbacks, it represents a different tone by the Texas Tech contingent.

LSU currently is a 7-point favorite at almost every Las Vegas casino, so perhaps that respect is deserved.