Saturday was supposed to be a celebration for LSU, the reigning national champions. However, new Mississippi State coach Mike Leach and his Air Raid offense spoiled the fun.

Behind 623 passing yards and 5 touchdowns from QB KJ Costello, the Bulldogs went into Baton Rouge and pulled off a major 44-34 upset victory.

On SportsCenter on Sunday morning, analyst Paul Finebaum said he was more concerned about LSU than he was impressed by Mississippi State:

“I think it will work (Mississippi State’s Air Raid offense), but I was more concerned about LSU,” Finebaum said. “Let’s remember — in addition to losing Joe Burrow and everybody else — only about 14 players to the NFL Draft — they were also without Derek Stingley, their best player. He’s the All-American cornerback. He was not out for COVID reasons, but other reasons. I think that really hurt them against Mississippi State and the Air Raid. But I really have to wonder about LSU.

“If the fans down there thought they had a chance to knock Alabama off this year, I don’t think so after yesterday.”

Yes, losing all those players hurt. And yes, Stingley was out after spending the night in the hospital with a medical episode. However, this was a game the Tigers were still expected to win.

Could this be the start of a long year at LSU?