The LSU Tigers are the reigning national champions, but their 2020 season got started with a dud, as they fell at home to unranked Mississippi State 44-34.

No, this team isn’t the same team that went 15-0 last year, but many expected the Tigers to pick up the Week 1 win.

Now, moving forward, what should we expect from coach Ed Orgeron’s squad? On “First Take” on ESPN on Thursday morning, SEC Network host Paul Finebaum said he doesn’t expect LSU to contend for an SEC title this season (via 247Sports):

“Not good,” Finebaum said of LSU’s outlook this season. “Stephen A. (Smith), I know you promised a year ago that Alabama would win this year and not LSU, and you’re right. I’m not suggesting LSU was a one-hit-wonder. I think they have a very good program. But replacing 14 starters, losing Ja’Marr Chase, their best wide receiver, having Derek Stingley out of the game, one of the better quarterbacks, they just didn’t have it. I think they’ll lose a couple more games this year. They will not be a contender when this season ends.”

LSU has a chance to get back on track this weekend against Vanderbilt, but tougher games loom on the schedule for Coach O’s squad.

We’ll see where this team ends up at the end of the season.

Read More

Louisiana sports betting is officially live in much of the state. Whether it is betting on SEC football or LSU football games or the Heisman race each year, if you live in Louisiana, you can now do it from your mobile phone.