SEC SIDs name toughest place to play in the conference in 2015
Southeastern Conference teams must play in the Swamp, Between the Hedges, on Rocky Top and in the Vaught.
But which school has the biggest home-field advantage?
Alabama went into Sanford Stadium last week and won against Georgia, Auburn had a near miss against Jacksonville State at Jordan-Hare and Ole Miss upset Alabama at Bryant-Denny. So even though those are tough venues, none made the cut.
An informal survey of a select few members of the league’s athletic departments personnel seem to be in agreement.
Although a revamped Kyle Field in College Station was mentioned, as was Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C., and Scott Field in Starkville, Miss., one location was a common answer — Tiger Stadium at LSU.
With a capacity of 102,321 fans — many of which tailgate for hours prior to a Baton Rouge Saturday night — the intensity of the crowd can be daunting.
LSU has the third-largest stadium in the conference with just 134 fewer seats than Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Texas A&M, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Auburn are among the largest venues in the nation.
But the crowd is what makes Baton Rouge tough. This is the fan base that registered on Seismic Scale in the LSU geology department after sealing a win in 1988 against Auburn.
The enclosed architecture keeps the crowd noise reverberating around the stadium, making Tiger Stadium one of the loudest places to play in all of college football. And when LSU plays at night, the crowd is — shall we say — full of courage.
Although LSU did lose to Mississippi State and Alabama last season at home, the Tigers have been very successful in Baton Rouge. Including this season, since 2004 LSU is 73-9 at home.
Under Les Miles, LSU has won 57 of 64 home games. While at the helm, Miles directed the Tigers to 22 consecutive home wins, a school record. The Bayou Bengals have not lost a non-conference home games since Miles arrived in Baton Rouge.
Overall, LSU is 402-146-18 at Tiger Stadium.
Sitting atop the SEC West at the moment with Texas A&M, that home field edge could come into play to determine the division champion this year.
Texas A&M plays at LSU on Nov. 28.