At long last, the Lane Kiffin era begins at Louisiana State University. This Saturday night, the No. 11 LSU Tigers host the Clemson Tigers in Baton Rouge in a rematch from last year’s college football season opener.
For LSU, this game represents an institutional attempt to revive the 2019 glory days and gold standard that were delivered by Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, and Ja’Marr Chase. For Clemson, Saturday marks “the beginning of the end” for head coach Dabo Swinney’s tenure in South Carolina if he’s unable to propel the Tigers to a ten-win season.
Don’t let the relatively low trading volume on this Kalshi market (which is below $300,000 entering Thursday morning) fool you; college football prediction markets are going to be all over this game by Saturday night, with total trades potentially reaching eight figures. And, speaking of “eight figures,” the live gate at Tiger Stadium alone will probably bring in over $20 million in proceeds from the anticipated capacity crowd of more than 100,000 fans.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin hit the portal during the offseason, securing quarterback Sam Leavitt, offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, and safety Ty Benefield from rival universities. By comparison, Clemson has taken a “homegrown” approach that has already led to a quarterback controversy as Christopher Vizzina gets his second-ever start in what promises to be an imposing atmosphere in Baton Rouge.
We’re picking up the No. 11 LSU Tigers’ contracts at 78¢ ahead of Saturday’s college football showcase. Along those same lines, we’re taking the “over” on LSU scoring 30.5 points against Clemson at 54¢ per contract.
The media cycle between now and Saturday is already set in stone. Lane Kiffin will make his LSU head coaching debut after bailing on Ole Miss in November of last year, just as the Rebels were preparing to enter the College Football Playoff as a result of a historic 11-1 regular season, capped by an Egg Bowl win over Mississippi State.
LSU will host SEC rivals Texas (No. 5), Alabama (No. 13), and Texas A&M (No. 8) this year, but will be on the road at No. 9 Ole Miss on September 19th. Despite the dollars, the pressure on Kiffin to resuscitate LSU is going to be enormous and palpable. A loss versus the underdog Clemson Tigers this Saturday would instantly make Louisiana State a significant underdog to qualify for the College Football Playoff.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has brought back offensive coordinator Chad Morris and will be looking to score 31 or more points to offset the home team’s attack once the action begins.
As with most high-profile sports contests, this Kalshi market could experience a lot of variance based on how the first part of the game plays out. A quick Clemson score will immediately result in an LSU price dive, creating bargain contracts that sharps may want to pick up before the second quarter.
Live streamers will need an ESPN+ subscription to view the game in its entirety. For those who have cable, the LSU v Clemson matchup will be televised on ABC.
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