LSU and SMU are set to play a nonconference series for the first time in the history of both programs, the schools jointly announced on Monday. The pair will play in Baton Rouge on Sept. 2, 2028, and return to Dallas on Sept. 1, 2029.
The battle is the first for the two programs since 1934, when LSU and SMU tied 14-14 in Baton Rouge. The Mustangs won the only other matchup between the schools in 1922 with a 51-0 victory in Dallas. Needless to say, college football has changed substantially since then.
While the battle is set to feature two up-and-coming college football brands with national aspirations, many questions remain about what it will actually look like when the programs run into Death Valley in 2028. We asked five of the biggest questions that could impact the matchup when they finally kick off.
1. Will Brian Kelly still be at LSU?
The Tigers signed Kelly to a massive 10-year contract when he left Notre Dame after the 2021 season, which is set to keep him in Baton Rouge through 2031. By the letter of the contract, Kelly should still be the head coach at LSU when this series takes place. Additionally, he has two 10-win seasons in three years. Still, pressure can come quickly at one of the best jobs in college football.
Kelly is putting a tremendous amount of focus on the 2025 season with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier back. The program also reeled in a stacked No. 1 transfer class, including a number of key contributors in the secondary. Kelly’s goal was to win a national championship at LSU. The last three coaches to don purple and gold all have. If he fails, will he be granted a seventh and eighth season?
Pressure mounts on Brian Kelly as LSU secures 2025 transfer…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/five-questions-as-lsu-smu-announce-home-and-home-series-will-brian-kelly-still-be-coaching-tigers-in-2028/
Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2025-05-12 18:18:00
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