The original deal was signed Jan. 9, 2014 and LSU was to play UCLA in the 2024 season opener on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Tiger Stadium. The game was rescheduled so LSU could play in the Las Vegas Kickoff Classic, a top-25 matchup with USC for which LSU was paid $5 million by ESPN Events.

LSU football has plenty of chances to build a strong College Football Playoff resume. But making the CFP will be no easy task.

Each week, I will use this space to tell you what I think are a few of the best bets heading into the weekend. I will also throw in an upset of the week, which will be a team that is at least a touchdown underdog that I am picking to win outright.