How are things shaping up for Brian Kelly in Year 1 at LSU? One concern is the experience or lack thereof. The Tigers rank 82nd in returning production and return just 10 starters. There’s a three-way battle at quarterback between veteran Myles Brennan, Arizona State transfer Jayden Daniels, and youngster Garrett Nussmeier. The receiving talent should be there led by star Kayshon Boutte, but the offensive line is a question mark. Matt House has been appointed the new defensive coordinator and will look to revive a unit that ranked 71st in scoring defense. 

Here’s a look at LSU’s schedule with dates, times, opponents, and analysis:

Week 1 – vs. Florida State Seminoles

Date: September 4

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

There’s no easing into the schedule as Kelly and the Tigers face Florida State in week one in a neutral-site game at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Week 2 – vs. Southern Jaguars

Date: September 10

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

This should be a free win for the Tigers against a Jaguars team that finished just 4-7 overall a year ago.

Week 3 – vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Date: September 17

Time: 6:00 p.m. ET

LSU has won three of the last four meetings between these schools. The Bulldogs have much more experience and rank 20th in returning production, which could be pivotal this early in the season.

Week 4 – vs. New Mexico Lobos 

Date: September 24

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

A third straight home game is a welcome sign. A year ago the Lobos went just 3-9 in coach Danny Gonzales’s second season.

Week 5 – at Auburn Tigers

Date: October 1

Time: TBD

It’s been an offseason full of turmoil for Bryan Harsin and Auburn, but LSU has lost this matchup two straight years by a combined 42 points. 

Week 6 – vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Date: October 8

Time: TBD

LSU has dominated this matchup, winning each of the last five contests. These teams don’t play often, as this will be the first meeting since 2017.

Week 7 – at Florida Gators

Date: October 15

Time: TBD

LSU hits the road to face the Gators in Year 1 under Billy Napier. Florida returns just 11 starters and LSU has won three straight games against the Gators.

Week 8 – vs. Ole Miss Rebels

Date: October 22

Time: TBD

LSU has split games against Ole Miss since Lane Kiffin came to town. Similar to the Tigers, the Rebels will rely on a bevy of transfers including quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Zach Evans. 

Week 9 – BYE

Week 10 – vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

Date: November 5

Time: TBD

Brian Kelly’s first game against Alabama comes at home after an off week, which should be a significant help. Nick Saban’s squad is primed to be a National Championship contender with stars Bryce Young and Will Anderson, Jr. 

Week 11 – at Arkansas Razorbacks

Date: November 12

Time: TBD

Arkansas had a great year under Sam Pittman a year ago, but that didn’t stop LSU from winning a 16-13 game at Tiger Stadium. The Razorbacks have high hopes but return only 10 starters. 

Week 12  – vs. UAB Blazers

Date: November 19

Time: TBD

UAB head coach Bill Clark made a stunning announcement on June 24 that he would be stepping down from the program due to chronic back problems. The Blazers are usually among the Conference USA’s best teams, so not your typical late-season SEC cupcake. 

Week 13 – at Texas A&M Aggies

Date: November 26

Time: TBD

The home team has won this matchup each of the last four years, including LSU’s 27-24 win a year ago. Brian Kelly will be anxious to shake that trend against Jimbo Fisher.