BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – LSU coach Lane Kiffin wants Tiger fans to change their game day routines, make more noise and get to bed earlier as the Tigers prepare to host Alabama in an afternoon matchup at Death Valley.
During his Monday, Nov. 2, news conference, Kiffin challenged fans to bring the same energy they would for a night game to Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. kickoff against No. 9 Alabama.
“If you’re used to 6:30, start your day earlier. Have breakfast earlier. Start drinking earlier. Whatever your routine is, move it up,” Kiffin said.
He even joked that Baton Rouge should shut down by 10 p.m. Friday so fans can get enough sleep before Saturday’s game.
“Go to bed earlier Friday night. That’s my message for our fans,” Kiffin said.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin talks with a player during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)(Butch Dill | AP Photo/Butch Dill)Kiffin wants LSU fans to break Tennessee’s noise record
Saturday will mark the first time Alabama has visited Tiger Stadium for a daytime game since 2010.
Kiffin pointed to Tennessee’s Oct. 17 victory over Alabama, when fans at Neyland Stadium produced a peak noise level of 130.3 decibels, the highest scientifically verified crowd noise measurement in college football history, according to the University of Tennessee.
The LSU coach wants fans to break that record Saturday.
“So let’s break the record. We want our players to play well. We want our coaches to play well,” Kiffin said.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin reacts to a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)(Butch Dill | AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kiffin said Tennessee’s crowd noise affected Alabama’s offense during that game, which also kicked off at 2:30 p.m.
The LSU coach had already expressed frustration over Saturday’s game time.
During the SEC coaches teleconference Wednesday, Oct. 28, Kiffin said he was shocked that the rivalry matchup would not be played at night.
He also discussed the scheduling decision during an appearance on the Brandon Walker College Football Show that Wednesday.
“Having played on the other side, the night is so electric and kind of intimidating here,” Kiffin said when asked if he prefers night games at Tiger Stadium.
Kiffin challenged fans to prove that LSU’s home-field advantage doesn’t depend on the time of day.
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LSU head coach Lane Kiffin reacts as tight end Zach Grace (44) carries the ball for a first down against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)(Butch Dill | AP Photo/Butch Dill)LSU prepares for Alabama after bye week
No. 15 LSU enters Saturday’s game with a 6-2 record after using its bye week to begin preparing for Alabama and allow injured players additional rest.
Kiffin called Alabama the most talented opponent LSU has faced this season. He also compared Alabama’s roster to some of the program’s past teams.
“Less margin for error. We’ve got to be on everything. We have to make sure we perform really well against a really good team that’s coached really well. You see them and they look like old Alabama teams,” Kiffin said.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) tries to get around Auburn linebacker Demarcus Riddick (6) as he carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)(Butch Dill | AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The coach praised quarterback Sam Leavitt’s progress throughout the season, particularly his decision-making after missing spring practice.
“He’s made really good decisions with the ball, outside of one. He hasn’t forced anything. He’s taking what the defense gives him. He’s a lot more comfortable, which probably should have been expected, having missed spring,” Kiffin said.
Kiffin also highlighted cornerback DJ Pickett’s improvement in recent games.
“I’m proud of how he’s played the last couple of weeks. He’s improved. He needed to play more physical if he wanted to be one of the he best (CBs) in the country and he’s done that – in coverage and in tackling,” Kiffin said.
LSU cornerback DJ Pickett (5) attempts an interception against Mississippi State wide receiver Zion Ragins (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)(Matthew Hinton | AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU faces a difficult November schedule, with games against Alabama, Texas and Tennessee in consecutive weeks before closing the regular season against Arkansas.
Kiffin said he has advised players not to focus on Tuesday’s College Football Playoff rankings because the standings will continue to change throughout the month.
LSU and Alabama kick off Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT at Tiger Stadium. The game will air on ABC.
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