Locked On LSU - Daily Podcast On LSU Tigers Football & Basketball

Did LSU Accidentally Catch a Huge Break Before Clemson?

7 snips

Jan 30, 2026

They unpack Clemson's denied Week 0 waiver and whether playing cold was a quiet advantage for LSU. Discussion covers why pre-season tune-ups are rising and how scheduling trends could change college football. Conversation shifts to NFL buzz around Charlie Weis Jr. and what his potential departure might mean. They finish with an early, odds-based look at LSU's 2026 strength of schedule.

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ANECDOTE

Dabo's History Of Late-Game Tricks

Matt Moscona recounts past instances where Dabo Swinney used late moves to gain advantages, like timing injuries or suspensions.
He uses those stories to suggest Clemson seeks every edge, including Week 0 requests.

INSIGHT

Denied Week 0 Gave LSU A Quiet Edge

Clemson applied for a Week 0 waiver to play Charleston Southern and get a tune-up before facing LSU, but the NCAA denied it.
Matt Moscona argues that denial quietly benefited LSU by forcing Clemson to open cold in Baton Rouge.

INSIGHT

Week 0 Is Becoming The New Normal

Moscona connects rising Week 0 interest to a broader trend of starting the season earlier and changing playoff timing.
He predicts Week 0 will become standard as coaches want tune-ups and schedule relief.

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Did LSU unknowingly dodge a major Week 1 bullet?

Clemson attempted to schedule a Week 0 tune-up game before traveling to Baton Rouge for its season opener against LSU, but the NCAA denied the request. While coaches publicly praise marquee openers, actions speak louder than words — and Clemson’s move raises an interesting question about whether LSU benefited from its opponent being forced to open the season cold.

We break down why Week 0 games are becoming more attractive across college football, what the NCAA’s decision tells us, and whether this was a quiet advantage for LSU heading into one of the most anticipated openers of the season.

Plus, new NFL chatter surfaces as reports indicate Giants head coach John Harbaugh may target LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. to pair with former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. How realistic is the threat, and what would losing Weis mean for LSU’s offense under Lane Kiffin?

We also take an early look at LSU’s 2026 SEC strength of schedule using opponents’ national championship odds — and the outlook may be far more favorable for the Tigers than many realize.

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