Oregon vs LSU: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

There isn’t a single better way to start the season than watching one team ride off into the sunset and the other realize all hope is lost.

That’s the beauty of the BCS system and that’s what we’re going to witness in primetime between the (3) Oregon Ducks and (4) LSU Tigers.

The season hangs in the balance Week 1 and unlike the NFL, there can only be one winner in this regular season matchup of epic proportions. The magnitude of this meeting is intensified by bright primetime lights and the ripple effect it will have on the rest of the BCS.

This is the top matchup of Week 1 as the Ducks look to rebound from their BCS National Championship loss to Auburn. They are back with more experience and didn’t lose anybody valuable from their prolific offense.

LSU is missing valuable pieces from last season in Patrick Peterson and Kelvin Sheppard, but we all know Les Miles and LSU churn out high-quality defenders like a factory.

This is about as even a matchup as we can get Week 1. With BCS National Championship implications on the line, this meeting will have a championship atmosphere across the nation. We may look back to this Earth-shattering matchup not because it set the tone for the entire season, but because it was the best game of the year.

Where: Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas

When: September 3, 8:00 PM EST

Watch: ABC

Listen: ESPN Radio, ESPNRadio.com, Sirius: 214/XM: 193 Oregon, Sirius/XM: 91 LSU, More local Oregon radio stations, More local LSU radio stations

Betting Line: Oregon -3

This is a low spread based mostly on LSU’s history, but also because of the neutral playing field. Oregon deserves to be the favorites, not because they are ranked higher, but because they have the experience and talent to power through the entire BCS like they did last year.

This is a great line for those looking to take the Ducks.

If you’re hoping for an LSU upset, just stop.

Who Might Not Play for Oregon

DT Ricky Heimuli is probable with an ankle injury.

WR Josh Huff is questionable with an ankle injury.

WR Blake Cantu is questionable with a shoulder injury.

TE Christian French is doubtful with a hamstring injury.

TE Curtis White is out with a leg injury.

LB Kiko Alonso is suspended for off-field issues.

CB Cliff Harris is suspended for off-field issues.

Who Might Not Play for LSU

WR Jarvis Landry is probable with a foot injury.

C Bob Hebert is questionable as he faces possible suspension for his involvement in a recent bar fight.

WR Russell Shepard is suspended for violating university and NCAA codes of conduct.

LB Josh Johns and QB Jordan Jefferson are suspended for their involvement in a recent bar fight.

Key Storyline

There’s a handful of exciting storylines including Oregon vying for another National Championship appearance, Darron Thomas and LaMichael James’ Heisman push and the loss of LSU superstar Patrick Peterson to the NFL, but it’s all about the suspensions on both teams.

Oregon’s Harris is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country. He is a vital piece to the Ducks’ defense and special teams.

LSU is without their starting quarterback Jefferson. He was hoping to enjoy a breakout campaign, but we can effectively throw that out the window.

BCS/Top 25 Implications

Have you been paying attention!? BCS National Championship! That’s what it’s all about in this game.

One team is looking to stay alive in the polls while the other may as well forfeit entirely. The loser will have zero chance of ever making it back into the Top 5 of the rankings, let alone an opportunity to represent their conference in the championship game.

What They’re Saying

With Jefferson suspended, Oregon is doing everything they can to prepare for backup Jarrett Lee. They didn’t recruit him, so they had to scramble for some game film. Luckily for Ducks fans, the coaching staff feels comfortable heading into the game.

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“He’s probably a lot like a Nate Costa," [Oregon defensive coordinator Nick] Aliotti said, comparing Lee to a former Ducks quarterback. "If Nate got into a game last year for us we would have felt really good about that. That’s who I liken him to, a smart, good quarterback that’s getting a chance to start,” said Aliotti according to The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress.

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LSU needs Lee to step up if they want any shot at going undefeated this season. They will rely on runners Spencer Ware and Michael Ford, but this is Lee’s opportunity and he needs to take advantage. He is going into the most important game of the season against an undefeated team from one year ago. He’s not taking it lightly.

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“Oregon is a great team," Lee said. "As a quarterback, you've got to be smart with the football. You've got to know. It's about preparation, watching film prior to the game, knowing what they give you and knowing what you have. We know it's a huge week; we have to come Saturday with our A game,” said Lee according to Times Picayune’s Jim Kleinpeter.

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Oregon Player to Watch

It’s all about James, who is the best running back in the country. He reminds me of a young LaDainian Tomlinson with his smooth style, agility and blazing speed. He was a Heisman hopeful last year and will make another push this season. His quest for 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground begins with him shredding LSU’s perceived top-notch defense.

LSU Player to Watch

Jarrett Lee is going to start at quarterback in replace of Jefferson. It could be worse for the Tigers as Lee is an experienced player who has some skills. Unfortunately for LSU, Oregon has enough time to prepare for domination. Lee has played sparingly the past two years, which should signal a red flag for LSU supporters.

Key Matchup

The running backups will be the major contributors, but this game will come down to Ducks QB Darron Thomas against the talented LSU secondary. The Tigers may have lost Patrick Peterson to the NFL, but CB Morris Claiborne is a phenomenal cover man and will prove to be one of the best in the nation this season. Thomas doesn’t have a plethora of weapons, but he has the arm strength and accuracy to dissect this Tigers defense.

Prediction

Oregon, 24-13