Obviously it isn't happening unless we somehow get passed over by the Sugar Bowl, but I'd welcome an opportunity to play Clemson. Big national brand right now, Dabo has recruited really well in East Tennessee, and this would be an opportunity for us to bitch-slap them. I think my favorite non-playoff matchup would be Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. But since the Sugar Bowl is now aligned with the Big 12, and since Michigan is likely to wind up in the Rose Bowl anyway, I'm not sure I wouldn't mind the Sugar Bowl taking LSU and letting us slip to the Orange Bowl against Clemson.
It just seems like we’re going to be the most coveted team in the country among the bowls this year, if we’re available to them. Hyper-energized fanbase that travels well even in bad years. TV ratings gold (top two rated games in the country this year). Arguably the most entertaining on-field product in the country. Star power in Hooker and Hyatt.
After the CFP takes their four, the Sugar Bowl gets first choice among remaining SEC teams. We haven’t been there in over 30 years. Our fans would travel there in droves, spend money, and make a vacation of it. LSU’s fans would go to the game and drive straight home the same day. It seems like a no-brainer to me.
Hopefully we go to the CFP, making this whole discussion moot.
