The small advantage LSU football has over Alabama and Clemson in 2020

Every advantage is important and LSU football has a small one over Alabama and Clemson in 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic that has derailed the sports world over the last several months has created numerous issues for college programs, but it may have created a small advantage for LSU football in 2020.

And if there’s one thing we know about college football coaches, it’s that they look for any advantage they can get.

I mean, we’re talking about coaches who guard their depth charts during fall practice like it’s the Ark of the Covenant — even though any advantage gained from keeping a starting quarterback a secret is minimal at best.

Either way, it’s obvious that coaches are always looking for an edge.

LSU football’s slight advantage in 2020

Due to the pandemic, spring practice was cut short in 2020. Players haven’t been able to work out on campus, which means strength coaches have no clue what they’ll be working with as athletes return to campus this week.

It’s going to be a sprint to get ready for the 2020 season. There are less than three months until the season opens in early September and there’s a lot of work to be done.

Fortunately for the Tigers, they get a bit of a “warm-up” game to start the season, unlike Alabama and Clemson.

LSU starts the season with a matchup against UTSA — a game where the Tigers should be able to work out the kinks (which will be important, especially with a new defensive coordinator).

Alabama, however, kicks off the season against USC in Texas. And Clemson will start with a game against Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

Now, obviously Alabama and Clemson will be favored in those matchups. I don’t think anyone is predicting Alabama or Clemson to lose those respective games.

But without a true offseason, I’m not sure anyone knows what to expect in week one.

And a loss in week one could be devastating for a program’s national title hopes.

Maybe this advantage turns out to be non-consequential. Or maybe it helps LSU reach the playoff over Alabama/Clemson.

Either way, I like LSU’s position to start the season better than their top playoff competition.