| The first score of the football season is in for LSU, and it wasn't a win. According to a report from Yahoo! Sports, LSU coach Brian Kelly said the school looked at "all the options" to try to make star defensive tackle Maason Smith eligible for the Tigers' Sept. 3 opener against Florida State. That even included looking into the possibility of playing a "Week Zero" game ahead of the FSU game so Smith could be suspended for that one instead. On each attempt, the NCAA blocked LSU's attempt like a world-class goalkeeper or time simply ran out. The result: Smith will serve a one-game suspension against FSU for taking improper benefits from an autograph signing session that happened just before the NIL era kicked in. Once again, as in the case of former LSU basketball coach Will Wade, rules were broken. To LSU fans, once again it feels like the punishment does not fit the crime. Especially since Smith's absence, as in last year's season opener against the Seminoles, could cost LSU a closely contested game. And this year, it could cost the Tigers a shot at the College Football Playoff. In case you're wondering, LSU still remains a 2 1/2-point favorite over FSU, per Caesars. Perhaps the reason for that is that the Tigers still possess plenty of game-changing talent. Players like preseason All-American wide receiver Malik Nabers. Our Wilson Alexander, who by the way broke the original story on Smith's suspension, has the story. The World Athletics Championships are nearing the end of their nine-day run in Budapest, Hungary, but not before more glory for former LSU sprinter Sha'carri Richardson in the 200-meter dash. Richardson won the 100 earlier this week. World record-holder Mondo Duplantis of LSU goes for another pole vault title Saturday. Finally, our countdown to kickoff marches on with our look at players from my book, "LSU By The Numbers." Saturday's player, eight days out from the FSU game, is No. 8 Trindon Holliday. That's a wrap on this LSU newsletter, folks. Have a great sporting weekend, and we'll see you next week. Game week. I don't know about you, but I just got goosebumps. Scott Rabalais | 
