The Reveille 9-3-20

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T he 2020 Football Sea son P r e v i e w Edition T hu r s d ay, S e p t e m b e r 3, 2 02 0

NEW SEASON, SAME GOAL

The Tigers look to defend their national title despite their new 10-game conference-only schedule NEWS

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LSU student Kaylee Patillo witnessed the Aug. 22 Trader Joe’s shooting: ‘It should be charged as a hate crime.

ENTERTAINMENT

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Louisiana apparel brand Sweet Baton Rouge has officially opened its flagship store located in Mid City at the Electric Depot.

SPORTS

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Many star athletes Tiger fans were so accustomed to seeing on Saturday nights are gone, leaving one question: What now?

Read on

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“COVID-19 has killed nearly 5,000 Louisianans. How many victims were LSU fans?”

L SU Re ve i l le.co m @l s u r e ve i l le

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Tigers face new challanges in 10-game, conference-only schedule Alabama is coming back in 2020 fully loaded. Despite the quarterback position still being open, the Crimson Tide’s offense will feature an abundance of high end talent. Alabama is poised to have a strong offensive attack with a combination of its backfield and wideouts. Whoever ends up winning the quarterback job will have high caliber players surrounding him.

For the first and only time all season, LSU will face backto-back road games against Arkansas (Nov. 21) and Texas A&M (Nov. 28) before rounding things out against Ole Miss in Tiger Stadium on Dec. 5.

LSU has been victorious against Arkansas in the annual Battle of the Boot for four consecutive seasons. After throttling the Razorbacks 56-20 in 2019, LSU will travel to Arkansas in 2020,

in what everyone expects to be a similar margin of victory for the Tigers. LSU leads the all-time series 41-22-2.

Last season, LSU avenged its previous 74-72 loss to Texas A&M with a 50-7 smothering in Death Valley in Joe Burrow’s final game in Baton Rouge. This season, the Tigers will return to the scene of the crime in College Station, looking to build momentum in the matchup.

“Excited about it. The schedule is a great schedule,” Orgeron said on 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge.

“Obviously, 10 SEC games, opening up at home against Mississippi State then Vanderbilt, then Missouri and then obviously a big road game against Florida. We’re going to take them one at a time.

I think it’s a very favorable schedule, but it’s a schedule that we have to play well each week.”

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As all avid football fans know by now, college football this year is going to be conducted differently than it before COVID-19.

Although a vast amount of guidelines have been implemented to ensure safety for players, coaches and fans, etc., one of the more enticing changes lies with a conference-only schedule.

Of the Power-Five conferences that are still on track to play this season — Big 12, ACC and SEC, — all of them will be playing under a new format that will consist of 10 games, all against conference opponents. Though this will be an adjustment for all parties involved, it will affect some teams than others.

For the Big 12, a typical schedule includes nine in-conference games, so this season’s schedule will not be much of an adjustment for them. Traditionally, the SEC schedule consists of 12 regular-season games. Of those 12, eight are played against conference opponents. This season, SEC schools will have two additional in-conference opponents, playing 10 total to round out their already gruesome schedules. The ACC will follow the same format.

Although the conference-only format will increase the amount of competition for some teams, it also eliminates some of the most talked-about rivalries in college football.

LSU, is front-and-center in this situation. The conference-only schedule nixes a marquee, muchanticipated, grudge match against fellow college football blueblood, the Texas Longhorns. It also nixes a game against Rice.

Aside from the Texas and Rice games being erased this season, LSU’s revamped schedule could provide it some luck as the attempt to stay on the throne of college football.

The Tigers will start and end their gauntlet, conference-only schedule in Tiger Stadium. LSU will square off against Mississippi State on Sept. 26 and close out against Ole Miss on Dec. 5.

Over the years, LSU has dominated Mississippi State.

The Tigers lead this series alltime 75-35-3, with an astounding 18 victories over the last 20 meetings. This season’s matchup between the Tigers and Bulldogs could be an entirely different game however, Following last season, Mississippi State released former head coach Joe Moorehead of his duties and replaced him with Mike Leach, who is arguably one of the top offensive minds in college football. Combine that with graduate transfer quarterback KJ Costello, and the Tigers could be looking at an explosive offense that could be hard to stop.

Following fellow Mississippi school, Mississippi State, Ole Miss also hired a new head coach in the offseason. The LSU-Ole

Miss matchup will be a duel between longtime colleagues, Lane Kiffin and Ed Orgeron. In the 108 meetings between the schools, LSU leads the series 63-41-4 and currently holds a four-game win streak over the Rebels, following last year’s shootout victory in Oxford, 58-37.

After the season opener, Orgeron and company will face their newly added opponents in backto-back weeks. LSU will travel to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt on Oct. 3 and host Missouri on Oct. 10.

For the second consecutive year, the Tigers will be traveling to Nashville to take on the Commodores in hopes to come out with another victory following last year’s 66-38 win.

LSU last matched up against Missouri in 2016 in Tiger Stadium, winning 42-7.

The last half of October could be looked as the morechallenging stretch for LSU. The Tigers will round out October with a battle of the Tigers when they play Auburn on The Plains, but a blood-bath with Florida in Gainesville (Oct. 17) and a match against South Carolina in Tiger Stadium (Oct. 24) stand in between.

After a top-10 matchup in Death Valley last year which resulted in a 42-28 win for the Tigers, this season’s duel could be very similar. As it stands now, the Tigers could be looking at another top-10 matchup, as both the Tigers and Gators are respectively ranked in the top-8 of the Associated Press preseason poll.

The rivalry between these two programs has grown significantly in recent years, and this year will likely to be no different. The Gators will be lead by quarterback Kyle Trask, who had a breakout season last year, almost spoiling what ended up being a championship run for LSU. Of the 21 meetings with South Carolina, the Tigers have come out on top 18 times, including the previous six.

As always, the battle of the Tigers, featuring Auburn, will surely be a game to highlight.

After coming up short in highly contested games the previous three seasons, including last year’s game where Auburn nearly knocked off LSU in Death Valley, they are still seeking revenge. Bo Nix, the sophomore quarterback for the Auburn Tigers, has a number of lethal weapons in his arsenal and will be a good test for the defense of LSU. Traditionally, LSU plays against Alabama on the first Saturday of November. This year, the marquee matchup between the Tigers and Tide will be delayed a week. LSU will host Alabama on Nov. 14. Luckily, LSU was still granted a bye-week before their date with the Tide.

After an eight-year drought against Alabama, LSU finally came out victorious in Tuscaloosa, winning 46-41. However,

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BY NATASHA MALONE @malone_natasha

B-16 Hodges Hall Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, La. 70803

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NEWS

page 3 GREEK LIFE

Sororities reflect on virtual LSU student witnesses Trader Joe’s parking lot shooting recruitment

MORE THAN A MISFIRE

BY NICK FREWIN @itsnickfrewin

Kaylee Patillo was one of the last people to speak to Danny Buckley, 64, before he was shot in the parking lot of Trader Joe’s on Perkins on Aug. 22.

The psychology senior and her roommate were approached

by Buckley, a Black man and a known panhandler in the area, as they were leaving the grocery store. Patillo described him as polite and non-threatening.

Jace Boyd, 24, had turned Bucklet away only moments before.

Boyd saw Buckley approach the women and told him to stop bothering them.

“I heard a man say something, he was in his truck across from us in the aisle,” Pattillo said. “He said, ‘hey, leave those girls alone.’”

After hearing Boyd’s remarks and not wanting to get involved with conflict, Pattillo got into her car and waited for her roommate, who was still outside the car.

“My roommate gets into the car, looks over at me, and says, ‘I think that guy has a gun,’” Pattillo said. “I drove away, and I saw Boyd standing in his truck looking inside, and I assume this is when he was reloading his gun after he misfired.”

Boyd allegedly misfired and reloaded the gun before firing the single shot that struck Buckley in the abdomen, according to a police report released the day of Boyd’s arrest. Buckley was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injury.

Pattillo returned to Trader Joe’s

after she noticed the large police presence but said she was turned away by officers when she offered her account of what had happened.

The police spoke with Boyd and allowed him to go home after he claimed the shooting was in selfdefense.

The next day, Pattillo was advised by a family friend to contact the police again about what she had seen. When she called to give her statement, she discovered that police were about to release a flyer with a picture of her car in the hopes of finding her for more information about the incident.

Police issued an arrest warrant for Boyd three days after the shooting and took him into custody on Aug. 27. Boyd is now being held on a $300,000 bond.

Pattillo believes if it had been a white man approaching her asking her for money, he would still be alive today.

“I can’t think of another explanation for why Boyd would feel threatened,” Pattillo said. “From what I saw and the evidence around the case, I believe it should be charged as a hate crime.”

Pattillo wishes more LSU students would take action on issues like this and believes most students do not think these issues matter because they are not directly affected by them.

“Over quarantine I ended up dropping from my sorority because I thought their response to the Black Lives Matter movement was very poor,” Pattillo said. “There are a lot of LSU students that spend their time partying and not thinking about the fact that there is a whole world out

see WITNESS, page 4

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Kaylee Pattillo speaks at a vigil held for Danny Buckley and Trayford Pellerin on Aug. 29.

BY JOANNA CLARK @front_row_jo Sorority recruitment is traditionally the week where over 1,000 girls parade up and down Sorority Row, visit each house and meet new friends. With COVID-19 this experience seemed nearly impossible to continue, so the LSU Panhellenic Board made the decision to move the event online.

Interior design sophomore and Alpha Delta Pi sorority member Bella Godchaux said she was upset when recruitment moved to online format, but also relieved because of the impact the pandemic would have had if the event would have been in-person.

“I would rather put people’s health first,” Godchaux said.

The Panhellenic Board and each sorority worked overtime to ensure that the potential new members had full experiences. A record-breaking 1,440 potential new members registered for recruitment, with 1,317 girls placed in sororities.

The rounds were all the same except the first, known as the ‘ice water’ round. This round was not interactive and consisted of the girls watching a video from each sorority.

The Gamma Chis experienced the biggest change. Gamma Chis are group leaders for potential new members going through recruitment week. Being a Gamma Chi during COVID-19 was much different than what communication disorders and Spanish senior

ZELENA WILLIAMS

see RECRUITMENT, page 4

BUDGET CUTS

LSU Football prepares for major revenue losses amid COVID-19

BY CAITIE ZEILMAN @caitiezeilman

Decreased capacity in Tiger Stadium will cost the University tens of millions of dollars, according to officials. LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said minimizing the impact on student-athletes is a top priority in an Aug. 7 statement.

“The financial realities of the spread of COVID-19 in our program are significant,” Woodward said.

Tiger Stadium’s maximum capacity depends on state restriction. Phase 2 permits 50% capacity, and Phase 3 would allow 75%.

Gov. John Bel Edwards

extended Phase 2 until Sept.

11 last week. The Tigers are scheduled to kick off the football season with a game against Mississippi State on Sept. 26.

In addition to reduced seating capacity, visiting team tickets will be capped at 500. All press boxes will be limited to 50% capacity, and postgame press conferences will be held virtually.

The athletic department set up the Victory Fund in response to the lost revenue. The fund will go toward scholarships, healthcare and academic support for student athletes.

ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille

see FOOTBALL, page 4

Fans gather outside Tiger Stadium for the National Championship parade on Jan. 18.

Thursday, September 3, 2020

page 4 RECRUITMENT, from page 3 Ashlyn Lee expected when she applied.

“Under normal circumstances, all of the Gamma Chis and potential new members are on the Row all day organizing the lines and ensuring that all potential new members are present,” Lee said.

“We had a similar role, but it was all done through Zoom, so we were taking roll through the Zoom waiting room.”

One thing that did not change was what she considers the main part of her job–building relationships and helping the girls in her group make decisions. She was still able to become close with her group by meeting with them for frozen yogurt or lunch and talking on the phone with them almost every day.

“I wanted to be a Gamma Chi to build relationships with these new members of the Greek community and the LSU family, and that was exactly what

happened throughout the week,” Lee said. “I had a great time and would do it all over again next year even with the same circumstances.”

Psychology sophomore and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority member Olivia Boardman agreed there were benefits to virtual recruitment because it was nice to complete the process from the comfort of home. However, she felt there was also a negative side for the potential new members.

“I wouldn’t have gotten as good a feel for the sororities because I wouldn’t get to see how they interacted with each other and in their houses,” Boardman said. “The first round got cut out, so that was less opportunity to meet people.”

Haynes never doubted her choice to go through recruitment because she knew that it was a good way to meet people no matter the circumstance.

“I think there were

benefits doing it virtually because you really got to talk one on one without any distrac-

tions,” Haynes said. “We weren’t surrounded by a bunch of other girls. It was also nice that it was

SAVANNA ORGERON / The Reveille

Delta Zeta sorority house sits on Aug. 31 on W Lakeshore Drive.

The athletic director encouraged Tiger fans to donate to the tax-deductible fund, calling it “critical.”

Woodward said the athletic department prides itself on operating independently from the University, not relying on funding from students, tax dollars or public funding.

The department is offering additional priority points to donors for the first time in history, adding extra appeal. Fans can earn five priority points for every $1,000 donated.

The football program generated nearly $92 million during the 2018-2019 season, according to an NCAA report.

This accounted for more than half of LSU Athletics’ total revenue of $157 million during the same period.

Sports administration junior Mason LeBlanc said he understands the gravity of the situation.

“I think the fund was a great idea,” LeBlanc said. “Football is undoubtedly one of the largest programs here at LSU, and to lose half of that revenue would be devastating to the athletic department. They’re taking the right steps.”

Many fans, like human science and education junior Schoen Jones, are interested in seeing what the season will look like in September.

“COVID has changed almost everything,” Jones said. “Even though football is going to look a lot different this year, I think LSU is going to do everything it can to take care of both its student-athletes and its fans.”

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Woodward said he remains positive.

“In spite of our very real challenges, I remain optimistic about our future, in large part because of your support, your passion and your commitment to our student-athletes,” Woodward said.

where we don’t just talk about these issues, we force politicians and powerful people to change the institutions that perpetuate these injustices,”

Saneei said. “Overall, we’re happy that the event occurred, but we’re perpetually learning how to become more impactful. Saturday was a great first step for us.”

FOOTBALL, from page 3

REVEILLE ARCHIVES

LSU Tiger Stadium lights up the field on Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, at Louisiana State University.

WITNESS, from page 3 there and people are dealing with issues they just can’t ignore.”

A vigil for Buckley and Trayford Pellerin was held a week after the shooting in the Trader Joe’s parking lot with around 100 people in attendance. Pellerin was a Black man who was shot at least 10 times

by Lafayette police on Aug. 21.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome attended the vigil and prayed with the crowd, according to the Advocate.

The vigil was organized by local grassroots organization Democracy @ Work LSU. Members advocate for worker cooperatives in the Baton Rouge and LSU communities, according to the organization’s Twitter bio.

Democracy @ Work member Soheil Saneei felt the group missed a critical opportunity to make demands with the mayor present.

“We organized the event

very quickly so everything we decided was very impromptu,” Saneei said. “We wanted to make sure that community members and the victims involved had ample opportunities to speak and make demands so I shortened my speech and in the moment just didn’t incorporate clear enough demands but did call for a focus on the material conditions that the community is in need of.”

Saneei also said the group was expecting a bigger turnout, but overall, it was a “great way to make a connection to the Baton Rouge community.”

The organizations plans to work with the community to injustices such as white supremacy.

Alton Sterling’s aunts, who were also in attendance, agreed to help the group with their prison bail initiatives.

Saneei said while raising awareness is part of the

over a computer and it wasn’t in person because we did not have to be in the blazing heat.”

work, it is important to bring justice to families such as the Sterling’s who have been waiting for years.

“We need to get to a point

courtesy of

Vigil for Danny Buckley and Trayford Pellerin took place in the Trader Joe’s parking lot Aug. 27

ZELENA WILLIAMS

ENTERTAINMENT

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LEGACY OF PURPOSE COURTESY OF IMDB

BY JORDANNE A. DAVIS @jordanneashley “You would rather find purpose than a job or a career. Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history.

Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill... Remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose,” Chadwick Boseman said.

Words spoken from a commencement speech given at his alma mater Howard University, Boseman not only encouraged students to take the path less traveled, but to understand that fulfilling their purposes in life is what matters most. A life filled with purpose and impact is the legacy that Chadwick Boseman left behind.

Born Nov. 29, 1976, to Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, the Anderson, South Carolina, native grew up with a love for the theatre, writing his first play when he was still in high school. Continuing on that path, he went on to study directing at Howard University, where he was also introduced to acting. He found a love for the other side of the camera, and Boseman brought an authenticity and presence to his work that is hard to find in today’s acting world.

Boseman auditioned with a group of students for the Oxford Mid-summer program for acting,

wanting to take his acting training further. Upon acceptance, with the help of professor and mentor Phylicia Rashad as well as Rashad’s friend and colleague Denzel Washington, Boseman, along with a select number of his classmates, were able to study at Oxford for the summer.

After graduating, Boseman spent some time doing some writing, directing and acting in the world of theatre before turning to film. Chronicled via his own testimony, the road was one not without its own set of trials and tribulations, as Boseman was fired from a role on a soap opera for questioning the background of his character.

“As conflicted as I was before I lost the job, as adamant as I was about the need to speak truth to power, I found myself even more conflicted afterwards. I stand here today knowing that my Howard University education prepared me to play Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall and T’Challa,” Boseman said.

Boseman’s discernment about the characters that he chose to play would prove to pay off for him in the biggest of ways, lighting the path to success, purpose and impact.

Although Boseman held smaller roles on shows such as “Third Watch,” “All My Children” and “CSI: NY,” as well as more substantial roles in the TV show “Lincoln Heights” and in films such as “The Express” and “Draft Day,” it

wasn’t until the release of “42,” a biopic of icon and American baseball legend Jackie Robinson, that Boseman was considered a breakout star. His jaw-dropping performance took the world by storm.

The authenticity that he brought to the role made him an instant fan favorite, setting him up for additional roles in the future.

On the heels of “42,” “Get On Up” was released in 2014, a biopic starring Boseman as the music legend James Brown. Boseman proved to the world that he could do it again. Known for his ability to capture a person’s mannerisms and sounds of their voice, Boseman embodied the very essence of Brown right down to the footwork.

Led by grace and poise, Boseman continued to rise and play iconic, meaningful characters that changed the course of history.

Through them, Boseman was also making history of his own, giving hope to current generations as well as several generations to come.

While Boseman’s portrayal of powerhouse NAACP attorney and fellow Howard graduate Thurgood Marshall was just as exemplary as his previous roles, it’s his role as T’Challa, the Black Panther in Marvel’s “Black Panther” that transformed Boseman from icon to legend, all the while sparking a movement for Black culture around the world.

Changing the narrative of how a Black film would perform in the

box office, the release of “Black Panther” broke barriers. The film, which features an all-Black cast, is one of the highest grossing films of all time, an accomplishment that many in and out of show business thought couldn’t happen.

Through focusing on the high stakes and his dauntless approach at bringing truth and authenticity to his characters, Boseman prevailed once again.

Bringing T’Challa to life, Boseman was every part of what a king should be; strong, merciful and a servant to his people. He exuded the maturity of a man overcoming adversity while handling it with incredible discernment.

Boseman exposed to the world a positive perspective of a powerful Black man.

The Black excellence portrayed within the film gave credence to the longing of Black and brown people to see characters on screen that look like them and was monumental to the Black community as a whole. Boseman’s “Black Panther” character served as a beacon of hope for the Black community, speaking power, purpose and perseverance into its people, especially its young Black males.

“People are starved for the images that they see,” noted Boseman on the significance of “Black Panther” in a 2018 interview on ABC Nightline, a truth that rang evident around the world.

A true king on and off the screen, Boseman’s impact didn’t stop with the characters he played.

Boseman was a political activist, standing up for the betterment of marginalized people. He encouraged people to get out and vote, promoting the recent appointment of Senator Kamala Harris as the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

Boseman was also part of Bld Pwr, an organization that challenges Hollywood’s involvement in perpetuating discrimination and racism.

On top of his activism, Boseman made several visits to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and visited terminally ill children, an act that resonates even more loudly given recent events.

On the evening of Aug. 28, it was announced to the world that, surrounded by his wife and family, Boseman had succumbed to his battle with colon cancer. He was 43 years old. Boseman was diagnosed in 2016 and had been fighting the disease over the past four years.

What is most evident now is that even amid his own personal struggles, he continued to bless us all with his talents and passions both on and off the screen.

“Everybody is the hero in their own story--you should be the hero in your own story,” stated Boseman in an interview with Trevor Noah on “The Daily Show.” Guided by his purpose, Boseman wasn’t just an American actor, writer and director. Chadwick Boseman was a real life superhero, and he leaves behind a legacy of purpose.

Thursday, September 3, 2020

page 6 FASHION

Baton Rouge gets sweeter with new Sweet Baton Rouge store

BY JORDANNE A. DAVIS @jordanneashley Putting faith over fear, owner Meredith Waguespack chronicles the 10 year journey of her brand, “Sweet Baton Rouge,” and the opening of the company’s local flagship store.

Inspired by Saturday night lights and Tiger football, Waguespack launched her t-shirt company in 2010. A casual person herself, she wanted a brand that was perfect for tailgating and watching the Tigers play in quality, comfort and style.

“Over time we started integrating more designs outside of game day and started making shirts that encompass all of our culture,” said Waguespack when asked about how the brand has developed through the years.

In addition to football themed shirts, Sweet Baton Rouge has a multitude of designs that display an array of Southern vibes and Louisiana culture, such as Mardi Gras, crawfish and even special events like Jazz Fest.

In addition to expanding the company’s apparel to all things Louisiana, Waguespack and her team are all about supporting other local businesses. Throughout the store, one can see other

local brands displayed and available for purchase. Partnering with these merchants ignited yet another fire within Waguespack, launching an entirely new, yet not so different business venture.

Hence the creation of Local Pop Up. On top of being the owner of Sweet Baton Rouge, she’s co-founder of Local Pop Up, a company she started alongside her graphic designer, that specializes in curating goods from local makers and bringing them to one central platform.

Starting as a conversation rooted in passion for local business, Local Pop Up officially came to life when it hosted its first holiday event in 2018. A big success, it decided to host the event again the following year, with its most recent endeavor being the launch of its online marketplace. There, consumers are able to purchase items from local merchants and get their local fill.

So, what prompted this new store location that everyone is talking about?

Roughly five years ago, Waguespack decided it was time to move Sweet Baton Rouge into its first office. Two years in, that office expanded into a showroom that, according to Waguespack,

“had the feel and vibes of a store but [wasn’t] set up like a store.” It was more so a place where people could come to pick up their online orders and where Waguespack could display new designs.

After seeing an increase in traffic and pop up customers over the last three years, she became aware that opening a storefront location was a possibility that she should explore.

In January, wanting a place that fit the team’s goals and vision, the search process began.

The team ultimately selected the

electric depot as their new home.

“Community and local things are very important to us, and I can see that this space will have those opportunities to create that,” Waguespack said.

Although the originally hoped for a later grand opening date on Aug. 1, Sweet Baton Rouge officially opened its doors. “It’s going to be a fun five years here,” Waguespack said.

Coming up on the fall season, she will be launching the fall version of the Cozy Collection.

In addition, everything in the

store will soon be shoppable via its website.

Waguespack also noted that she’s extremely blessed and thankful for all the opportunities that she’s been given. When asked about what’s the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur, Waguespack stated that, “To me, two really big, proud moments I have are having the customer support and the employees.”

There’s no doubt that we’re all in for some treats from Waguespack and her Sweet Baton Rouge team.

JORDANNE DAVIS / The Reveille

Sweet Baton Rouge opened its new store at 1509 Government St. on Aug. 1.

Thursday, September 3, 2020

page 7

REV R ANKS MOVIE

BLACK IS KING

Walt Disney Pictures

“Black Is King” is a celebration of what it means to be Black through beauty, art, design, fashion, and more. It’s a beacon of hope. It’s a reminder of who we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re destined to return. In addition to her musical genius, Beyonce’s artistry in the production of this magical work of art is astonishing. Instantly iconic, “Black Is King” will go down in history as the classic it already is.

Jordanne A. Davis @jordanneashley

MOVIE

YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT

Blumhouse Productions

The film struggled to maintain its two dramatically differing conflicts, oddly prioritizing the mundane marital issues of Theo Conroy (Kevin Bacon) and Susanna (Amanda Seyfried) over the vague yet obviously sinister nature of their seemingly quiet getaway home. The true stakes of most situations were painfully ambiguous as any plot-related scene could (and often would) end with a main character jerking awake from a nightmare.

Taner Morgan @taner_morgan

The Weeknd gives somber performance on ‘After Hours’

BY BRITNEY YOUNG @byoun99 The Weeknd’s last album, “Starboy,” was released almost four years ago. I wasn’t a big fan at the time, but I still enjoyed his music. In 2020, I officially became a fan with The Weeknd’s “After Hours.”

“After Hours” made a big impression by breaking Spotify’s record for most streams in 24 hours. “Blinding Lights” also has over one billion streams on Spotify. The song became a trend on Tik Tok with a dance to accompany it, but The Weeknd’s new album is more than just streams and a 15-second video.

I did not know that synth-pop would work well in a Weeknd album, but it fits in perfectly.

The Weeknd was able to make synth-pop both upbeat and somber. The album can be de-

scribed as music to play for a late night drive. The album starts off dark, lightens up as it progresses and still ends on a dark note.

The heavy ‘80s influence is what brings this album to life. Each song has a different vibe, but they all mesh well.

My favorite trio is “Faith,” “Blinding Lights” and “In Your Eyes,” but the latter has to be my favorite song from the album.

His R&B roots shine with the synth-pop, dream pop and trip hop genres. However, the ‘80s influence is most dominant in this album with the other genres partnering with it. It creates a cinematic aesthetic where it felt like my surroundings were part of a movie, especially with earphones in.

The Weeknd also has the voice to blend with the songs. I

can hear his emotions through his voice, and it perfectly completes the songs. It’s soulful and somber, but it also plays well with the other dance-like songs.

It’s a dark world with wonderful tunes.

“After Hours” is one of my favorite albums from this year.

The pandemic did not stop talented artists like The Weeknd from sharing their music, and this album was a good release from the chaos. The audience ends up being wrapped up in The Weeknd’s chaos instead, but it’s a chaos filled with melody.

I am impressed with what The Weeknd put out in “After Hours,” and it truly shows how talented he is. The synthpop suits him well, and it would be interesting to see if other artists will follow in those footsteps.

MUSIC

IN A DREAM

Oscar Görres, Teo Halm

“In a Dream” embodies the kind of songs that play during the end credits of an adaptation of a young adult novel. It mixes in with a pinch of ‘80s pop synths, especially with the song “Easy,” with honesty, vulnerability, and spontaneity. The lyrics sound far from forced and present authentic. Though each song sounds like warmth and blissfulness, there is still some sense of melancholy.

Ariel Baise @arielbiancaa TV SERIES

TEENAGE BOUNTY HUNTERS

Titled Productions

The show discussed certain topics like interracial and same sex relationships, which the two main characters experienced, and then talked about them constantly. The characters also made frequent jokes about those topics.

It was supposed to be funny, but sometimes the jokes just didn’t land.

EnJanae’ Taylor @_queenet_ Read the full reviews online at lsunow.com/entertainment

COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA

The Weeknd appears on the cover of his latest album, “After.”

TRYING TIMES

page 8

Thursday, September 3, 2020

JAN. 13

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Since LSU won the 2020 national championship, the world has not looked the same.

JUNE 8

JULY 30

AUG. 24

AUG. 11

page 9

SEPT. 26 AUG. 28

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille

LSU will open its season against Mississippi State in Tiger Stadium at 2:30 p.m.

LSU defeated Clemson 42-25 in the National Championship in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille

JALEN HINTON / The Reveille

SEC athletes returned to campus to begin training “under strict supervision.”

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

The SEC announced a 10-game, conference-only schedule with a Sept. 26 start.

JUNE 20

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

The Big 12 agreed to proceed with sports after the cancelation of the Big 10 and Pac-12 seasons.

AUG. 8

LSU football players marched across campus to protest racial inequality.

The AP Preseason Poll ranked LSU No. 6, behind Clemson, Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma.

AUG. 17

AUG. 26

APRIL 23

AUG. 31 THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

Over 30 LSU football players quarantined related to a larger outbreak at Tigerland.

ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille

Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was the first overall pick of the NFL Draft.

LSU defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. announced he was opting out of the 2020-21 football season.

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

The SEC released game schedules, and Kary Vincent Jr. announced he was opting out of this season.

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All but four LSU offensive lineman quarantined after exposure to the coronavirus.

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LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin both opted out of the 2020-21 season.

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Thursday, September 3, 2020

page 10

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THE Daily Commuter Puzzle ACROSS 1 Father 4 Window ledges 9 Singer Fitzgerald 13 Word attached to who or what 15 Mountain path 16 Person, place or thing 17 “__ High City”; Denver 18 Shakespearean lover 19 Dorothy’s dog 20 Crooked 22 __ house; school event 23 White __; state trees of Illinois 24 That fellow 26 Savvy 29 Summer Olympics game, sometimes 34 Bridges 35 One __ one is zero 36 Black or Baltic 37 Group of cattle 38 Eye color 39 Male animal 40 In one __ and out the other 41 Whittles 42 Forgo voluntarily 43 Commandeers a plane in flight 45 José or Mel 46 Muhammad __ 47 Give for a time 48 “__ lay me down to sleep…”

51 Necessary 56 Corrupt 57 Vagabond 58 TV’s “__: New Orleans” 60 Out of harm’s way 61 Throw water on a fire 62 __ A Sketch; classic toy 63 Toboggan 64 Wrath 65 __ blue; pastel color DOWN 1 FDR or JFK 2 All fired up

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews

3 Place to buy salami & rye 4 Danger from high blood pressure 5 Actor Jeremy 6 Like a poor excuse 7 Fibs 8 Lazy 9 Bury 10 Closed circle 11 Early guitar 12 Shortly 14 Echo 21 Head toppers 25 “__ a boy!”; birth announcement 26 Campfire residue 27 Say something 28 Dillydally 29 S, M, L & XL 30 Cash register drawer stack 31 Up and about 32 Go away 33 Beer 35 New Testament book 38 Spanish estate

9/3/20

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC All Rights Reserved.

39 Fish in a tin 41 Compadre 42 “Old Mother Hubbard __ to the cupboard…”

44 Imprisoned 45 __ bender; minor accident 47 Rent long-term 48 Loch __ monster

9/3/20

49 Kiwi’s shape 50 Take a __; marry 52 In just a bit 53 Self-righteous 54 Play divisions 55 Defeat, slangily 59 Timid around people

SPORTS DEPTH CHART RUNDOWN

page 11 COLUMN

Where do we go from here?

2019

LSU TIGERS DEPTH CHART Offense LT LG C RG

77 Saahdiq Charles 51 Dare Rosenthal 73 Adrian Magee 70 Ed Ingram 57 Chasen Hines

WR WR

79 Lloyd Cushenberry III 57 Chase Hines

WR 68 Damion Lewis 71 Donavaughn Campbell 75 Anthony Bradford

RT

76 Austin Deculus 74 Badara Traore

TE

81 Thaddeus Moss 10 Stephen Sullivan 44 Tory Carter

BY JARED BRODTMANN @_therealjarbear The 2019 national champion LSU football team will go down as one of the greatest teams in college football history. Led by Heisman trophy winner Joe Burrow and his star-studded cast of weapons in Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr

QB RB

1 Ja’Marr Chase 17 Racey McMath 5 Devonta Lee 6 Terrace Marshall Jr. 10 Stephen Sullivan 19 Derrick Dillon 83 Jaray Jenkins 2 Justin Jefferson 33 Trey Palmer 13 Jontre Kirklin 9 Joe Burrow 15 Myles Brennan 22 Clyde Edwards-Helaire 24 Chris Curry 3 Tyrion Davis-Price 4 John Emery Jr.

Chase, the offense burned defenses alive with an inferno of pace and playmaking. The defense was stout, with Grant Delpit, Patrick Queen and K’Lavon Chaisson controlling the play-byplay movements.

Now, every name previously mentioned has left the team.

The household names Tiger fans across the state grew to love are

Defense

OLB DE

35 Damone Clark 8 Mareel Brooke 45 Michael Divinity Jr. 43 Ray Thornton 97 Glen Logan 92 Neil Farrell Jr.

NT

72 Tyler Shelvin 62 Siaki Ika 94 Joseph Evans

DE

90 Rashard Lawrence 91 Breiden Fehoko

OLB

18 K’Lavon Chaisson 46 Andre Anthony

MLB

8 Patrick Queen 35 Damone Clark

gone, leaving the purple and gold faithful with one question as the Tigers get ready to begin the 2020 season: What now?

Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of who Ed Orgeron will work with to reload and keep the momentum his team built last year:

MLB

6 Jacob Phillips 23 Micah Baskerville

CB

1 Kristian Fulton 25 Cordale Flott

S

7 Grant Delpit 14 Mo Hampton

S

3 Jacoby Stevens 5 Kary Vincent Jr.

Opting out will not affect Chase’s draft stock MICHAEL SANCHEZ

@MikeSanchez525

Unless something disastrous happens, Brennan will be the starter come Sept. 26 in LSU’s first game against Mississippi

Louisiana State University’s top wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has decided to opt out of the 2020-2021 college football season.

Chase made an announcement via social media this past Monday confirming the rumors that he will not be participating in the Tigers campaign to defend their national championship. The decision to sit out did not seem COVID-19 related, rather a business move. He instead will be focusing on the 2021 NFL draft and ensuring his future in the big league.

Chase did not shy away from thanking LSU’s organizational leaders as well as fans.

“First and foremost, I have to thank my teammates, coaches, amazing LSU fans and everyone else who has supported me to this point. It is truly an honor to represent the university, community and the great state of Louisiana,” Chase said.

Coming off an unprecedented sophomore year with 1,780 yards

see DEPTH CHART, page 14

see CHASE, page 14

CB

24 Derek Stingley Jr. 16 Jay Ward 29 Raydarious Jones No longer on the team

Quarterback: Jr. Myles Brennan Fr. TJ Finley Fr. Max Johnson

FOOTBALL

Trio of LSU football players opt out for upcoming 2020 season

BY NATASHA MALONE @malonne_natasha After a record-breaking 2020 NFL Draft, where 14 Tigers were selected, including five first-round draft picks, highlighted by No. 1 overall draft pick and Heismanwinning quarterback Joe Burrow, it came as no surprise that LSU would have to replace a number of high-caliber players.

As if the Tigers did not already have enough to replace, the losses continued. With the first game still three weeks away, LSU has already had a trio of key players announce their decision to opt out of the upcoming season and start preparations for the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Tigers who have made their decisions include All-American, Biletnikoff Award winner

Ja’Marr Chase, cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. and defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin.

“The competitor in me badly wants to play the season and go to war with my brothers, but during this time with so much going on, this is what’s best for my family,” Chase stated Monday in a Twitter post.

In his message, Chase did not directly say his decision is related to the NFL Draft, but he’s been projected by many NFL analysts to be selected in the first round.

Vincent, who was LSU’s starting cornerback last season, took his news to Twitter on Monday.

The senior said he would be taking this time to prepare for the NFL combine.

Shelvin also informed the coaching staff of his decision on

Monday. After solidifying himself as one of the top defensive linemen on the Tigers’ squad, Shelvin is ranked as the No. 69 prospect in the draft, according to CBS Sports.

“It was hard for both of them,” head coach Ed Orgeron said.

“Ja’Marr, it was really hard for him to leave the team. So was Tyler.”

Orgeron added in his press conference on Tuesday that he could see “one or two” more players following in the footsteps of Chase, Vincent Jr. and Shelvin.

“We have guys who are going to step up. There’s an opportunity for new guys to come in. We have a good roster that can handle it,” Orgeron said at his weekly press conference.

LSU will do what it always does: reload.

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

LSU sophomore nose tackle Tyler Shelvin (72) blocks an Auburn player during the Tigers’ 23-20 victory over Auburn on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tiger Stadium.

page 12

Thursday, September 3, 2020

FOOTBALL

LSU preseason Associated Press rankings are hit or miss

BY TAYLOR LYONS @taylorjlyons Watching college football growing up, I had no idea what the numbers next to the school names on my screen meant. Later on, I would discover that these numbers were of course the teams’ spots in the latest Associated Press rankings released earlier that week.

These rankings spark debate, and no weeks throughout the season are more heavily criticized than the preseason rankings. Each year it seems there’s a team whose expectations are a little higher than they should be, ranked highly before the season begins that endures some turbulence through the season and comes out either on the other end of the rankings, or not on them at all.

Recently, LSU has somewhat experienced this, including the opposite way. Multiple times in recent seasons LSU has either underperformed or overperformed based on their preseason rankings. Here’s a look at the Tigers’ preseason AP rankings since 2015 and how accurate those rankings turned out to be.

2015

Started: 14

High: 4 Low: NR Ended: 16 (9-3) Bowl Game: Defeated Texas Tech in Texas Bowl 56-27 The Associated Press nearly hit the nail on the head with this one. The Tigers started 7-0 in 2015, jumping from #14 to #4 in the poll. After that, things started to go downhill. LSU followed their undefeated start with three consecutive losses to seventh-ranked Alabama, unranked Arkansas and 25th ranked Ole Miss. The Tigers were able to close out the regular season with a victory over Texas A&M and handle Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl.

2016

Started: 5 High: 5 Low: NR Ended: 13 (8-4) Bowl Game: Defeated Louisville in Citrus Bowl 29-9 Unlike the previous year, the folks at AP missed on this ranking. Coming off a 9-3 2015 season, LSU slotted in at #5 in the preseason poll. That would be the highest the team would be ranked all season, losing the opener and then again to Auburn in the fourth game of the season before falling out of the top-25 until week seven. Week four would be

it for head coach Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron would take over and lead the team to a 6-2 finish and a win over Heisman winner Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals in the Citrus Bowl.

2017

Started: 13 High: 12 Low: NR Ended: 18 (9-4) Bowl Game: Defeated by Notre Dame in Citrus Bowl 21-17 Similar to the year before, LSU slid from the preseason to end of year rankings, although not as much as the previous season. After starting 3-2 with the infamous loss to Troy, the Tigers found themselves unranked for multiple weeks, and yet again, fell to Alabama. Second-year head coach Orgeron and fifth-year quarterback Danny Etling closed out the regular season with a three win, one loss November, and lost to Notre Dame 21-17 in the Citrus Bowl.

2018

Started: 25 High: 4 Low: 25 Ended: 6 (10-3) Bowl Game: Defeated UCF in Fiesta Bowl 40-32 Hello, Joe Burrow! The Ohio

State transfer made his mark in Baton Rouge early, leading LSU to a 7-1 start, including a 33-17 victory over eighth-ranked Miami in week one, and a #4 ranking heading into the yearly matchup with Alabama. The Tigers dropped that one, and then the also infamous seven-overtime game to Texas A&M a few weeks later. We now know that’s the last game LSU would lose to date, and a victory over UCF, who hadn’t lost a game themselves in two seasons, in the Fiesta Bowl sets up arguably the greatest season in college football history.

As for the rankings, the Associated Press was off on this one too, but not in the way it had been in years past.

2019

Started: 6 High: 1 Low: 6 Ended: 1 (15-0) Bowl Game: Defeated Clemson in National Championship 4225 Coming off a promising 2018, LSU went into 2019 ranked sixth in the country. The Tigers would go on to never drop below that ranking on their way to an undefeated season and a National Championship.

2020

Started: 6 The Tigers look a lot different heading into this season.

You can cross defensive lineman Tyler Shelvin off that list too.

He joins last year’s Biletnikoff award winner Ja’Marr Chase and safety Kary Vincent Jr. as notable names to opt out of this season.

That list may not be done, either.

Orgeron says he knows of at least “one or two” more players who are considering opting out. Add that to the record-setting 14 members of last year’s squad to hear their names called at the NFL Draft.

The losses from last season are reflected in the preseason ranking, as LSU comes in at sixth in the nation coming off a victory over Clemson, the preseason number one, in the National Championship game last winter.

How accurate will this season’s ranking be? In a season like no other, anything can happen. The toughest matchups look to be Florida, Auburn, and of course, Alabama. In my eyes, anywhere from a 6-4and 10-0 record is possible, although this is not a record prediction article. Looking at where the Tigers started in recent seasons in the polls, AP both overestimated and underestimated.

Thursday, September 3, 2020

page 13

FOOTBALL

LSU football has many strengths, weaknesses this season

BY JARED BRODTMANN @_therealjarbear The 2020 LSU football season nears closer every day, and with the turn of the month, the team will begin to buckle down and focus on their season opener at home against Mississippi State on Sept. 26.

Here is a rundown of some strengths this year’s team will have in its favor and weaknesses it must work to overcome.

Strength: Linebacker Going into the spring, if you had asked analysts what LSU’s biggest weakness would be this season, many would have said that the losses of Patrick Queen, Jacob Phillips, Michael Divinity Jr. and Marcel Brooks would be too great to overcome. But the addition of a key transfer, along with the development of the depth behind him, has turned this position group into a strength.

Jabril Cox, a graduate transfer from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, has been nothing but spectacular for the Tigers through out preseason practice. Orgeron has even gone as far as calling him “the best player on the field” after several fall practices.

“He came highly recommended,” Orgeron said of the newest successor to LSU’s strong linebacker history. “Now, the thing I saw on film is a big linebacker that can run and hit and key and diagnose. I didn’t know he was going to be that good. I think this guy is going to have an excellent year at LSU. He definitely is an SEC linebacker.”

Alongside Cox will be veteran junior Damone Clark, who finished sixth on the team in tackles last year with 50. Expect the duo to be one of the strongest in the conference as they roam the entire field, leading the defense.

Orgeron has also been very complimentary of the returning players and newcomers behind them, including Micah Basker-

ville, who holds the third linebacker spot on the depth chart.

LSU will be running a lot of nickel sets, so he may not play every down in new defensive coordinator Bo Pelini’s 4-3 base, but he should see quite a bit of playing time. Ray Thornton, Antoine Sampah and Josh White have also impressed.

Weakness: Defensive Line In nearly complete opposite fashion, analysts would have told you LSU’s strongest position group going into the fall would be the defensive line. Tyler Shelvin, Neil Farrell Jr., Glen Logan and Justin Thomas all announced they would be coming back for another season, with highly ranked recruits trailing behind closely. While the talent remains, the experience has now dissipated. Shelvin, Farrell Jr. and Thomas have all left the program, leaving LSU with a very raw defensive line.

Orgeron has been very complimentary about the work put in by freshmen Jacobian Guillory and Jaquelin Roy, and both should be expected to play inside along with Logan and Apu Ika, but a once deep defensive line now finds itself much shorter than where it was just a month ago.

Strength: Receiving It says a lot about how well LSU has been recruiting receiving playmakers when the team loses its top two producers in Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, and the weapons Myles Brennan will have at his disposal will still be some of the best in the conference. The headliners are junior Terrace Marshall Jr., who is the clear number one wide receiver, and freshman tight end phenom, Arik Gilbert.

Tiger fans are already very familiar with Marshall’s abilities, who finished last year with 43 receptions, 625 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. But, Gilbert,

a 6’5”, 249 pound Gatorade National Player of the Year, has been electric in camp in splitting the defense down the middle with his control of the field.

“Arik is the type of tight end we’ve been looking for to stretch the field,” Orgeron stated. “We ran a vertical route right up the field, he beat the Mike linebacker, touchdown. That’s a dagger in the heart of the defense.”

Behind them comes a great deal of depth, such as seniors Racey McMath and Jontre Kirklin, sophomores Trey Palmer and Jaray Jenkins and freshmen Kayshon Boutte and Koy Moore.

Expect all of them to be involved in LSU’s high-powered spread attack.

Weakness: Offensive Line There is only one returning starter from LSU’s championship offensive line, right tackle Austin Deculus. While Ed Ingram, Dare Rosenthal and Chasen Hines have experience playing, it is extremely difficult for any team to replace that kind of production in a year.

The pickup of Harvard graduate transfer Liam Shanahan will help, but this position group has a lot of growing to do.

The depth is where the real problem lies. Guard Joseph Evans was having a nice camp and was expected to be the Tigers go-to guy if a starter was injured, but he was asked to move to defensive line after the opt outs of Farrell Jr. and Shelvin, as well as the transfer of TK McLendon.

Anthony Bradford and Kardell Thomas, two highly ranked prospects from last year’s class, have been behind in their progression this fall.

“Those guys are a little behind right now,” Orgeron said.

“Kardell has lost some weight.

He’s faced some injuries. They’re a little behind. Anthony’s still battling weight problems. Those guys right now are not in it too deep.”

The opportunity for growth is

there, but their success could be the deciding factor on if LSU has a winning season or not.

Strength: Leadership The biggest strength of the Tiger defense will be its leaders. Derek Stingley Jr. has transitioned from freshman star to sophomore captain of the cornerback room. Cox has come into the program and infused a maturity necessary for a team with a lot of young players. Anthony has impressed with his play and leadership, both on and off the field, as Orgeron noted that he was at the front of the player’s recent march for social justice.

But they will all fall in line behind LSU’s most important player this season: JaCoby Stevens. Stevens has been the epitome of what LSU looks for in its players, with his strong, intelligent play on the field and his commanding voice guiding his teammates through sets and tough but necessary conversations with his peers such as systematic racism and its effects on people of color.

Stevens brings a championship pedigree, coming off last year’s season totals of 85 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and three interceptions, including a memorable one-handed snag against Mississippi State. With a new scheme from Pelini, Stevens will find himself in a twohigh safety look more often, but amidst a year of change and turnover, Stevens has been a steady constant.

“There was no question of not playing,” Stevens said confidently.

“Like Coach O says, his saying is ‘We Don’t Blink.’”

“I’m willing to do anything to help the defense be a great defense and help the team win.”

And on the other side of the ball standing above the rest is Myles Brennan. The junior quarterback will take the reigns from Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and has fit perfectly into the hole Burrow has left.

According to Orgeron, Brennan has been graded every day and has finished with a winning grade on every occasion.

“Myles has waited his turn,” Orgeron said of his quarterback.

“He’s matured.”

“Everybody believes in Myles.

He’s very vocal out there. He’s a totally different kid.”

Brennan has faced hurdles every year, from coaching changes such as the departures of head coach Les Miles, offensive coordinators Cam Cameron and Matt Canada and passing game coordinator Joe Brady to the COVID-19 pandemic that has rocked college athletics to the core. Even through all of it, Brennan remains focused on the opportunities that lie ahead.

“It’s been crazy,” Brennan said. “But all of that is just going to prepare me to be a better person in the end and to be stronger.

Without adversity, I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today.”

Weakness: Loss of Home Field Advantage Although we are not sure of exactly how many fans LSU will host at its home games this season, we do know capacity will be limited at the least. The 20-30% capacity crowd that is expected will not be enough to give LSU its normal home field advantage it uses to limit communication for opposing offenses and put pressure on their decision-making.

“Man, it’s going to take away from the experience on Saturday,” Stevens said. “I wish all the fans can be in there and pack the house, and Tiger Walk is just filled with people and filled with fans going crazy. It’s really going to take away from the experience, but it’s the world that we’re living in right now.”

The energy will have to be replicated by the team and the limited fans that will be allowed, but chalk this up as an obstacle the team will have to deal with.

SEC

LSU to expect socially-distanced nights in Tiger Stadium

BY MORGAN ROGERS @moro_rogers As excited as everyone is to return to Death Valley this fall, many are concerned about how football games could cause more COVID-19 outbreaks. On Aug. 7, the Southeastern Conference announced its medical protocol, which covers all fall sports. The SEC has left some decisions, such as tailgating, exact stadium capacity and team walks up to individual institutions.

The plan for Tiger Stadium’s capacity is still being determined.

All areas will enforce social distancing, including concessions, restrooms, entrance lines, dining areas, suites and elevators.

Tickets will be digitally scanned.

Concessions will implement physically distanced lines and glass barriers between concession workers and fans. LSU has also prohibited “suite hopping” and will organize the furniture to promote social distancing. Face coverings will be required for fans, stadium workers and personnel inside and around the stadium. The shuttles plan to maintain physical distancing while on the bus and disinfecting periodically. Face masks will also be required for drivers and passengers. Temperature checks and disinfecting mists might be considered.

Other SEC schools have stipulated that on-campus tailgating will not be permitted. Interim President Tom Galligan said LSU

will probably discourage fans from doing so. As of Sept. 2, Tennessee is the only SEC school that will allow tailgating.

As for on the field, only players and essential staff will be allowed on game day, such as coaches, medical personnel, officials, law enforcement, limited news reporters and photographers. All SEC schools are also required to appoint a COVID-19 protocol oversight officer, who will be in charge of the public’s compliance with protocol. Bands will not be allowed to perform on the field before the game or at halftime. The opposing team’s band and spirit squads will not be able to attend.

The SEC stated football players and personnel must be tested

weekly during preseason practice, and they must be tested twice weekly during the season.

The SEC’s medical task force also encourages teams to test athletes a third time during the week with an alternative testing method.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey mentioned that stricter measures might be taken or the existing guidelines could be relaxed based on new developments. This includes whether campus-wide and community test rates are considered unsafe by local public health officials.

“Our health experts have guided us through each stage of preparation for the safe return of activity,” Sankey said. “Together with the medical staffs embedded

within our athletics programs, we will continue to monitor developments around the virus and evolve our plan to meet the health needs of our student-athletes.”

Ticket distribution and seat allocation will be determined once stadium capacity has been finalized with season ticket holders and students being prioritized. Most SEC schools have limited fan attendance to 20-25% capacity.

LSU, along with Florida, Kentucky and Vanderbilt should make that decision very soon.

For those at home, CBS has chosen three LSU football games to televise, including the season opener against Mississippi State scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26.

page 14 DEPTH CHART, from page 11 State. The junior has waited his turn behind Burrow, and Orgeron has had nothing but compliments for him.

“You know, I think he played the role of the second-team quarterback very well, that was Joe’s team,” Orgeron said. “Everybody knew it. So he just stood in the background. Now, he’s not in the background. He’s leading.”

Both incoming freshmen Finley and Johnson have impressed in camp. Finley has put his touted arm strength on display, while Johnson has developed a reputation for being mobile in and out of the pocket to make plays when necessary. They should be expected to be Brennan’s primary backups, but neither has emerged over the other thus far through camp.

Running Back: RSo. Chris Curry So. Tyrion Davis-Price So. John Emery Jr. Fr. Tre Bradford With the loss of breakout star running back Edwards-Helaire, the Tigers will look to replace a lot of touches left behind in his absence. Curry and Davis-Price will look to be the ground-and-pound backs designed for an interior run game, while Emery Jr. has shown his great ability to make plays in space. All three should be expected to serve equal amounts of time in the backfield. However, each back brings a unique skill set to the table, which contrasts with Edwards-Helaire’s jack-ofall-trades style.

“Are they going to be like Clyde? Probably not,” Orgeron said. “But can we do the same things? Yes.” Freshman Bradford has received many compliments throughout fall camp and should be expected to contribute to the backfield, as well.

Wide Receiver: Jr. Terrace Marshall Jr. Sr. Racey McMath Sr. Jontre Kirklin Fr. Kayshon Boutte Fr. Koy Moore So. Trey Palmer So. Jaray Jenkins Fr. Alex Adams A wide receiver group that was

CHASE, from page 11 and 20 touchdowns, while also snagging the honors of winning the Fred Biletnikoff award, it was safe to say that the entire football community was chomping at the bit to see what Chase was going to bring into his final year as a Tiger.

Chase is undoubtedly the biggest college star to confirm sitting out the upcoming season. Unfortunately for LSU football fans, this seems to be just another stop on the opting-out express. Tyler Shelvin, the Tigers’ star tackle, decided to focus on his pro career whilst preparing for the NFL draft. Shelvin came to this conclu-

Thursday, September 3, 2020 extremely deep coming into the fall was dealt a heavy blow with the opt-out of the 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner Ja’Marr Chase. But even so, the Tigers still will have plenty of options at receiver. 2019 standout Marshall Jr. will be a key cog in the Tigers sustained production, and seniors McMath and Kirklin have given valuable experience to the Tigers’ receiver rotation. Orgeron has been very fond of Boutte and Moore thus far.

“Racey’s doing a great job for us,” Orgeron said. “Racey’s going to be a starter for us. Kirklin is doing good, Boutte’s doing a good job. All those are doing a great job. I feel like we are really, really talented at the wide receiver position.”

Tight End: Fr. Arik Gilbert Fr. Kole Taylor RJr. Aaron Moffitt The key here is Gilbert. The 6’5 athlete will be expected to contribute significantly to the pass game, filling a Thaddeus Moss-like role in helping spread defenders out and helping his teammates get open. He’s a big redzone target, so expect him to be a favorite of Brennan’s this year.

Behind him, the job is open for a lot of people, but the standout is fellow freshman Taylor. At 6’7, he’s also shown receiving prowess and could see the field next to Gilbert.

Offensive Line LT: RSo. Dare Rosenthal LG: Jr. Ed Ingram C: Sr. Liam Shanahan RG: Jr. Chasen Hines RT: Sr. Austin Deculus Reserves: RFr. Anthony Bradford, RFr. Kardell Thomas, Fr. Charles Turner, RFr. Thomas Perry, Fr. Xavier Hill, Fr. Marcus Dumervil, Fr. Marlon Martinez While every starter has had experience playing college football in each position, only one of them was a starter on last year’s team, right tackle Deculus. Rosenthal, Ingram, and Hines have all seen significant playing time in the last two years here, and Shanahan is a seasoned graduate transfer from Harvard. However, none of these four players have been an everyday starter in the SEC. sion shortly after Chase made his announcement.

As it stands now, there are only five returning starters from the 2019 National Championship team.

Coach Ed Ogeron has made it known that more players are considering opting out and the team is ready for it.

“There’s a couple of guys that are thinking about it for different reasons, maybe family reasons, maybe health reasons,” Orgeron said. “Hopefully they don’t, but if they do opt out, we’re still going to have a great football team.”

That optimism from Orgeron is exactly what the Tiger commu-

Behind them, none of the reserves have played any significant SEC football. The talent is there, but growing pains will be necessary. Joseph Evans, who was becoming the Tigers first-off-thebench offensive line reserve, was moved to the defensive line last week, so it will be interesting to see who will be the first to jump in should someone miss time with an injury or a case of COVID-19.

Defensive Line: RE: RSr. Andre Anthony DT: Sr. Glen Logan DT: So. Siaka Ika LE: Sr. Travez Moore DE Reserves: Jr. Ali Gaye, Fr. BJ Ojulari, Fr. Phillip Webb, Fr. Ray Parker, Fr. Dylan Thompson, So. Jarrell Cherry DT Reserves: Fr. Jacobian Guillory, Fr. Jaquelin Roy, Fr. Evans, Fr. Eric Taylor, RSo. Nelson Jenkins III The most notable thing out of the defensive line room (aside from the opt outs of Tyler Shelvin and Neil Farrell Jr. and the permanent absences of Justin Thomas and TK McLendon), is the emergence of Anthony and Moore to the defensive ends.

Orgeron has been extremely impressed with performances from the two seniors so far.

“I really like Andre,” Orgeron said. “I really like the work that he’s doing. Travez Moore is starting at left end right now.

It’s Travez’s senior year, and he’s done a good job.”

In the middle, LSU will have Logan and Siaki “Apu” Ika returning and two very talented five star recruits behind them in Guillory and Roy. We’ll have to wait to see if one of them overtakes one of the starters once the season starts.

Linebacker: Sr. Jabril Cox Jr. Damone Clark Jr. Micah Baskerville Reserves: RSr. Ray Thornton, So. Devonta Lee, Fr. Josh White, Fr. Antoine Sampah The standout linebackers have been Cox and Clark. Expect them to be every-down players and very vocal leaders on the defense. Baskerville has emerged as the third linebacker option, but he will be in and out as LSU nity needs at the moment.

Will opting out of an entire season put a damper on Chase’s draft stock? I think not. Chase has put together over 2,000 yards receiving in two years in his tenure with the LSU football team, while also compiling 23 touchdowns. Even taking a season off Chase is projected to not fall past the fifth pick in the NFL draft. He has shown that he does not just have the physical ability to play at the next level, but the mental capacity as well.

Chase, the LSU community thanks you for the time and effort you have put in the program and wishes you nothing but the best for your future endeavours.

THE REVEILLE ARCHIVES

JALEN HINTON / The Reveille

Left: LSU football coach Ed Orgeron coaches players during spring practice in the LSU Football Facility on Thursday, March 7, 2019.

Right: LSU senior safety Jacoby Stevens speaks to media about the team’s protest on Aug. 28 in front of the LSU President’s office. switches from its 4-3 base to its nickel coverages

RSr. Cameron Lewis, Fr. Jordan Toles

Cornerback: So. Derek Stingley Jr. Fr. Elias Ricks Nickel: So. Cordale Flott Reserves: So. Jay Ward, Fr. Raydarious Jones, Fr. Dwight McGlothern, Sr. Lloyd Cole

Stevens will serve as the captain of the defense, as LSU’s most versatile defender returns for his senior year. He, Cox, and Stingley Jr. have named to the Chuck Bednarik watchlist. The special athlete will play every down and will be the voice for this defense.

Behind him is sophomore two-sport athlete Hampton Jr., who has impressed in fall ball to the point where he will start opposite Stevens. This is a position of depth for the Tigers, who have veterans Harris Jr. and Lewis behind him, as well as talented freshman Toles.

The best cornerback in the country returns for his sophomore campaign, and while Stingley Jr. will have his own normal responsibilities to take care of, he has also gained one more: mentoring the next great member of DBU, freshman Ricks.

The two should make for one of the best cornerback duos in the SEC. Flott has jumped ahead for the nickel spot, where he played well last season. Ward has been complimented, as has newcomer McGlothern. Expect them all to play some time in LSU’s reputable secondary.

Orgeron has said that the Tigers have one scholarship remaining and that fans should expect them to use it on a transfer cornerback to fill up some more depth if possible.

Safety: Sr. JaCoby Stevens So. Maurice Hampton Jr. Reserves: RJr. Todd Harris Jr.,

Special Teams Kicker: So. Cade York Jr. Avery Atkins Punter: Sr. Zach Von Rosenburg LSU’s specialists will remain the same from last year. York returns as the Tigers’ field goal kicker, coming off a season of 21 field goals and 146 total points scored, while Atkins will continue to handle the Tigers’ kickoff duties. Von Rosenburg is back for one more year as the Tigers’ punter and will also serve as the placeholder for York.

ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille

LSU sophomore wide receiver Ja’marr Chase (1) holds up the number one Monday, Jan. 13 2020 during LSU’s 42-25 win against Clemson during the National Championship in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

OPINION

page 15

Universities must prioritize safety of fans, athletes, over hasty return to college football

BY THE REVEILLE EDITORIAL BOARD COVID-19 has killed nearly 5,000 Louisianians.

How many of those were LSU fans? How many loved Saturday nights in Death Valley?

How many have seen their last touchdown, felt their last Tiger Stadium rumble and heard those first four notes for the last time?

How many have been lost far too soon to a virus that has killed far too many?

Sports, in the best of times, bring us together.

We grow closer as we share our love of the game in the stands, at the tailgates and around the televisions. Now, the importance of distancing ourselves from our fellow fans is a burden we must face to stop the spread of COVID-19.

In a perfect world, all 102,321 fans would be able to come together on Saturday nights and cheer on the Tigers. Of course, we desperately want sports to begin again and Death Valley to return to its full strength. But with at least 185,000 Americans

dead from COVID-19, we must follow all safety protocols — not only to save football, but to save lives.

University students returned to campus just three weeks ago, and amount of cases in the community has already skyrocketed to 366 as of Sept. 2. Sure, the vast majority of college-aged individuals can and will avoid the worst effects of the coronavirus.

We may be fine, but our professors, staff members, families and communities may not be. The less careful we are, the more cases will rise; and the more cases there are, the more lives we will lose.

In the sports world, it’s easy to think we are asking the biggest questions. Will we play football?

Should we play football? Will fans attend? What about tailgating?

But amid all the bickering, the partisan scuffles, the disagreements among the Power Five conferences and the NCAA-sized leadership void, we want to make a few things clear.

First, The Reveille’s reporting will focus on the physical and

mental health and safety of the LSU and Baton Rouge communities. That is our top priority.

Second, we do not envy the University’s decision makers, but we will hold them accountable should their actions endanger the health and safety of our campus and city.

We believe this virus can be controlled. With adequate testing, rigorous cardiac screening and thorough safety protocols, we can ensure our athletes, coaches and staff enjoy a safe return to the field. With sports, we can regain some sense of normalcy in a world that yearns for a return to routine. However, an overly hasty return to sports won’t help us win the game — it’ll only result in penalty.

If college sports return prematurely, consequences could be dire for athletes and fans alike.

The long-term effects of the virus remain unknown. When they canceled their seasons last month, the Big 10 and Pac-12 cited concerns of a link between COVID-19 and myocarditis, a lifethreatening heart condition. Even

if stadium capacities are reduced to allow for social distancing, a football season will likely lead people to throw house parties and tailgates and crowd bars and restaurants as they did in seasons past, contributing to the spread of the virus.

If college sports do not return this fall, there will still be negative consequences. The Baton Rouge community, with its restaurants, bars, hotels and shops, will continue to suffer economically. Without revenue from football season, the University will take a big financial hit. The athletic department may have to lay off employees or cut Olympic sports. Athletes would lose their lifeblood.

There is no simple solution.

Whatever happens, the virus will continue to create headaches and stress, hardships and challenges, sorrow and grief; but the beauty of sports always shines brightest in the triumph of the human spirit. Communities cheering vigorously from the stands and in front of their TVs and throwing their support behind teams facing ad-

versity are magnificents things to witness. That symbiotic relationship is what made us fall in love with sports in the first place.

In a unique twist of irony, now athletes are waiting on the sidelines, rooting for their fans to come together to defeat a common adversary: COVID-19.

Wear a mask, practice social distancing and, most importantly, be considerate of the members of our community so we can all feel the satisfaction of overcoming one of humanity’s biggest obstacles to date. Someday, we’ll sing that first fight song, hear that first roar, feel that first cool Saturday night breeze and once again witness the cathedral of college football in all its glory.

Then, it’ll all be worth it.

Don’t let any more of our most vulnerable Tiger fans miss out.

This editorial was written in conjunction with sports editor Natasha Malone, deputy sports editor Reed Darcey and sports reporters Jared Brodtmann, Henry Huber, Michael Sanchez, Joe Kehrli and Ryan Nelsen.

Consistent instruction is essential, even in a pandemic DOM’S UNCANNY DISCOURSE

DOMENIC PURDY @tigerdom16 There’s something to be said for maintaining consistency, especially in the uncertainty of today’s world. Having a consistent and unified plan can mean the difference between order and chaos, giving a sense of normalcy in the most unusual of situations.

Since the University announced it would be implementing a mix of remote and classroom learning for the fall semester, consistency has seemed an afterthought to the administration.

In an attempt to create as normal of an environment as possible, certain classes continued in person, but others were either forced or chose to go online for the safety and convenience of students. The issue with the hybrid model attempting to retain some aspects of the on-campus “college experience” is that it

loses the consistency of a typical college schedule and only serves to complicate things.

Take my schedule, for example. Four of my classes are remote and the other is in a lecture hall on campus. When I scheduled my courses in the spring, I formulated my schedule anticipating they’d all be delivered via the same method, remotely or in person, and fit together like puzzle pieces to form my school day.

My on-campus class happens to end right before a remote class begins. This wouldn’t be an issue if my classes were consistent in their delivery, but the University’s inconsistent model leaves me with an ultimatum: either rush to find a quiet place with good internet to connect to a Zoom call or sacrifice the latter half of my lecture to go home to start my virtual class on time.

Mixing remote and in-person classes, in addition to being inconvenient for students, also involves mixing learning styles.

Remote classes are based on

independent instruction, allowing students to learn at the pace that suits them, whereas in-person classes typically have much more structured, rigorous formats.

The dissonance between the two, along with the general issue of juggling hybrid classes, can only be solved through a wholly consistent delivery of instruction.

Even in a pandemic, higher education should not be an exercise in compromise. Students should not have to choose which class they value more than another, especially when they’re paying thousands in tuition.

They should be able to manufacture a schedule that fits their needs.

Since returning to a consistent on-campus experience is out of the realm of possibility right now, with 336 positive COVID-19 results reported on campus only a few days into the semester, I can only make the case for a fully remote experience, as it seems to be the inevitable solution.

The University should re-

CARTOON BY BRANDON SHEPHERD

consider the logistics of its hybrid model and move in-person classes online not only for students’ physical well-being but their mental health as well. After this year, a return to relative

Editorial Policies and Procedures EDITORIAL BOARD Bailey Chauvin Brittney Forbes Anna Jones Katherine Manuel Grace Pulliam

Editor in Chief Managing Editor News Editor Deputy News Editor Opinion Editor

The Reveille (USPS 145-800) is written, edited and produced solely by students of Louisiana State University. The Reveille is an independent entity of the Office of Student Media within the Manship School of Mass Communication. Signed opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, The Reveille or the university. Letters submitted for publication should be sent via e-mail to opinion@lsureveille.com or delivered to B-39 Hodges Hall. They must be 400 words or less. Letters must provide a contact phone number for verification purposes, which will not be printed. The Reveille reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for space consideration while preserving the original intent. The Reveille also reserves the right to reject any letter without notification of the author. Writers must include their full names and phone numbers. The Reveille’s editor in chief, hired every semester by the LSU Student Media Board, has final authority on all editorial decisions.

consistency would do us all some good.

Domenic Purdy is a 19-yearold journalism sophomore from Prairieville.

Quote of the Week “I hope it’s not the greatest catch of all time. I hope I can make more.”

Odell Beckham Jr.

former LSU wide reciever November 5, 1992 — present

Thursday, September 3, 2020

page 16

Rioting is a valid form of protest as history shows KEVIN WONDERS OF THE WORLD KEVIN DOUCETTE @kgdouce The police killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 sparked a wave of public outcry in favor of black lives and liberation. Since then, three months of protests and riots across the nation have left many Americans with lingering questions — and evocative answers.

Why are protests turning to riots? What is law enforcement’s role in reacting to riots? Is this accomplishing anything? Well, yes.

Rioting — a disturbance of the peace, often including property damage — can be both morally grounded and effective.

This year’s protests have primarily included racially and ethnically diverse crowds acting in solidarity to keep demonstrations peaceful and supportive for all involved.

Yet various law enforcement agencies have responded by detaining protesters in unmarked vehicles for unspecified charges, tear-gassing protesters and nonprotesters alike, busting legal vigils and demonstrations, blockading and destroying medical tents and cooperating with overtly

white supremacist terrorist cells.

When the state subjects its constituency to literal war crimes, siding with protesters becomes imperative.

Their demands, whether or not they’re expressed peacefully, are significantly less costly and less violent in nature than the state’s militarized response.

Besides, what’s the point in protecting the state’s right to brutalize civilians when you’re a civilian?

Just as citizens can’t get away with committing crimes, the state shouldn’t get away with its own injustices; such is the democratic principle. As our governing documents state, citizens shouldn’t receive authoritarian violence in response to excercising their freedom of expression.

Riot police escalate the situation by showing up to non-violent vigils and marches with firearms and shields. Other police forces use citywide curfews to indicate when their sanctions will be lifted, and violence will formally begin. Why? The United States is founded on a history of pervasive rebellion. The American Revolution was, in popular perspective, a matter of individuals acting violently towards British sovereignty. In hindsight, we understand

this upheaval was necessary to separate the States from England and establish a democracy.

Further, we understand that the civil rights movement of the ‘60s was fundamentally peaceful, yet protesters were regularly assaulted and de-platformed by law enforcement and officials. History repeats itself today, as the state continues to suppress groups whose demands threaten the current socioeconomic status quo.

The revolt of African Americans has historically been met with state violence. Though hoses

and attack dogs have been substituted for tear gas, rubber bullets and batons, these methods are no less lethal — we’re just desensitized to these tactics now, at home and abroad.

As with anything, the events of a mass social movement and its demonstrations may present morally gray areas. We can contest with the destruction of property, renounce violence among citizens and argue the efficacy of these protests all we want — what won’t change is the patent evil of authoritarian forces brutal-

izing civilians.

As long as the state acts with contempt and malice towards its citizenry, it’s important to respond accordingly. That means taking solidarity against authoritarian forces, even if it means property destruction. Just as the state can endanger our safety and livelihood for political ends, we can interrupt the status quo for our own.

Kevin Doucette is a 20-year-old political science junior from New Orleans.

ABBY KIBLER / The Reveille

Protesters hold up their signs on May 31, during the protest of the death of George Floyd at the State Capitol in downtown Baton Rouge.