LSU-UCLA opener is a scorching ticket for Tigers fans
For the first time ever, LSU will travel to the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Tigers fans want to be there for the memorable occasion, as there may be no hotter ticket in all of college football right now.
“LSU sold its allotment to the #UCLA game within a matter of days, requested more and sold those,” tweeted Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated. “I believe at least 10,000 tickets have been sold through the school. Officials in Baton Rouge expect the amount of LSU fans here to top 15,000.”
While UCLA will be the home team, Tigers fans want to put their stamp on the game. As their team attempts to return to glory, they’ll have plenty of support from their faithful in Pasadena.
Max Johnson excited to play UCLA in the Rose Bowl
When LSU opens their season on Sept. 4 in Los Angeles, Max Johnson will be the starting quarterback. Earlier this summer, Johnson talked about how excited he is to play UCLA at the Rose Bowl.
“Yeah, I’m excited about it,” Johnson said during a press conference. “I think just putting all our focus towards UCLA is going to be big for us. It was a good getting to compete with our defense. I think we’re all just looking forward to going over to UCLA and looking forward to this upcoming game.”
For Johnson, a California native, it is more than just a game. It is an opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream of playing in the Rose Bowl.
“I’ve always wanted to play in the Rose Bowl,” said Johnson. “I think just growing up, it’s kind of an incredible place to play. I’ve even played in it on NCAA, which is kind of cool, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
I’m looking forward to competing. I’m looking forward to playing with my team. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
However, while Johnson may be excited, he’s not letting it change his preparation.
“To be honest, it really doesn’t change how we’re preparing for the game. It doesn’t change our mindset. It doesn’t change anything about what we’re doing,” said Johnson. “I think it’s just traveling there and playing the game, just overall looking forward to it.”
LSU’s outlook for 2021
In 2021, LSU is looking to bounce back from last season’s disappointing campaign. The team will look to get back to its 2019 national championship form under Orgeron, with a new group of stars.
Injuries have opened the door for Johnson to emerge as the offensive leader, starting in the season opener at the Rose Bowl. Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery Jr. headline a deep running back room which runs behind a veteran offensive line. Kayshon Boutte and Brian Thomas Jr. are part of the wide receiver core which hopes to fill the gap left by Ja’Marr Chase.
The front seven complements a talented secondary on defense. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is the star of the show, looking to duplicate his 2019 season which featured six interceptions. Eli Ricks emerged as a second corner last season, and the team added Georgia transfer Major Burns and Clemson transfer Mike Jones to the starting lineup as well.
With so much potential, it’s no wonder why LSU-UCLA is a scorching hot ticket for Tigers fans.