LSU Takes On Tough TCU Squad, Coaches Play Cat And Mouse Game

Les Miles and his #12 ranked LSU Tigers will have their hands full tonight in their matchup with the #20 TCU Horned Frogs in the 2013 Cowboy Classic.

Cowboy Stadium in Arlington will play host for the neutral sight game, with an 8:00 kickoff on ESPN.

Both Miles and TCU coach Gary Patterson have been coy on key members of their football team, playing a game of cat and mouse.

Miles never announced if his starting tailback Jeremy Hill would be suspended for his off the field arrest back in the spring. Hill was charged with battery after assaulting a man outside an off campus bar. Hill, 20, was (and still is) on probation at the time of his arrest. You can view video of the assault here. Miles let his team vote on whether Hill should be reinstated. He was welcomed back unanimously. The lack of punishment was criticized by many, including Patterson. Hill may still be suspended, but Miles won't say, leaving TCU to prepare for the possibility.

Patterson knows about disciplining players. He suspended his starting quarterback Casey Pachall after a 4-0 start last season due to substance abuse issues. TCU fell to a 7-6 finish. Pachall has returned after receiving treatment, and has the skill set to lead the Horned Frog offense. However, sophomore Tevone Boykin could also earn a run at QB tonight. Patterson complimented Boykin on his handling of last season's backup duties (Boykin took over after Pachall's suspension), while highlighting Boykin's mobile skill set. Who will start? Patterson won't say, though it's likely Pachall will get the majority of snaps.

LSU has done well in season openers under Miles, having a perfect 8-0 record. Look for the trend to continue, though TCU won't make it easy.

Prediction: LSU 24  TCU 16