LSU Playoff Hopes Ride on Alabama Game
Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne attended LSU's football matchup against Alabama in Baton Rouge.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
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Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne returned to Baton Rouge and walked the field before kickoff of LSU's game against Alabama. LSU, ranked No. 14, has playoff chances that depend on the outcome of the game.
Why it matters
The game's result will shape LSU's playoff picture, and the appearance of two former LSU stars drew attention to the matchup in Baton Rouge. Skenes and Dunne both won national titles at LSU, connecting the football program to its wider athletic legacy.
LSU's No. 14 ranking places it in position to be affected by the Alabama result. Skenes's 1.69 ERA in 2023 remains his best-documented season at LSU, while his 2026 ERA rose to 3.82.
The players
Paul Skenes
Paul Skenes is a pitcher who won a national championship with LSU, was selected No. 1 overall in the MLB Draft, and won the 2025 National League Cy Young Award.
Livvy Dunne
Livvy Dunne is a former LSU gymnast who won a national title with the women's gymnastics team in 2024 and is set to appear in the upcoming Baywatch reboot on FOX.
Lane Kiffin
Lane Kiffin is the head coach of LSU's football program, who walked alongside Dunne before the season opener.
The details
Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne returned to Baton Rouge and walked around the field before kickoff of LSU's game against Alabama. Dunne walked alongside LSU head coach Lane Kiffin before the season opener, and Skenes joined the group attending the game.
Timeline
2023: Skenes's lone season at LSU, with a 1.69 ERA.
2024: Dunne won a national title with the LSU women's gymnastics team.
2025: Skenes won the National League Cy Young Award.
2026: Skenes posted a 3.82 ERA with Pittsburgh.
November 7, 2026: Skenes and Dunne attended the LSU vs. Alabama game.
Season Trajectory
The appearance of Skenes and Dunne at the Alabama game connects LSU's current football season to the program's recent championship history. Skenes's 2023 national championship season at LSU set a benchmark for the program's standing among college teams.
The Alabama result will determine how LSU's playoff hopes stand, which affects fantasy and season-ticket decisions for fans. Skenes's 2026 ERA and home run totals are relevant to those tracking his performance with Pittsburgh.
The takeaway
LSU's playoff position is tied to the Alabama result, and the presence of Skenes and Dunne underscores the program's recent success. Readers following the team should watch the game's outcome closely.
Further reading
Explore more Football coverage for context on LSU's season and its playoff race.
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