BYU, LSU to meet in 2017 Kickoff Classic

LSU will face BYU in the 2017 Kickoff Classic at NRG Stadium in Houston, it was announced Thursday.

For LSU, it will be their second appearance in the game. The Tigers beat Wisconsin 28-24 in the 2014 game.

The 2017 Kickoff Classic will be played on Sept. 2.

“We are excited about the opportunity to return to Houston for the 2017 season opener against BYU,” LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said. “We opened the 2014 season against Wisconsin in NRG Stadium and the turnout and response from our fans far exceeded our expectations.

“Houston is a great city with a huge LSU alumni base and NRG Stadium continues to be one of the great venues for football. We look forward to opening the 2017 season against BYU in Houston in what should be another great start to the football season.”

The 2015 Kickoff Classic will pit Texas A&M against Arizona State and the 2016 games will feature Oklahoma against Houston.

LSU and BYU have never met.

“Any football team or fan who loves the game would be thrilled to have the chance to play a traditional powerhouse like LSU of the SEC in an awesome venue like NRG Stadium,” BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe said. “We are excited and grateful for the invitation to play in such a great game.”