Basketball's big test

We'll learn a little more about this LSU basketball team this afternoon when they play Texas A&M.

Now, by no means do I think this is a must-win game. Rather, I think it's a good gauge of where this team is with SEC play just around the corner.

I'll say this for Trent Johnson, he has used this schedule wisely. He's been able to implement his system in a rather stress-free atmosphere. He's been able to build his team's confidence. And the Tigers have padded their record.

Their schedule is so bad -- last nationally -- that it will hurt LSU if the Tigers somehow end up as a proverbial bubble team.

However, if LSU gains confidence and momentum, the weak schedule won't matter if the Tigers don't have to worry about the bubble.