re: LSU Folks - how did the $$$$$ situation at the University get so dire?

Maybe. But this nothing new. The school referenced lack of funding as an impediment to on two occasions in years past. Once having to do with a coaching change. And once it had to do with the state not being able to help fund an improvement. Both times have been in the recent five year span and one discussion was triggered by the hire of the current head football which some supporters got heated up about. So it seems perpetual. Don't know what the current issue is. I do know this, even if a shortfall of funding was the rationale for the hiring of Orgeron it may have been a blessing in disguise since he appears to be doing great.