LSU-North Carolina will kickoff 2010 season at Ga. Dome

By KEN SUGIURA

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The first two editions of the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game have been ACC-SEC matchups. Why mess with success?

Gary Stokan, president of the Chick-fil-A Bowl and the Atlanta Sports Council, said Monday he is hopeful that North Carolina and LSU will finalize their contracts to play in the 2010 game within the next month.

“Our goal is to put the best college football game together of the first weekend,” Stokan said. “We think Carolina and LSU will be that.”

Stokan said while the game is not finalized, there has been “very meaningful dialogue and positive movement in that direction” with athletics directors Joe Alleva (LSU) and Dick Baddour (North Carolina).

The first two Chick-fil-A Kickoff matchups — Alabama-Clemson in 2008 and Alabama-Virginia Tech this Sept. 5 — were or will be sellouts. Stokan said he had discussions with Southern California, Texas, Michigan, Notre Dame and every team in the ACC and SEC about playing in the 2010 game.

LSU and North Carolina have worked out because both teams need a 12th game for the 2010 schedule, Stokan said. However, to secure the date, North Carolina will probably move a game with South Carolina to another season.

“It’s certainly something we’d like to do,” UNC coach Butch Davis said. “It would be a big plus for our program.”

The Tar Heels and Tigers have played six times, most recently in 1986, with LSU holding a 5-1 advantage.

N.C. State and Tennessee will play in the 2012 kickoff game.