| The time has come for the Tigers to ride the "Ponderosa" again. Ponderosa, the name of the sprawling ranch in the TV series "Bonanza," is also the nickname of LSU's football practice facility. It's where the Tigers will begin their preparations Thursday for the upcoming season, their first under new coach Brian Kelly. Thursday marks 31 days until LSU opens the 2022 season on Sept. 4 against Florida State in the Caesars Superdome. Between now and then, LSU has to answer a multitude of questions and must identify a slew of players it can depend on as the Tigers try to rebound from their 6-7 record last season. The Texas Bowl loss to Kansas State gave the Tigers their first losing season since 1999, and they're just 11-12 since beating Clemson for the CFP national championship. Seems like it's been a minute, doesn't it? No matter what the season, recruiting never takes a holiday. Check out the speculation surrounding a hometown quarterbacking prospect who is back on the market and may now wind up at LSU. BASKETBALL The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved the contracts for new men's coach Matt McMahon and his staff. Get the details right here. BOOK EXCERPT Domanick Davis signed with LSU in the depths of its losing ways in 1999 and helped lead the Tigers back to their championship ways. Remember him here as we continue our countdown to the Tigers' Sept. 4 season opener against Florida State in the Caesars Superdome. Well, it's time to head out to the Ponderosa, folks. If you can't make it, your Advocate LSU beat team will be saddled up and have you covered every day. Scott Rabalais, Wilson Alexander, Leah Vann and Sheldon Mickles | 