re: 1st Trip to Red Stick, Need Pointers

As far as tickets, you may have to wait until just before kickoff to find 4 together or even 2 together, unless you get lucky outside the PMAC during the TAF Pregame Tailgate, or maybe at the top of the hill by the Journalism Bldg where everybody walks down.
But if you want ticekts beforehand, your best bet is the TigerRant Ticket Exchange or DandyDon.com ticket exchange, stubhub, etc. Just have to bite the bullet.

As far as can't miss things to see and do:

Walk-On's or The Chimnes off campus,
ESPN Game Day on the Parade Grounds at corner of Highland and Dalrymple, Tailgating on the Parade Grounds, LSU Union, French House, Campanile/Memorial Tower, the Quad, Greek Amptheatre, Tiger Village RV Lot tailgating, Inidan Mounds, Mike the Tiger's Habitat, the TAF Pregame Party in the Maravich Assembly Center, watching the Band march down Victory Hill, the music and food outside the PMAC, tailgating of course, and get in your seat before Pregame Stadium Salute/Hold that Tiger...

One suggestion - wear MSU stuff. Ok 'maybe' a bama cap...:)