Coming off a 14-point loss to Alabama, three games remain for LSU in the regular season. The first of those three is what some would consider a crossroads game against Florida.
Both teams are coming off disappointing losses, and are out of the SEC Championship race. But both programs feature a coach in Year 2 looking to stabilize things and create momentum for the program going forward. Saturday at 6:30 p.m. is a step towards that.
Here’s how the Reveille Sports Staff predicted the matchup:
Peter Rauterkus | @peter_rauterkus
The most interesting storyline entering this game is how each team will respond following disappointing losses. Can LSU get up off the mat after having its championship hopes dashed by Alabama? Will Florida be motivated to play after a blowout loss to Georgia and an overtime loss to a struggling Arkansas team?
Both of those questions could be answered early in the game Saturday.
With Jayden Daniels likely back for LSU, the offense matches up well against a Florida defense that struggled against Arkansas. On the other side, LSU’s defense inspires little confidence, but Florida quarterback Graham Mertz doesn’t have the same dual threat ability as Jalen Milroe.
LSU will give up points, but will likely score 40 or more. Against Florida, that should be enough.
Prediction: LSU 45-35 Florida
Mackay Suire | @macthetiger
Coming off of a heavy loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, this should be a game that allows LSU to gain some of its confidence back.
If Jayden Daniels is back for their game against the Gators, the Tiger offense should explode immediately. That elite offense should be enough all on its own to go up against a subpar Gator defense.
Florida’s offense is scrappy, with the ability to hold its own for a while, but the chemistry between Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers will be hard to surpass.
LSU takes this game in Death Valley, handing Florida yet another road loss.
Prediction: LSU 45-31 Florida
Jason Willis | @JasonWillis4
This is an extremely winnable game for LSU. The Tigers are motivated to run the table and salvage a 10-win season (including a potential bowl win), and Florida is floundering under Billy Napier.
LSU’s nation-leading offense had one of its worst games against Alabama and still scored 28 points in three quarters before Jayden Daniels went down.
On defense, LSU will need to account for Florida’s underrated talent at wide receiver and running back, but a conservative offensive scheme and quarterback Graham Mertz’s limited skillset hold back the Gators.
LSU’s defense has had good moments against some of the weaker offenses in the SEC, and if it comes up with even a handful of stops, the Tigers will win. If it feels like the discussion surrounding the Tigers has become a broken record, it’s because the question of “if the defense can make stops” has been the qualifier all season.
Prediction: LSU 38-31 Florida
Tyler Harden | @ttjharden8
After LSU fell to Alabama on Saturday, the Tigers were hit with another scare with Jayden Daniels in concussion protocol. However, he seems to likely be healthy for the Florida game, which will dictate LSU’s offensive success significantly.
While LSU’s offense still would have likely been okay without Daniels, as Florida’s defense has its struggles as well, the Tigers are now in a much more comfortable spot.
It will be a game where a lot of points are scored; both defenses have their flaws, and Florida could stay in the game because of that. But LSU’s offense now being in a better position gives them the edge.
Prediction: LSU 34-24 Florida
Cabe Bond | @PrezBond
The Tigers are fresh off their third loss of the season. The team has some issues and are now out of playoff contention. Even worse for LSU, the fanbase is frustrated. Bad defensive decisions cost Jayden Daniels a Heisman, prevented the program from contending for a National Championship and limited one of the best offenses in LSU history.
LSU has a lot to address but, unfortunately for Florida, Death Valley is sold out.
Over 100,000 impassioned LSU fans are expected to pack out Tiger Stadium for the most intense rivalry in college football. Regardless of how either side plays, home field advantage is going to win LSU this game, and probably by a decent amount.
Prediction: LSU 52-34 Florida
Connor Barney | @theconnorbarney
Following last week’s loss to Alabama, the Tigers are going to bounce back against Florida. With Jayden Daniels returning from concussion protocol and probable to play, the No. 1 offense in the country will pick back up where they left off.
Doubts arise in the Tigers defense after their performance last week, but following their scrutiny over the loss, they’ll be ready to perform at home and regain some respect. This game will be a no doubt win for the Tigers.
Prediction: LSU 48-27 Florida
