LSU football sits at 1-1 after a heartbreaking loss to USC and a comfortable win over Nicholls State that nonetheless raised some questions.

The Tigers have something to prove heading into Week 3 in a high-leverage tilt with an undefeated South Carolina team. College GameDay will be in Columbia, and the game is sure to reveal a lot about both teams.

Here’s how the Reveille Sports Staff predicted the upcoming game.

Jason Willis, Sports Editor | @JasonWillis4

I think this will be a low-scoring game. LSU’s offense is still figuring things out – especially in the run game – and I don’t expect a full turnaround in this one against a talented South Carolina defensive front. 

That being said, despite an outstanding performance against Kentucky, I still have trouble buying into the Gamecock offense and quarterback LaNorris Sellers. I think LSU’s creative pressure, courtesy of defensive coordinator Blake Baker, could spell out a tough day for South Carolina on that side of the ball.

My prediction is LSU is able to make more offensive plays and make more drives count.

Prediction: LSU 23-17 South Carolina

Lizzie Falcetti, Deputy Sports Editor | @lizziefalcetti

It’s time for LSU to face USC… again? Well, with a tough loss to USC in the season opener, the Tigers are looking for a win against the other USC – the one on the opposite coast. 

The Gamecocks will not be an easy opponent for LSU on the road. South Carolina already had a taste of SEC play, and it devoured Kentucky in a 31-6 win in Lexington. This game will be LSU’s SEC opener, and a win is necessary to not already have two losses under its belt.   

If the LSU run and pass game can work together against the South Carolina defense, the Tigers will be a threat. I think the Gamecocks will keep this game close, but LSU will pull out the win in the end.

Prediction: LSU 31-24 South Carolina

Tyler Harden, Senior Sports Reporter | @ttjharden8

LSU is set to fly out to South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks, who have lots of momentum headed into the matchup. There’s already a lot to be excited about, as College Gameday will be in attendance for their pregame show.

The Tigers have something to prove going into their first SEC game, but it won’t be easy. South Carolina quarterback, LaNorris Sellers, is good at extending drives, making defenders miss, and making throws on the run. On defense, the Gamecocks’ pass rush looks promising led by Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard.

The keys to victory for LSU will be Garrett Nussmeier getting the ball off quick and connecting with his receivers, the offensive line protecting the quarterback for four quarters and the defense finding a way to get off the field. If the Tigers do two of these three things, they should be able to be in the driver’s seat.

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Prediction: LSU 31-27 South Carolina

Tre Allen, Sports Reporter | @treday0314

 LSU will be heading to a hostile environment in Columbia, South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks at noon ET. 

LSU is coming off a win against Nicholls State after a slow start while South Carolina dominated on the road against Kentucky. 

This early part of the game will be big for both sides. South Carolina is looking for a signature win to start the season while LSU is looking to gain momentum. Although the Tigers’ defense has shown improvement, it continues to give up big plays. As for the offense, the slow starts have continued for the past two weeks, while the run game has not been visible.

I believe this game will be a hard-fought battle, with a defensive line for the Gamecocks that has looked impressive against an LSU offensive line that has two of the best offensive tackles in the nation. If the Tigers can generate consistent offense the majority of the game and limit the big plays on defense, then I think LSU will be able to pull off a win on the road

Prediction: LSU 27-24 South Carolina 

Gabby Gray, Sports Reporter | @GabbyGray06

As the Tigers take on the USC Gamecocks this Saturday, LSU is officially making its SEC debut for the season. With one loss already racked up against the Tigers, should LSU be worried about playing South Carolina—a team that hasn’t lost a game so far?

Short answer, no.

While the Gamecocks won both of their games against the Old Dominion Monarchs and the Kentucky Wildcats, we can’t ignore the fact LSU’s defense has welcomed back coordinator Blake Barker to shape them into the most capable version of themselves. We didn’t see that version when LSU played Nicholls last week, but if they learn from their mistakes, I’m confident we’ll see it as the Tigers go against South Carolina’s offense.

It won’t be an easy game to win, but I think as long as LSU’s defense stays vigilant and comes back stronger, the Tigers stand a chance against the Gamecocks.

Prediction: LSU 27-20 South Carolina

Martin Sullivan, Sports Reporter | @marty_sulli

College GameDay in Columbia features the Tigers in their SEC opener.

The Gamecocks come in with a statement win over Kentucky and LSU enters after limping to victory over Nicholls. Last week taught most fans that just because it isn’t a ranked team, doesn’t mean it won’t be a fight.

A talented quarterback and lethal defensive line will be interesting tasks for Blake Baker and the Tiger offensive line respectively. Likely the most compelling matchup of the day will be seeing veteran tackle Emery Jones take on freshman phenom Dylan Stewart.

To handle this imposing pass rush, LSU should look to quicker, more horizontal passing concepts, much like was seen Week 1.

Anticipate a game with explosive plays for each team. With so much talent on each sideline, the game will come down to the final drive. Ultimately, LSU skill position players will carry the team to a win over South Carolina on Saturday.

Prediction: LSU 28-27 South Carolina

Isabelle Callahan, Sports Reporter | @isabellecal17

I think this will be a tight game, but will LSU be able to come out on top? That will be the real test to see how they can set their ranking for the rest of the season. 

This week’s game will be a challenge for the defense without Jacobian Guillory, while South Carolina has a strong offense including players like LaNorris Sellers. But frankly, South Carolina’s offensive stats don’t jump off the page to really pose a threat to the LSU defense. 

I think LSU will be able to show some strong offense, especially since Garrett Nussmeier is the most skilled quarterback South Carolina has seen this season. With LSU having a strong edge against South Carolina, it will be enough to put them on top. LSU’s offense hopefully will continue to use their strong protection of Nussmeier, not letting any sacks come through, to truly put together a balanced offensive performance and lead them to a much needed victory this Saturday in South Carolina. 

Prediction: LSU 28-21 South Carolina

Cabe Bond, Sports Columnist | @PrezBond

I stated earlier this year that South Carolina is one of the schools to look out for. They are matched up very well against LSU with a good, mobile quarterback and dynamic receivers. 

If the Tigers are able to limit LaNorris Sellers to only passing, then their defensive coverage should be good enough to stall South Carolina’s offense or make them settle for three. However, in order for this to work, LSU’s offense must also keep pace. They’ll have to be aggressive, especially against this tough defense. 

Should the Tigers be able to successfully put points on the board, and defensively limit the offense’s explosive plays, then LSU should exit Week 3 with a win. 

Prediction: LSU 44-33 South Carolina