Florida vs. LSU Prediction, Game Preview


Florida vs. LSU prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Gators and Tigers.


Florida vs. LSU Game Preview

(Note: Game has been postponed due to Hurricane Matthew and the schools are trying to reschedule.)

When: Saturday, October 8 – 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
TV Broadcast: ESPN

Florida was anything but impressive this past Saturday, pulling out a 13-6 victory at Vanderbilt in which the offense managed only 236 yards total. The defense was sturdy, but will be challenged by a LSU offense that seemed revived with a new offensive coordinator (Steve Ensminger) calling the plays.

For LSU, it started out the Ed Orgeron era with a big win against Missouri and did so by putting up a lot of yards, something the Tigers have struggled with all season. Florida’s defense will be a challenge, and the Tigers must get running back Leonard Fournette back.

What To Know About Florida

The Gators expect to get starting quarterback Luke Del Rio back in time for the matchup on Saturday. With him, the offense should improve after the horrible showing this past weekend. Being able to run the ball against a stout LSU defensive line and linebacker group will be a tough assignment, but is needed in order to keep the offense balanced.

If he plays, shutting down Leonard Fournette will be priority number one for the Gators’ defense. Florida must put the pressure on quarterback Danny Etling to win the game with his arm.

What to Know About LSU

Is the offense back? Etling has been better under center than Brandon Harris was, but the passing game still lacks consistency. If Fournette is out, the Tigers still have a stable back in Derrius Guice.

The LSU defense will try to do the same as their opposition: stop the run and force pressure on the quarterback. Defensive lineman Davon Godchaux is a force to block, so he will try to get into the Gators’ backfield as often as possible. Cornerback Tre’Davious White will be one of the Tigers looking to stop Florida wide receiver Antonio Callaway from having a big game.

Advantages

Offense: Tie. Both struggle at times, although the Tigers seemed to open it up more after the firing of Cam Cameron.

Defense: Florida. Head coach Jim McElwain should praise his defense at all times for continuing to win games for the Gators.

Special Teams: Florida. Sure, the Eddy Pineiro for Heisman hype has died down, but he’s still solid.

Coaching: Florida. Only by default. Are we sure McElwain is the answer in Gainesville?

Intangibles: Florida. The Swamp, much like LSU’s Tiger Stadium, is always rocking and difficult for the opposition to play in.

Matchup To Watch

LSU’s “new” offense vs. Florida defense

They put the points up against Missorui, but Florida is a different beast. Can Fournette and company finally break through against a good defense?

Florida vs. LSU Betting Odds

Spread: LSU -1
Over/Under: 42

Florida vs. LSU Prediction

Looking for a high-scoring game? You might not want to tune into this one then. This will be an old-fashioned, field position matters battle as both defenses are loaded with talent and the offenses are suspect. The battle in the trenches will determine this one, and it will be a nail biter, but playing in The Swamp will be the difference. Florida wins a close one.

Florida vs. LSU Score Prediction: Florida 24, LSU 20

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