Campus Clash
(5) LSU Tigers at (22) Florida Gators
LSU: I’ve been beyond sold on them and until they collapse or they begin to struggle. I became more convinced that they could be a serious team in the conference after their win against Auburn on the road back in September. I really didn’t know what to expect from them, but so far, I’m impressed and Ed Orgeron has done a good job with these guys. For years, they’ve had some inconsistent quarterback play. Now, I think it’s safe to say that they finally have their guy under center in Joe Burrow who’s off to a fast start. They can score points in a variety of ways, they can control the clock and they stop people as a defense. This is by far the best LSU team I’ve watched since 2011, the year they were unbeaten and got to the national championship game. They will look to keep the flow moving on Saturday in Gainesville when they face the Florida Gators.
Florida: I know it’s early, but I have seen a major improvement this year already than I have the last few seasons and making a coaching change does truly make all the difference. Under Jim McElwain, they were more of a defensive team and the offense struggled to score or generate drives to keep them on the field. Now, they have an offense that’s more than capable of making things happen, let’s look at the numbers. They are averaging 35 points a game. In their previous game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, they had to grind things out to get the W in Dan Mullen’s return to Starkville. As a defense, they have no issues whatsoever and when they can play more consistently together as a football team, we’ll have to start mentioning them as one of the elite teams in the SEC again. This is a big game with a hot LSU team coming to town.
LSU Player To Watch: Justin Jefferson– He’s a 6’2, 185-pound wide receiver who’s become Burrow’s top target. I like the toughness he brings to the position and I see he and Joe connecting quite a bit in this game.
Florida Player To Watch: Vosean Joseph– He’s one of their best players in their front seven. He pursues the football and doesn’t stop until he reaches the ball-carrier. He’ll have to be on it to rush Burrow and try to bring down Nick Brossette.
Final Analysis: This will be a fun one, all SEC games usually are. It’s going to be a special day at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Florida Gators will honor the 2008 National Championship team and Tim Tebow will be inducted into the ring of honor. The Gators need to pressure Burrow and make him a pocket passer because when given the opportunity, he will use his legs. For LSU, this is the final tune-up before their big game against the Georgia Bulldogs next week (which will be previewed on here next week). They have to come out and throw the first punch. Take that crowd out the game and turn up the intensity on defense.
Prediction: LSU 31 Florida 21
