EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

Overview:

On Saturday, October 6^th, the (5-0) LSU Tigers will be on the road to take on the (4-1) Florida Gators.

The Crowd:

The Crowd projects a final score of LSU 27.9 – Florida 23.4 with an over/under of 51.3.

Lou Holtz and Mark May:

Lou is predicting a final score of LSU 26 – Florida 18.

Mark is predicting a final score of LSU 17 – Florida 14.

2018-19 Statistics (130 total teams):

Passing offense: LSU 204.6 YPG > Florida 203.4 YPG

Rushing offense: LSU 192.0 YPG > Florida 174.8 YPG

Scoring offense: Florida 35.4 PPG > LSU 33.8 PPG

Scoring defense: Florida 14.0 PPG > LSU 15.0 PPG

Passing defense: Florida 140.0 YPG > LSU 230.8 PPG

Rushing defense: LSU 103.0 PPG > Florida 171.0 YPG

Turnover Margin Per Game: Florida +1.5 > LSU +1.0

Summary:

LSU is (5-0) to start the season with wins over #8 Miami, Southeastern Louisiana, #7 Auburn, Louisiana Tech, and Ole Miss.  The Tigers rank 48^th in points per game (33.8) and 12^th scoring defense (15.0 PPG).  Quarterback Joe Burrow has disappointed thus far completing 53% of his passes for 1,023 yards with 6 touchdowns to 0 interceptions.  Running back Nick Brousette has filled in seamlessly for the departed Derrius Guice and has rushed for 481 yards and 6 touchdowns.  Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a more than capable backup with 275 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Justin Jefferson is the team’s leading receiver with 294 yards and 2 touchdowns.  LSU’s secondary has been iffy which is surprising considering they have All-American cornerback Greedy Williams and other talented players.  The Tigers have allowed the 15^th fewest rushing yards per game (115.0).

Florida is (4-1) with wins over Charleston Southern, Colorado State, Tennessee, and #23 Mississippi State.  The Gators rank 42^nd in points per game (35.4) and 9^th in scoring defense (14.0 PPG).  Quarterback Felipe Franks is completing 57% of his passes for 961 yards with 12 touchdowns to 3 interceptions.  The thunder and lightning duo of Jordan Scarlett and Dameon Pierce have combined for 458 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns.  Pierce is a gamebreaker who is averaging a ridiculous 10.2 yards per carry.  Florida’s defense ranks 2^nd in the country at defending the pass (140.0 YPG).  Florida ranks 7^th out of 130 teams in turnover margin (+1.5).

Bottom Line:

This will be a low scoring affair with two of college football’s top 20 defensive teams facing off.  LSU is battle tested and has faced much stiffer competition thus far.  The Tigers have the advantage in the trenches and their power run game will wear down Florida over the course of the game.

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