Welcome everyone to the latest LSU preview where I break down every game on LSU’s schedule! This week, it’s all about the LSU Tigers taking on the Florida Gators.
Last Week: The last time these two teams took the field, LSU walked away with a big win over Arkansas for the first time in three years 38-10. The Gators also got a big win over an SEC East foe in South Carolina by the score of 20-7.
Last Meeting: The last time these two faced off, LSU won in Death Valley and in convincing fashion 35-28. LSU has won the last three games against the Gators, but Florida holds a lead in the overall series 31-28-3.
What to Watch For:
Florida’s Skeleton Crew: The Gators just can’t catch a break this season. Their starting QB is out along with four others being listed as either questionable or doubtful. It works in the Tigers favor because most of those injuries are between the trenches. That’s going to lead to major issues as the game progresses for this team. Combine this with LSU’s shutdown defense in the second half, expect it to be a long day for the Gators.
LSU’s Second Wind: There is no more hangover mentality with this team it seems as they head into the final two games of the season. The Tigers finally got over that Arkansas hump taking them down and did it in convincing fashion. The momentum is working in the favor of LSU and with a rash of injuries to both Florida and their next opponent in Texas A&M could help Coach O’s chances of keeping the job on a more permanent basis. If the offense can do what it’s done since he’s been the interim coach outside of the Alabama game, a win will definitely be happening.
Battle of Former Purdue QBs: If you told me at the beginning of the season that when LSU and Florida would face off, I’d see two former Purdue QBs face off against each other I would look at you like you were a crazy person. But this is the situation that will be played out. Odds are you won’t see more pass attempts than rushes because both teams have workhorses in the backfield, but it will be an interesting storyline to keep mind of if it comes to that on Saturday afternoon.
LSU Will Win If:
The Tigers will walk away with the win if they can bring the pressure to Appleby. He hasn’t seen a lot of pressure when he’s out on the field but the defense needs to get as much pressure as possible on the Gators QB especially with the injuries to the O-Line.
Florida Will Win If:
The Gators can come away with a win if they can get the ball moving on the ground. Their stud back has been good as of late with some nice 100-yard games and if he can get going on the ground it could turn the tides of this matchup in their favor.
-Clint Domingue