The LSU Tigers (2-0) open up Southeastern Conference play on Saturday when the Florida Gators (1-1) come to Death Valley.
LSU enters the game undefeated after recording a Top 10 road victory at Clemson in the opener, but Brian Kelly’s team struggled offensively in last week’s home opener against Louisiana Tech.
Florida, meanwhile, started the season ranked in the polls and defeated LIU 55-0 in the opener. Billy Napier’s team was upset at home, losing 18-16 last week to South Florida.
The kickoff between the Tigers and Gators from Death Valley is set for 6:30 PM on Saturday, and the action can be heard on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette and 104.1 Lake Charles.
PROTECTING NUSSMEISER
In last year’s 27-16 loss in Gainesville, LSU’s offense was able to move the chains as the Tigers recorded 25 first downs to 13 for the Gators, 390 total yards, and dominated time of possession (41:43 to 18:17). The difference in the game was Florida’s pass rush which recorded 11 tackles for a loss, six sacks and six quarterback hurries. Florida no longer has Shemar James lining up on defense, as he is now in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. The Gators do have back Kamran James and Tyreak Sapp, who combined for two sacks in last year’s game. In addition, 6-foot-6, 330-pound Caleb Banks is making his debut this season after missing the first two games with a lower leg injury. LSU’s offensive line, which will have center Braelin Moore for the game, will need to do a better job of protecting Garrett Nussmeiser who has been sacked four times in two games.
RUNNING THE FOOTBALL
LSU has success running the football against Florida. In last year’s loss, Caden Durham had 95 yards on 21 carries, while Josh Williams had 69 yards on 13 carries. Williams rushed for over 100 yards on only 14 carries in LSU’s 45-35 win over Florida in 2022. The game against the Gators has recently been a game where an LSU player has a monster running game. Jayden Daniels wrapped up the Heisman Trophy after he rushed for 234 yards on 12 carries in a 52-35 win in 2023. Tyrion Davis-Price, meanwhile, piled up 287 yards on 36 carries and three rushing touchdowns in a 49-42 win in 2021.
LACKLUSTER LAGWAY
Florida entered the season with plenty of hype surrounding quarterback DJ Lagway. After showing flashes of what he could do last season as a true freshman, many experts thought Lagway would set college football on fire this season. That has not been the case. In two games, he has completed 38-of-51 passes for 342 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. He only has 12 rushing yards and no touchdowns. Whether it was the lower-body injury suffered during camp that forced him to reportedly wear a walking boot, or just a sluggish start, Lagway has not been playing at an elite level so far in 2025.
SERIES RECORD: Tied 34-34-3
Last Five Meetings:
2024: Florida 27 – LSU 16
2023: LSU 52 – Florida 35
2022: LSU 45 – Florida 35
2021: LSU 49 – Florida 42
2020: LSU 37 – Florida 34
STAT LEADERS:
LSU
Garrett Nussmeier: 54-79, 469 Yards, 2 TD, INT
Caden Durham: 30 Carries, 103 Yards, 2 TD
Aaron Anderson: 14 Catches, 172 Yards
Barion Brown: 13 Catches, 119 Yards
West Weeks: 13 Tackles (6 Solo), 1 TFL
Mansoor Delane: 1 INT, 3 Pass Breakups
Damian Ramos: 4-of-6 Field Goals, Long of 52
Florida
DJ Lagway: 38-51. 342 Yards, 4 TD, INT
Jadan Baugh: 27 Carries, 197 Yards, 1 TD
Vernell Brown III: 8 Catches, 135 Yards
Eugene Wilson III: 12 Catches, 56 Yards, 2 TD
Myles Graham: 13 Tackles (8 Solo), 2 Hurries
Tyreak Sapp: 6 Tackles, 2 Tackles for a Loss, 1 Sack
Trey Smack: 5-of-8 Field Goals, Long of 56