The LSU Tigers (1-1) will travel to Columbia, South Carolina to face the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) in their first true road game of 2024 on Saturday morning. The Tigers have won seven straight meetings against the Gamecocks and 19 of 22 overall, with one of those being a tie. This is their first trip to Columbia since 2008.
The game will be featured on College Gameday and represents the Southeastern Conference opener for the Tigers. The Gamecocks began SEC play 1-0 after a convincing 31-6 win over Kentucky last week.
Kickoff inside Williams-Bryce Stadium is set for 11:00 AM central. The game can be heard on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles with pregame beginning at 9:00 AM central.
THE REAL USC?
LSU will face a team that goes by the three-letter moniker “USC” for the second time in three games this season. They began the season facing the University of Southern California in Las Vegas. That university was founded in 1880. The University of South Carolina was founded in 1801, but first went by South Carolina College. They first went by the University of South Carolina in 1866 but changed names several times after that.
FRESHMEN PHENOMS
LSU will have to contend with a couple of impressive freshmen that have led the way so far for South Carolina. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers struggled at times as a passer in their first game against Old Dominion, but showed how much of a threat he is on the ground. He looked more efficient in their dominant win over Kentucky. On the defensive side, Dylan Stewart is a true freshman five-star prospect that has shown his talent immediately. He has two and a half sacks, two forced fumbles and six tackles in his first two starts in Columbia.
DEVELOPING A CONNECTION
The most popular target of Tigers’ quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been receiver Kyren Lacy. Lacy has already racked up 12 catches for 159 yards and an FBS-leading four touchdowns. He leads the Tigers in all three of those categories, and also leads with 13.3 yards per catch. He has accounted for half of the touchdown catches for the LSU receiving corps.
SERIES RECORD: LSU leads 19-2-1
Last Five
2020: LSU 52 – South Carolina 24
2015: LSU 45 – South Carolina 24
2012: LSU 23 – South Carolina 21
2008: LSU 24 – South Carolina 17
2007: LSU 28 – South Carolina 16
STAT LEADERS
LSU
Garrett Nussmeier: 57-of-76, 610 yards, 8 TD, 1 INT
Josh Williams: 13 carries, 52 yards, 0 TD
Kyren Lacy: 12 receptions, 159 yards, 4 TD
Sai’vion Jones: 2 sacks
Greg Penn III & Major Burns: 12 tackles
Damian Ramos: 2-of-3 field goals, Long of 45
South Carolina
LaNorris Sellers: 20-of-37, 280 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Raheim Sanders: 37 carries, 142 yards, 2 TD
Mazeo Bennett Jr: 5 receptions, 81 yards, 1 TD
Kyle Kennard: 3.5 sacks
Debo Williams: 13 tackles (10 solo)
Alex Herrera: 4-of-5 field goals, Long of 46