LSU vs. Florida State Prediction, Pick: Can LSU Get Their Revenge?
LSU vs. Florida State is going to be one exciting matchup on Sunday. Can LSU get their revenge? Ben Rajavuori answers and breaks down this highly anticipated game on tonight's slate.
Ben Rajavuori - September 3, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT
5 minLSU vs. Florida State Prediction, Pick: Can LSU Get Their Revenge?
The first game between two ranked teams is finally here in Week 1 of college football as No. 8 Florida State and No. 5 LSU meet at a neutral site in Orlando to kick off their seasons. This is, without a doubt, the most exciting matchup of Week 1, which is probably why it is the primetime game in Week 1 on Sunday, which starts at 7:30 p.m. EST. A win for either team here could be the start of a college football playoff run, as both teams have aspirations to play in the championship at the end of this season. Florida State won this matchup 24-23 last year. Who takes it this year?
LSU vs. Florida State Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: September 3, 2023
- Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ABC
LSU vs. Florida State Prediction
In 2022, the Seminoles held a comfortable two-touchdown lead early in the fourth quarter, only to see the Tigers rally back with two late touchdowns. However, a blocked extra point secured Florida State's victory. Florida State was +4 against the spread in that game last season and ended up winning outright, yet they are underdogs once again this year with a slightly smaller spread of +2.5.
The Seminoles, under the leadership of head coach Mike Norvell, have transformed from a dire roster situation into one of the nation's most talented teams. Quarterback Jordan Travis, a fifth-year player, has transformed into an amazing quarterback. Travis's ability to generate explosive runs and lower his turnover rate to a career-low 1.9% in 2022 makes him a scary dual-threat quarterback. Travis had a breakout year in 2022, throwing for 3,214 yards and 24 touchdowns with only five interceptions, but he also added 417 yards on the ground, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Every metric of Travis' game improved in 2022, which only gives me more confidence in his heading into the 2023 season.
Travis is not alone; he has quite an arsenal of weapons at his disposal. Keon Coleman, a transfer wide receiver from Michigan State, joins the talented roster alongside Johnny Wilson, who boasts an impressive 3.4 yards per route run. With a solid offensive line retaining 85% of its snaps, Florida State is well-equipped to excel in passing situations and unleash their explosive running back, Trey Benson, who averaged 6.4 yards per carry over 990 rushing yards last year.
Brian Kelly did well last season in his first year at LSU, especially after a tough start to the season, but there are still improvements to be made. While LSU has a formidable defense, they do face some questions, particularly in defending against an explosive Florida State offense. The Tigers allowed over 31 points in five of their seven SEC games last season and will need to show improvement in slowing down their opponents.
The experience gained in the trenches last season should aid LSU in 2023, with talented players like Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson on the defensive line. However, they must replace key pass rushers, and that duty will fall on newcomers like Sai'vion Jones.
Linebacker Harold Perkins, a first-team preseason All-American, is a dominant force and will be crucial in disrupting Florida State's offensive rhythm. However, the secondary remains a concern, with cornerback Duce Chestnut and others needing to step up to contain Florida State's talented receivers.
The key to a Florida State win will be to exploit LSU's defensive vulnerabilities. With Jordan Travis at the helm, they possess a dynamic quarterback who can thrive both as a passer and a runner. The offensive line's continuity and the explosive playmaking ability of their wide receivers give them an edge in passing situations.
I expect LSU to score on Florida State, but the question is whether Travis and the offense can keep up. I think they can. Especially with the addition of Keon Coleman, the Seminoles have a balanced offense with plenty of experience, and they have no real weak spots. In what should be a back-and-forth offensive game, I will simply take the points because I do not feel Florida State should be given points in this situation with this offense. Another upset would not surprise me at all, but I like taking the 2.5 points in case of a final field goal or going for two at some point, even if it's in overtime when each team is forced to go for two after the first two possessions. It came down to one point last year, and it just as well could again this year. This should be an electric game!
LSU vs. Florida State Pick
Pick: Florida State +2.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
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