Written by Ryan Lippert
This weekend, we have a huge match up to look forward to in the Southeastern Conference. We have two undefeated, top ten teams, that will meet, both looking to continue their path to the SEC Championship. LSU has been dominant so far this season, with only one close game against Texas. On the opposite side, Florida has started to gain a lot of respect in the past few weeks. They made a huge statement last week in a 24-13 win over Auburn. While that win was great, this will by far be their biggest test so far as they travel to Baton Rouge. With that being said, let’s take a deeper look at this week’s SEC Game of the Week between the LSU Tigers and Florida Gators.
Joe Burrow Looks Like a Legit Heisman Candidate
As anyone who watches college football should know, LSU is a team that has been known for great defense and mediocre quarterback play. However, things have changed this year. Former Ohio State Buckeye, Joe Burrow, has put the country on notice this year as he is a true Heisman candidate and has placed himself in the first-round draft pick discussion. He has thrown for 1,864 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only three interceptions through five games this season. He has benefited from three outstanding receivers in Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Terrace Marshall Jr. Jefferson leads the group with 30 receptions for 547 yards and seven touchdowns.
As good as he has been, Burrow will face his biggest test yet against this Florida secondary. They have been outstanding against the pass this year, allowing only 183.33 yards per game, with only four touchdowns this season. This secondary has also come away with 12 interceptions so far. Last weekend was a huge statement game for them as they held Auburn quarterback Bo Nix to 145 passing yards, one touchdown, and came away with three interceptions. Whoever wins the battle between this secondary and LSU’s passing attack should be in a great position to win this game.
Can Florida Move the Ball on This LSU Defense
Just as I mentioned already, LSU has always been known for great defense. This has not changed this year. They have allowed 287.8 yards of total offense and 19 points per game so far this season. This defense has been especially dominant against the run, with a dangerous front seven led by defensive end Rashard Lawrence, who looks to be back from injury this week, and linebacker Jacob Phillips. They have only allowed 81 rushing yards per game, and three rushing touchdowns so far.
To put things as simple as possible, Florida is going to need more than 19 points to win this game. I don’t think that’s going to happen by running the ball. With that being said, quarterback Kyle Trask must step up and have another big game. He did enough to lead the Gators to victory last week, throwing for 234 yards and two touchdowns. However, he will be facing an extremely talented secondary this week. Although they are statistically much better against the run, their secondary hasn’t been bad either, allowing 206.80 passing yards per game and seven passing touchdowns, along with coming away with five interceptions so far. It also helps when you have two future first-round picks in your secondary in safety Grant Delpit and cornerback Kristian Fulton, along with a rising star in freshman cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
Final Predictions
This game is set to have a huge impact on the landscape of both the SEC and the country as a whole in college football. I believe that it will be a close game for about three quarters as Florida will make some big plays to keep themselves in this game. However, this LSU team is simply on another level. I see Joe Burrow leading the charge with another big game and LSU’s secondary, along with a very hostile crowd being too much for Kyle Trask. I have LSU pulling away late and winning this one 34-21.