We asked the team at 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge to predict the outcome of Sunday’s season opener. Here’s what they had to say.
Jacob Hester, Co-Host Off the Bench: LSU gives up yards, but the defense holds USC to field goals. Not TDs. Running back by committee approach helps chew the clock and finish the game. 31-23 LSU.
T-Bob Hebert, Co-Host, Off the Bench: Last year’s defense was away to reactive, not aggressive. Blake Baker is going to change all that. I love my dude Harold Perkins saying they’re going to get freaky on third downs. He’s speaking my language. BIGGER. FASTER. STRONGER. 38-24 LSU.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: This game has made me nervous all week, but I’m still picking LSU 38-28. I understand that the Tigers haven’t performed well in openers which is my main cause for concern. Anyone who’s been out there at practice knows this team still has a few issues to get straightened out, but my time around this team has shown me something else. There is just a different feel around this team. Brian Kelly and the Tigers seem confident, and the team appears to be a close-knit group, that can go a long way in close games.
Alondra Villareal, Audio Producer, Off the Bench: LSU 38, USC 31. I think it will be a high scoring game, but LSU’s offensive line will overpower USC’s defense. I think they’ll keep the game close, but ultimately LSU’s running game will be better than USC’s. I have faith in Blake Baker and this new defense.
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: 34-31 LSU…lot of offense, two defenses in transition, and a fast track.
Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: The game comes down to two things. How well does LSU run it? How well does USC throw it. I expect both to have success. LSU’s defensive backs concern me against this talented Trojan WR corps. Still, give me the Tigers with a late field goal to win it. LSU 37, USC 35
Jacob Beck, Audio Producer, The Hunt Palmer Show: We’ve talked about it for weeks now, but I think this game comes down to which defense can make one or two more stops than the other. I trust that Blake Baker and his staff have got this LSU defense ready. LSU 31 USC 27
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: LSU 31, USC 27. I don’t think LSU stops USC’s offense but I think LSU’s O-Line and kicker are good enough to get the lead and salt the game away.
Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: LSU 34, USC 30. LSU has an advantage up front on offense. We’ve heard about the offensive line and run game all off-season long now it will be on display. On defense I’m looking at 3rd down and the coverage in the backend. Can LSU hold USC to in between 30-34% on third down and not let guys run free by 20 yards? If so, I like the outcome. I like LSU to take a two-score lead in the second half and hold off the Trojans late salting the game away.
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: LSU 35, USC 31. I think Garrett Nussmeier is ready to lead the LSU offense and has plenty of playmakers to do so successfully. The defense will be much improved from a year ago, but playing together for the first time against a Lincoln Riley lead offense could prove challenging early on.
