Every week we ask the crew at ESPN Baton Rouge for score predictions. Some are calling it the largest collection of homers ever assembled. Does anyone have the guts to pick the Gators? Let’s see.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: Even with DJ Lagway back, I’m not sure it’s enough to overcome all the injuries for the Gators. This is a team that has shown flashes but for a number of reasons can’t seem to put it all together consistently. I also believe that Garrett Nussmeier could have a bounce back game after two rough outings. LSU 35, Florida 21 LSU.
Jacob Hester, Co-Host, Off the Bench: LSU 28, Florida 21
T-Bob Hebert, Co-Host, Off the Bench: If I see I single LSU Tiger help a Florida Gator up off the ground, I’m breaking my TV. No room for nice in this 60 minutes. You’re a better team. Win the game. (No score given on OTB. No score given on LouisianaSports.net)
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: It’s been four weeks since either of these teams won a game. Which coach is able to keep his team more focused given the circumstances?
DJ Lagway is going to play…if I knew he was 100% and going to be able to go the whole way I might pick Florida. It might not be the prettiest game, but I’ll take the Tigers. LSU 24, Florida 23
Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: LSU has shown itself to be a pretty good football team at times. We just haven’t seen those times in a few weeks. Florida’s defense has been gashed threw the air by Miami, Georgia and Texas. Florida’s defense has been gashed on the ground by Texas A&M. They’re down four defensive backs. LSU will move the ball. I’m banking an Lagway playing most of this game from the pocket without Eugene Wilson to throw it to. I think it’s a terrible recipe for Florida. LSU 30, Florida 13
Matt Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: When you have been humbled the way LSU has in their last six quarters you need one thing–a get right game. This matchup with Florida has the makings for that. Yes, DJ Lagway will start against the Tigers, but when a player is carted off the field with a hamstring and then back two weeks later it’s hard to believe he is 100 percent. His mobility should be limited which plays into LSU’s hand. Plus, the Gators will be missing at least eight other starters on offense and defense combined. Add in the fact that they aren’t very good to begin with, and you get a game that the Bayou Bengals cannot afford to lose. On offense, I want three things from Garrett Nussmeier–decisiveness, poise and building on the success he had with his legs against the Crimson Tide. In the red zone, I want to see Caden Durham touch the ball at least once on each trip. Defensively, better discipline in every facet of the game plan. You should be able to get after Lagway in the passing game. That has been your biggest strength, but also their receivers shouldn’t be able to matchup with the secondary. I like the Tigers to make it six in a row over the Gators. LSU 38, Florida 24
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: There is no question that the LSU Tigers are stuck in a rut right now, but this is one of those matchups where they can get back on track. Florida is a team just trying to stay above water right now and get to the end of the season as quickly as possible. DJ Lagway playing will give the Gators a boost and a fighting chance in this matchup, but the Tigers should overpower the Gators in The Swamp. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier needs to settle in and protect the ball. The playmakers on the Tigers offense will have the advantage in this game and should get the job done for the Tigers early on. The LSU defense needs to defend the run game and not give up the big plays. The Tigers should handle the Gators easily. LSU 35, Florida 20
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: With a nine-game sample size, we know what LSU is at this point. If they face a mobile quarterback, that spells trouble. DJ Lagway could be that, but it’s hard to imagine someone being carted off the field with a hamstring injury and being 100 percent 14 days later. When LSU has faced pocket passers, the pass rush has feasted. With a limited Lagway and a banged-up Florida defense, as long as LSU doesn’t throw it to the wrong color jersey a handful of times, the Tigers should get out with their sixth straight win in the series. LSU 30, Florida, 24
