Station Survey: LSU-South Carolina predictions

By Hunt Palmer

LSU and South Carolina took the week off last week. Saturday night is crucial for both teams.

LSU has postseason aspirations. The Gamecocks are entering the most difficult schedule stretch in college football. A pair of quarterbacks who headlined the pre-season conversation have struggled to reach those lofty expectations. Garrett Nussmeier and LaNorris Sellers will look to elevate their levels of play.

South Carolina could be without three offensive linemen, and LSU may not have the services of leading wide receiver Aaron Anderson.

I asked the crew at 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge for their game picks. Here’s what they had to say.

Jacob Hester, Co-host, Off the Bench: The Tigers have the better defense and the better playmakers on offense — and that’s going to be the difference in this one. LSU’s front 7 should control the line of scrimmage, and when it’s winning time, the Tigers’ stars will step up and make the plays that matter most. 24-14, LSU.

Matt Flynn, Co-host, Off the Bench: LSU runs at least one POWER running play, and the Tigers start to show life on offense. South Carolina offense is tailor made for the creative pressures and chaotic energy that LSU’s defense bring. LFG. 24-17, LSU

Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: I think the LSU defense will do a much better job in slowing down the running ability of LaNorris Sellers than they did a year ago.  If they can I think it’ll be a good day because I have zero confidence in Sellers’ ability to throw the football.  As far as the Tigers’ offense goes, I think they’ll do just enough to get the win.  I don’t expect drastic improvements, but it should be good enough.  23-14, LSU.

Alondra Villarreal, Audio Producer, Off the Bench: I’m not sure if I trust LSU’s offense just yet, and I need to see it in this game. I do, however, trust LSU’s defense to hold South Carolina to a low score. 21-10, LSU.

Charles Hanagriff, Co-host, Live at Lunch:  Just enough offense and just enough stops on Sellers. 27-17, LSU.

Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: LSU’s defense has proven it can dominate mediocre offenses. Clemson and Florida found that out. South Carolina’s offense is all kinds of mediocre. LaNorris Sellers look tentative and confused without his offensive coordinator from a season ago. His only chance at LSU is to create big plays from broken plays. LSU is too disciplined for that. The offense will be ok at home. 24-9, LSU.

Jacob Beck, Audio Producer, The Hunt Palmer Show: This is a really good matchup for LSU. South Carolina has struggled to score points against pretty much everyone, and LSU’s defense at home will be their toughest task yet. 23-17, LSU

Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: The LSU offense has struggles in each game against FBS competition and I’m going to have to see a break out before I predict one. The good news is the LSU defense is outstanding and South Carolina’s best offense has been their defense and special teams. LSU, 27-17.

Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: I am in total prove it mode with the offense. You have had two weeks to get Garrett Nussmeier healthy along with some others, but that’s only a small part of the issue. Go prove it. 27-17, LSU

Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: All eyes will be on the LSU offense in this game with the same questions we’ve been asking all season. Is Garrett Nussmeier finally healthy? Will the Tigers ever commit to running the ball? Can this offensive line find a rhythm together? I have no concerns about the defense stopping LaNorris Sellers and the South Carolina offense. I’m ready to see the LSU offense play a complete game and get QB Garrett Nussmeier and the Tigers running game back on track. 28-17, LSU.