LSU and Texas meet Saturday night in Tiger Stadium with both teams looking for a statement win. The 104.5 ESPN crew weighs in on the matchup, breaks down the keys to the game and makes its final score predictions for the Tigers and Longhorns.
Jacob Hester, Co-Host, Off the Bench: I’ve got LSU winning, 24-21, because I think the Tigers are going to make life miserable for Arch Manning. Texas has struggled to consistently run the football and protect the quarterback, and that plays right into the strength of LSU’s defense. I think LSU wins the battle up front, forces Texas into obvious passing situations, and creates a couple of game-changing plays. Offensively, the Tigers don’t have to be perfect, but they have to protect the football, hit a few explosive plays, and capitalize when they get into scoring position. In a physical, four-quarter game in Death Valley, I like LSU to find a way to finish it.
Matt Flynn, Co-Host, Off the Bench: Big bounce back for Sam Leavitt. Big bounce back for LSU. 40-27, LSU.
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: This line stinks. LSU is a four-point favorite without a strong win on its resume. Texas has not lost a game by more than three points this season and has four wins over ranked teams. The Tigers have their backs against the wall and may very well win, but the data says pick the visitors. 23-20, Texas.
Hunt Palmer. Host, Hunt Palmer Show: I expect both running games to be bottled up and both quarterbacks to shoulder a massive workload. That means a low scoring game. LSU hasn’t won close games. Texas has. 21-17, Texas.
Matt Moscona. Host, After Further Review: This LSU team looks great on the stat sheet, but you are what your record says you are. The Tigers are 6-3 because they turn the ball over and don’t finish enough drives. Texas has a great defense and an offense that has found itself the last three weeks. 27-24, Texas.
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, Off the Bench: If LSU wants any chance at staying in the playoff conversation, the Tigers need a signature win. This year has been full of disappointing losses, including last week at home. LSU has to improve its red zone offense and score touchdowns. Field goals won’t cut it versus Texas. I’m afraid it may be too little, too late for the Tigers this season. 28-23, Texas.
Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: Texas presents a lot of the same problems for LSU that Alabama did. The Longhorns red zone defense is one of the nation’s best. Their pass rush can give LSU’s offensive line fits. They have a great run defense, and LSU has struggled to run the ball at times. Texas should win this game on paper, but I like the spot for the Tigers. Everyone is down on LSU after last week. Yet, they are still the favorite in the game. Sark’s group is on the second of back-to-back road conference games, which is always tough in the SEC. Lane Kiffin has not lost two games in a row since 2022. I like LSU because I like the spot. Tigers win, 23-20.
Alondra Villareal, Audio Producer, Off the Bench: I’m not brave enough to fall on the sword and pick against LSU. But, I will say that this game gives me pause, especially if the LSU from last week is going to show up. Arch is playing well. Both teams have good defenses. I’ll go 24-21, LSU.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: I have an uneasy feeling about this game. Texas might have a better defense than the Alabama one that held LSU to 13 points. Pair that with the fact that Arch Manning has played well the last two weeks, and that makes for a tough matchup. I’ll still take the Tigers just because Texas has struggled to score on the road, but the confidence meter isn’t very high. 20-17, LSU.
Jordan Kitchens, Audio Producer, Hunt Palmer Show: I’ve been picking LSU all year, and I’ve been wrong a lot, so I’m going against the grain: Texas comes into Death Valley and wins a close one 28-24.
