We asked the team at 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge for predictions for LSU and South Carolina. The homerism shined through again. Here’s what they had to say:
Jacob Hester, Co-Host Off the Bench: 24-21 LSU. LSU will be able to stop SC’s biggest strength which is their pass rush.
T-Bob Hebert, Co-Host, Off the Bench: LSU 31-27. The key to winning this game is Garrett Nussmeier. The single biggest advantage that LSU has in this game is that your quarterback is MUCH better than theirs is. In order for LSU to be able to exploit this advantage Emory Jones and Will Campbell are going to have to be at their best against the elite pass rushing duo of Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart. Two players that are currently first and third in the SEC in sacks. Finally, LSU’s defense has to do enough. Can a weak LSU defensive line create havoc against a weak South Carolina line. If this happens, LSU will win.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: Key to the game will be LSU’s ability to stop the run on defense. South Carolina has 2-3 guys that can run from the QB position, which the Tigers struggled with against Nicholls State. Pair the dual-threat QBs with Raheim Sanders and the LSU defense could be in trouble if they don’t tighten up. LSU also has to show the ability to run the football. Weather could be a factor on Saturday and the running game could very well decide the game.
Alondra Villareal, Audio Producer, Off the Bench: LSU 31, USC, 14 – LSU needs a big game here to prove to themselves and the fans that they can be successful this season. LSU’s passing game will be better than USC’s and I think that LSU can hold South Carolina to 14.
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: 28-21 LSU. South Carolina isn’t as good as they looked against Kentucky, or as bad as they looked against Old Dominion.
Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: South Carolina’s best punch is in the pass rush. I think Will Campbell and Emery Jones neutralize that to an extent. LSU will use numbers to try to slow down the USC running game, and I don’t think Sellers can win through the air. LSU is flawed, but South Carolina isn’t equipped to expose those flaws. LSU 33-24.
Jacob Beck, Audio Producer, The Hunt Palmer Show: LSU 31 S. Carolina 24. South Carolina is going to be running on pure adrenaline coming into this game, and I wouldn’t be shocked if they’re leading at the half. But LSU’s passing attack will overcome a still struggling run game, and the defense makes just enough stops.
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: I’ve had the misfortune of watching both of South Carolina’s games this season. Their offense is putrid. I literally don’t have anything nice to say. If the Gamecocks run up and down the field against LSU, I will dramatically adjust my expectations for this team. LSU 31-13
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: LSU 30, South Carolina 24. I think the crowd rolls in slowly for the noon kickoff as many will still be watching for Lee Corso’s headgear pick on College Gameday. LSU will take advantage and look for a quick start. Garrett Nussmeier lit it up against Nicholls and should continue to impress through the air, but the Tigers still need to find their groove in the ground game. South Carolina has been better than expected but the LSU defense should dominate if they can slow down the Gamecocks running game.
Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: LSU 31 South Carolina 23. Ultimately, I think LSU wins out on the offensive line against South Carolina’s pass rush. If Garrett Nussmeier has time to deliver the ball, he will find open receivers and the Tigers offense will score. I do look for South Carolina to force LSU into a few more runs, but if the weather holds up enough the passing game carries the day. On defense all eyes will be on Harold Perkins, even with the holes at defensive tackle. I’m hopeful Blake Baker and Brian Kelly turn him loose more on Saturday. Especially against an offense that has allowed eight sacks and 23 TFLs in two games this season.
