Two once-great programs will square off in Week 1 as Florida State travels to New Orleans to take on LSU. This game will be played at the Caesars Superdome – home of the Saints – which is a fitting location for both squads. Despite their recent struggles, both teams still have plenty of NFL-caliber talent on both sides of the ball.
Florida State is coming off a 47-7 drubbing of Duquesne in Week 0, while LSU will be playing their first game under new head coach Brian Kelly. Who has the edge in this matchup? Let’s dive in.
Florida State vs. LSU Predictions
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Florida State vs. LSU Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | +3 | +135 | O 49.5 (-110) |
| LSU | -3 | -155 | U 49.5 (-110) |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of 3 p.m. ET on Sep. 2
Game Info
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 4
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA)
- TV: ABC
Florida State vs. LSU Trends
- LSU was 6-7 last season (5-6 against the spread)
- Florida State was 5-7 last season (6-5 against the spread)
- LSU was 1-4 against the spread as a favorite last season
- Florida State is 7-7 against the spread as an underdog under head coach Mike Norvell
- The Over is 0-5 in Florida State’s past five games
- Florida State is 7-16-2 against the spread in their last 25 road games
- Florida State is 5-1 against the spread following a win in their past six games
- As of Friday, DraftKings reports that 90% of the spread bets and 93% of the handle are on LSU
- The under has received 47% of the handle on 29% of the bets
How Good Is Florida State’s Rushing Attack?
Florida State’s dominance in Week 0 was primarily due to their rushing attack. They racked up 406 rushing yards vs. Duquesne, and they had three separate players rush for at least 100 yards and a score. The offensive line consistently opened up massive holes, which allowed Florida State to thoroughly control the game.
Running all over Duquesne is one thing, but can they do it against elevated competition like LSU? I wouldn’t expect 400+ yards, but this unit has the potential to be really good.
It starts with head coach Mike Norvell. He made his name at Memphis with an offense that routinely ripped off chunk plays on the ground. He brought that system to Florida State, and they started last year with at least 199 rushing yards in six of seven games.
Jordan Travis takes it himself for the first Seminole score of the season pic.twitter.com/RAEF2zvNu1
— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) August 27, 2022
They dropped off over the second half of the year, but they made a big addition to the offensive line during the offseason. They secured Bless Harris from Lamar, who will join a group of experienced blockers. The offensive line was a weakness last year, but they could be significantly improved in 2022.
If the running game can sustain their production this season, it will make life much easier for Jordan Travis. He ripped apart Duquesne, racking up 207 yards on just 15 attempts. LSU’s secondary has always been a strength, but they’re returning just one starter from last year’s squad. If it takes them some time to gel – and the Florida State offensive line can keep a clean pocket – Travis will have some opportunities to make plays.
Can Brian Kelly Turn Around LSU Immediately?
For Kelly, the pressure to win at LSU starts from day one. There is no grace period. There is no learning curve. That’s what happens when you leave Notre Dame for one of the best programs in the SEC:
Is new LSU head coach Brian Kelly using … a fake southern accent? 🤨pic.twitter.com/iLy9WFBiPH
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 3, 2021
It’s unclear if Kelly’s fake southern accent will be making the trip to New Orleans, but he will have plenty of talent to lean on. Going off 247 Sports composite talent index, LSU has the eighth most talent in all of college football. They have five former five-star prospects and 33 four-star prospects, despite losing 10 players to the NFL last season.
Kelly has yet to announce a starting quarterback – Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier could both see snaps on Sunday – but whoever is under center will get to throw to one of the best receivers in college football. Kayshon Boutte was limited to just six games last season, but he finished with 38 grabs for 509 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s next up for a school that has produced studs like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson over the past few years.
Ultimately, there is more than enough talent for Kelly to be successful right away. It remains to be seen how quickly he can put it all together.
Florida State vs. LSU Predictions
Sharps and squares alike are lining up to bet on the Tigers in Week 1. They’re one of the heaviest bet sides of the week, which should always raise some alarms. After all, the sportsbooks aren’t in the habit of giving away free money.
Still, the balance in talent has me leaning towards LSU in this contest. Florida State is no pushover – they’re 18th in the composite talent index – but everything is there for LSU to be one of the best teams in the country. It’s been a long time since an LSU head coach lost their debut – Nick Saban, Les Miles, and Ed Orgeron all won theirs – and winning the game should be enough to cover the number. The fact that this game will be played in Louisiana certainly doesn’t hurt either.
Pick: LSU -3 | -110 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Looking To Bet The Total?
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