This Saturday night in Baton Rouge two SEC foes continue their rivalry as No. 8 Florida takes on No. 6 LSU. Both teams enter the contest undefeated and ranked in the top ten.
LSU is coming off a win against South Carolina while Florida defeated Missouri last Saturday. The Gators received devastating news this week as the NCAA levied a year-long suspension against starting quarterback Will Grier. Treon Harris will start at quarterback in his place.
For LSU, it has been the Leonard Fournette show. Fournette has already rushed for over 1,000 yards on the season. With a combination of Fournette and defense, the Tigers have been successful early in the season. He will face his toughest test yet with the Gators defense coming to town.
According to OddsShark, LSU is favored by 9.5 points. The line has already jumped a couple points from earlier in the week likely due to the suspension of Grier. The Gators are 5-1 against the spread this season while the Tigers are 1-4.
The over/under is set at 46. The total has gone under is seven of the last ten games between Florida and LSU at Baton Rouge.
The OddsShark computer projects LSU to win 23.4 to 17.2. The computer likes the Gators to cover and under on the point total.
A key matchup to watch is the Gators defense against the Tigers running game. While Fournette has garnered a lot of attention, LSU has a stable of three running backs that can do damage. The Gators were pushed forward in part by the productive play of Grier but a majority of their success is due to their defense.
They have a stout front seven and one of the best secondaries in the country led by Vernon Hargreaves. The Gators are going to try to contain Fournette and also control the ball on offense. Expect LSU to win the game but not without Florida putting up a fight.
Heavy’s Pick: LSU 21, Florida 13. Florida +9.5. Under on the point total.
