Florida Gators vs. LSU Tigers Preview and Prediction

They don’t come much bigger than the SEC clash that sees the Florida Gators head to Baton Rouge to face the LSU Tigers in the battle of the unbeatens. Both of these teams have their eye on a playoff spot, but this one could well serve as an elimination game.  LSU comes into this one as a -13.5 favorite.  Our friends at OddsandNews.com have their free pick and preview on this matchup.  Open an anonymous betting account at Jazz Sports here with just a valid email (name and text number gets you bigger signup bonuses)

The Gators are coming off a huge win last week, taking down the Auburn Tigers 24-13, although that one came at home. They are going to need to head into hostile territory this week with a backup QB under center. Kyle Trask has done all that has been asked of him this season, but will he be able to remain composed in what is sure to be a wild crowd?

The Auburn loss last week means that the LSU Tigers now look like the team most likely to upset the apple cart in the SEC West. Yes, they still have Alabama to overcome, but a win here could give them the boost that they need to make a run at the division title and a spot in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta. According to AZZ Sports, LSU Tigers are 13½-point favorite in this critical clash.

Odds Analysis

To Win The SEC

Florida 50/1 pays $5000 for every $100 bet

LSU 8/1 pays $800 for every $100 bet

As good as the defense is for the Gators, you still need to score points to win football games. Kyle Trask has looked cool and confident since taking over from the injured Feleipe Franks. He has gone 70-97 for 881 yards and 7 TD tosses, while also throwing just 2 picks. This LSU defense is going to come after him in a big way this weekend, so will we see mistakes start to show up?

Both of these teams have been great at defending the run, but the Tigers have been a little better, allowing just 81 YPG on the ground. The Gators will be looking for a big game from Lamical Perine, who has 327 yards and 4 TD runs on 69 carries this season. Extending drives will be the key to silencing the home crowd.

Tigers QB Joe Burrow has been nothing short of brilliant and is already hearing his name mentioned in Heisman circles. Burrow is 127-162 for 1,864 yards and a staggering 22 TD on the season. He also only has 2 picks.

LSU is suspect when it comes to their passing game. That, though, may be because teams are being forced into chucking the ball against them because of how good LSU has been against the run. The Tigers are giving up an average of 416 YPG through the air and will need to tighten up against the Gators.

OddsandNews.com says the LSU Tigers have been an offensive juggernaut to start the year, but they are up against the 5th best defense in the country here.  LSU will likely win but the Florida Gators should be able to cover the 13 ½ point spread.

- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com