The Florida Gators and LSU Tigers equally come with statement victories into this Saturdays game.
LSU beat the Longhorns and went to Texas. The Gators stifled then-No. 7 Auburn in the Swamp last weekend. But during this weeks matchup at Death Valley, the two teams seem to take a spot in the race over .
The defense of florida leads the way for them. Theyve given that the 8th-fewest offensive touchdowns (5), and have not given up a stage from the 4th quarter since their opener. They flustered Auburn QB Bo Nix into creating several bad decisions since he went 11 with three INTs.
However, Joe Burrow is not Nix. Hes a seasoned quarterback, and it has led LSU to the best offensive launching in SEC history. Theyve averaged 54.6 points-per-game, the most in college football. This includes the 45 they dropped on the road on Texas.
With the roar of Death Valley the Gators come in as underdogs around BetNow. Would the No. 5 defense keep this near and cover the spread? Or will Burrow and also the No. 2 passing offense keep rolling and win the wager? Here is the breakdown.
There is very little doubt in Burrows skill . He has transformed into a Heisman candidate, acquiring a immaculate 22/3 TD/INT ratio and 11.5 yards-per-attempt (3rd at the FBS).
Hes also working with a few of the receiving groups in the nation. The trio of JaMarr Chase, Justin Jefferson, along with Terrace Marshall Jr. have combined for 19 touchdowns and 73 receptions, with averages over 15 YPC for three.
Jefferson has good length using his 63 frame, and it has mastered in some big games. Chase is a physical presence on the other side. Marshall Jr. will sit out until November with a foot injury, but Derrick Dillon is a seasoned target that will fill the area. It is all part of a passing game that has Burrow at a 78.4% completion percentage.
They will face by far the toughest DB unit they have played with throughout the year. Northwestern State is an FCS team, but here would be the yards-per-attempt given up by the other competitions of LSU: Utah State 103rd, Texas 124th, Vanderbilt 128th, and Georgia Southern 111th.
Florida now sits in 33rd, even though its safe to say they have yet to perform a QB of all the standard of Burrow. They have played with two FCS QBs, a true freshman (Nix), a redshirt freshman making his first start (Jarren Williams, Miami), and Still, C.J. Henderson has been preseason All-American whos living up to his own billing. Shawn Davis creates a bunch of havoc in the secondary (111 metres on 3 INTs). Marco Wilson is a bit on uneven so far at the other corner spot, but still has a large ceiling.
Burrow will face a ominous pass-rush, which will be healthy for the first time because their 10 sacks versus Miami on the opening week. Jabari Zuniga, considered to function as very best is coming back from injury. With him on both side along with Jonathan Greenard (4.0 sacks/6.5 TKFL) about the flip side, LSUs 63rd-ranked sofa rate on their o-line will be tested.
Ever since Kyle Trask replaced Feleipe Franks (ankle injury) since Floridas quarterback, the Gators have outscored opponents 115-16.
While his consciousness need to enhance from the pocket, he has to get flustered with an opposing lineup. Auburns according ranks 11th in defensive line yards, and is the finest in the country to Football Outsiders.
LSU is ranked 31st in LY and is 85th in sack rate. Theyll rely on blitzing LBs to assist throw Trask. Even the Florida QB is certain in the pocket but is not mobile out of it. He also sprained a knee and wore a leg brace when he reentered the match.
Together with all the LBs All-American security Grant Delpit needs to develop big in coverage. He likely will face off against a matchup nightmare in Florida TE Kyle Pitts (25 receptions). Neutralizing Pitts (65-240pounds, 4.6 40-yard dash) is critical to LSUs success on D.
LSU–like Floridas secondary–is frequently regarded as DBU for the talent they have on the perimeter of their own defense. Derek Stingley Jr. is continuing this heritage with performances which should land him on the All-Freshman team, if not longer, in 2019.
On the other side of him would probably be out of returning FBS corners Kristian Fulton, who permitted the least amount of first downs. It will be a force if given a chance against a driven Trask Although this group is in passing yards allowed per-game 69th.
Balance will be crucial as for Florida, that hasnt got their running game going however this season. Lamical Perine broke a tackle at the point on his way into a 88-yard TD run last weekend. In spite of that, the Florida o-line rankings 113th based on yards and is currently going up against the No. 1 d-line concerning power success (short-yardage scenarios ).
While the LSU front may not be powerful. However, Florida only compiles 3.66 YPA on the floor, and that is like Perines long run and a 76-yard receiver sweep which closed from the Kentucky match.
It puts ways strain on Trask in a hostile environment if they dont buy Dameon or even Perine Pierce going frequently.
Florida has earned respect after week from the college football world. And while I do not expect them to come out from Death Valley with a win against LSU, I do see this game staying many.
LSUs offense made unbelievable strides, also Burrow is one of the more smart QBs from the FBS. But LSU is not going to install 45 or something close to that against a defense who is proven at all three levels. Their pass-rush has completely developed with Greenard wreaking chaos.
The Gators defense will probably wear out over time, as the staff has relied on them. Marco Wilson is going to be the topic against Jefferson or the Chase to a PIs.
However, I dont anticipate this. Keeping the match in a lot of a slog until then makes Florida the appropriate bet on Saturday.
Prediction: LSU (30) — Florida (20)
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