The LSU/Florida rivalry is one forged in the fire of two elite, heavyweight programs battling for SEC supremacy in the mid 2000’s, often with national championship implications. Today, both programs are trying to get back to elite status with first year coaches. Florida’s coach, Billy Napier, was regarded as a good fit for LSU by just about everybody…except LSU. Due to the timing and nature of the coaching hires, Napier and Brian Kelly will be compared to each other until one or both are no longer at their current programs. However, the coaching matchup has no bearing on the magnitude of this game; this is a critical game when it comes to maintaining the belief of the players that this team is headed in the right direction. This is absolutely a game that LSU can win, but it starts with execution.

LSU Offense vs. Florida Defense

Offensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock has been criticized for the lack of production from the offense, and rightfully so at times. The truth is Denbrock can only call the play; he can’t execute it. Veteran linemen are expected to block basic twists from defensive ends and tackles. Veteran quarterbacks should be able to read coverages well enough to know where the ball should go. The good news is Denbrock gets starting tackle Will Campbell back from injury this week. The bad news is some of the issues that plague the offense will continue to hold it back to an extent. Jayden Daniels is a fourth-year player, so I don’t expect him to revolutionize his style of play mid-season. It’s only fair that I give credit where it’s due – Daniels is a talented player that improved last week, so it’s obviously possible for him to keep improving. He’ll have a great opportunity against a subpar Florida defense tomorrow. Frankly, LSU could have Tom Brady at quarterback, but it doesn’t matter if they can’t run the ball. The sudden injuries on the offensive line hurt the Tigers last week, but Denbrock will have to find other ways to establish the running game if the line isn’t effective in their usual zone blocking scheme. Not many LSU fans will want to hear this, but the Gators are shockingly bad at containing scrambling quarterbacks. Like it or not, it’s smart for Daniels to continue to use his legs as long as it’s not at the expense of passing up open receivers. Home field advantage can help defenses play better than their talent would suggest, so the Gators get the edge in this matchup.

LSU Defense vs. Florida Offense

Florida’s Anthony Richardson is a physical freak at quarterback. Richardson is also the same guy that threw for 66 yards against Missouri. In four games against Power 5 competition, Richardson has thrown for over 170 yards once. The Tigers will face a drastically different offense than they faced last week. The most disappointing aspect of the Tennessee game was the ease with which they ran the ball, and much of that came down to tackling. LSU will have to tackle well against Richardson and the explosive Florida backs. Billy Napier snagged freshman running back Trevor Etienne out of Jennings, LA in his first recruiting class at Florida, and he has paid immediate dividends. Florida does not have the talent on the outside that they typically have, so they’ll lean on running the ball. They also like to throw short passes and screens to get yardage after the catch. Richardson’s boom or bust potential makes this a tough call, but LSU has the edge on paper.

LSU has beaten Florida the past two years as heavy underdogs. If there is anything I’ve learned about this rivalry, it’s to expect the unexpected. LSU is not as bad as the score indicated against Tennessee, but they’re still finding their way. Brian Kelly warned the fan base a few weeks ago that there would be more highs and lows to come. Unfortunately, I see this as another “low” for LSU, falling 23-21. LSU has the more talented team, but the home team has the more talented offensive line. I believe in Brian Kelly in the long run, and the outcome of the game won’t decide which school hired the better coach. There are simply growing pains in transitional years. Hopefully, I’m wrong because it’s still Geaux Tigers!!