The LSU Tigers and Florida State Seminoles meet Sunday in week 1 college football action at Camping World Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
LSU Tigers Betting Preview
LSU is coming off a 10-win season and has won double-digit games in 3 of the last 5 years. Coach Brian Kelly enters his second year, and he brings his coordinators back for another season as well. Jayden Daniels returns at quarterback after throwing for 2,900 yards and 17 touchdowns while completing 68.6 percent of his passes. Daniels also led LSU in rushing yards, but Josh Williams also returns after averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Malik Nabers and Mason Taylor are a returning receiving duo that combined for 1,400 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Greg Penn III returns after 77 tackles, Harold Perkins Jr. led LSU with 7.5 sacks and Mekhi Wingo had 4 pass deflections. LSU has stability at head coach and more than enough returning production to where expectations should be fairly high. LSU currently has the third-best odds to win the SEC and is top-5 in odds to win the national title at most books. Unfortunately, LSU will be without star defensive back Maason Smith for this game after a suspension due to receiving improper benefits.
LSU Tigers Team Facts
- LSU has won each of its last 11 games as a favorite against top-10 AP-ranked teams.
- LSU has covered the spread in each of its last four games as a favorite against top-10 AP-ranked teams.
- LSU has won the first quarter in eight of its last nine games against non-conference opponents.
- LSU has won the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents.
- Seven of LSU’s last eight games have gone OVER the total points line.
Florida State Seminoles Betting Preview
Florida State also won 10 games last year and has a chance at back to back double-digit winning seasons for the first time since 2015-16. Coach Mike Norvell enters his fourth season, and he has the same coordinators as last year. Jordan Travis returns at quarterback after throwing for 3,200 yards and 24 touchdowns on 64 percent completions. Trey Benson is back at running back after nearly rushing for 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns, while receiver Johnny Wilson returns after leading FSU with 897 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, Tatum Bethune returns after 84 tackles last year, Jared Verse had 9 sacks and Greedy Vance Jr. had 3 interceptions. Florida State is stacked with talent on both sides of the ball, and that includes Travis at quarterback, who is a legit Heisman candidate. FSU is the one team that can give Clemson a run in the ACC this season, and the Noles are in the top-10 in terms of odds to win the national title. This is probably the most hyped up Florida State season since Jameis Winston was carving things up at quarterback.
Florida State Seminoles Team Facts
- Florida State has won each of its last six games.
- Florida State has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six season openers.
- Six of Florida State’s last seven games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Florida State ranked 3rd among FBS teams for Q1 points per game last season (10.9).
- Florida State ranked 12th among FBS teams for H1 points per game last season (20.2).
- LSU was one of only five FBS teams to win 4+ games when trailing after Q1 last season.
- LSU ranked T10th among FBS teams for Q3 win percentage last season (.643).
Randy’s Pick
You can make a case for either side here, as these are two national title contenders. However, it’s kind of surprising FSU is the underdog in this spot. I’d argue Florida State is the more talented team, it should have the home crowd edge with this game in Orlando, and not having Maason Smith is a big blow to LSU. This is as stacked as FSU has been in quite some time, and this is kind of a must win if the Seminoles hope to stay in the title picture. There’s not as many chances to come back from a loss in the ACC as there is in the SEC. I’ll grab the points with Florida State in what has a chance to be the best game of week 1.
