Can LSU still aim for a significant achievement after back-to-back losses? The team crumbled against Texas A&M and was overwhelmed at home by Alabama. Despite these setbacks, the victory over Ole Miss keeps hope alive. At 6-3, a College Football Playoff at-large bid is almost impossible. However, if LSU wins this matchup, followed by victories over Vanderbilt and Oklahoma, they could still reach the SEC Championship with a lot of luck. Florida’s head coach, Billy Napier, recently received a show of support, only for his team to suffer a 49-17 blowout against Texas. Still, if the Gators win here and defeat a weak Florida State team, next week’s game against Ole Miss could become a bowl eligibility decider.
LSU vs Florida: Viewing Information and Game Overview Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 3:30 pm ET
Broadcast: ABC
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL
Records: Florida (4-5), LSU (6-3)
CFN Projections: ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | IND | Other Conferences
Why LSU Could Win Florida’s passing game has been ineffective lately, completing less than half its passes in the last three games, aside from a few standout plays against Kentucky. Turnovers are a major issue, with eight giveaways over the past four games.
Additionally, Florida’s pass defense has struggled. It failed against Georgia’s Carson Beck and allowed Quinn Ewers to throw five touchdowns in Texas’ 49-17 win. LSU, despite its own challenges, averages 322 passing yards per game and could exploit these weaknesses.
Why Florida Could Win Is QB DJ Lagway returning? Though not highly accurate, Lagway is a deep-threat playmaker and has been practicing after missing the Texas game due to injury. His return would be significant.
LSU’s defense has been poor recently. Texas A&M, led by QB Marcel Reed, rushed for 242 yards and five touchdowns against them, while Alabama accumulated over 300 yards rushing and six scores last week. Florida, whether Lagway plays or not, can run effectively. The Gators are 4-2 when averaging over 3.5 yards per carry but 0-3 when under that mark.
LSU vs Florida: Predicted Outcome The loss to Texas was an outlier due to Lagway’s absence, as the team fell behind early. Florida has been competitive against Georgia and Texas, and convincingly beat Kentucky. Their five losses have come against strong teams—Miami, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas—who are all bowl-bound. Florida is 0-5 against bowl-eligible teams but 4-0 against those that aren’t.
LSU will also make a bowl game. The Tigers may struggle with Florida’s rushing attack, but the Gators’ offense won’t maintain consistency in a close fourth quarter. LSU will pull ahead late for the win.