LSU football vs. Florida State is one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2023 college football season. As week one is officially upon us, the wait is about over. The Tigers will face off against the Seminoles in a matter of hours in Orlando at 6:30 p.m. CST. In preparation, here are four predictions we believe could happen in the matchup.
Four predictions for LSU football vs. Florida State
1. Revenge game
For the most part, 2022 was an incredibly successful year for junior wide receiver Malik Nabers. He totaled 72 receptions for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns, helping lead the Tigers to a 10-4 overall record. However, in the 2022 edition of LSU football vs. Florida State, he didn’t find nearly the success he might have wanted.
While he was able to record five receptions for 42 yards, that’s not the part of his game fans remembered. He fumbled twice – losing both – giving the Florida State offense short fields to work with both times.
Looking ahead to today’s matchup, I expect him to be a man on a mission. In fact, don’t be surprised if he ends up receiving the first LSU football touchdown of the day. Malik Nabers could be in store for a monster day en route to making amends for last season’s mistakes.
2. Multiple freshman tight ends receive meaningful snaps
One of the biggest faults of last season’s LSU football offense was the lack of depth at tight end. However, this is a new year and a very new position group.
The Tigers picked up four new additions to the room, including three true freshmen. Finally, sophomore Mason Taylor will have the luxury of some time on the sideline – not that he necessarily needs it.
All three LSU freshman tight ends bring something unique to the team, which could lead to playing time for all of them down the road. However, it wouldn’t surprise to see that begin today in week one of 2023 – we somewhat expect it. Ka’Morreun Pimpton and Mac Markway have received praise all offseason, and the best part about the duo is that they do very different things for the offense.
Pimpton is a downfield threat, and Markway is an excellent blocker. We might even see some of Jackson McGohan, but it’s a safe bet that we could see quite a bit of at least two of the true freshmen.
3. Relatively unknown secondary shines
Few position groups on the LSU football roster have received more questioning in 2023 than the defensive backs. It’s been for good reason, too, as there is plenty of unknown. However, this could end up being the downfall of Florida State’s offense if they aren’t careful.
With how much we don’t know in terms of who will start, who will play and who will shine, we could see the Seminoles immediately go after the group. After all, they have one of the best wide receiver rooms in the college football and can afford to take a chance or two.
The reason this could go in the LSU football defense’s favor, though, is because they have some outstanding, underrated talent on roster. The veteran safety duo of Major Burns and Greg Brooks Jr. are back and should have no issues getting back into the swing of things. Additionally, transfer cornerback additions Duce Chestnut and Zy Alexander are excellent pickups.
They’ll get tested early on, and as long as they’re ready for it, don’t be surprised to see them try to make a play on the ball a time or two. Zy Alexander and Duce Chestnut have a history of making college football quarterbacks pay. Today, we could see them do it for the first time in purple and gold in 2023.
4. Final score prediction
Ultimately, this week one matchup should be an incredibly close one the whole way through. However, as opposed to last season, offense could be the star of the show. We expect plenty of big plays as both offenses look to make an early statement. Because of this, the 2023 edition will be decided by whichever team plays the best defense.
The legendary college football phrase “defense wins championships” should stand tall today, which could be why LSU football comes out on top. While relatively unknown outside of Baton Rouge, the Tiger defense has plenty of elite experience throughout the field. Furthermore, with defensive tackle Maason Smith being suspended for the opening game, we could see Brian Kelly’s squad with a fire that we simply haven’t seen in his time here.
There could be plenty of fireworks early on, but as the defenses begin to settle, that could be when LSU takes over. It’ll be close the whole way through, but we predict the Tigers will come out on top in week one with a final score of 38-34.
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