Four predictions ahead of LSU football vs. Florida matchup

Saturday has finally arrived! In true game day fashion, it’s time to start gathering thoughts on the 2023 week 11 matchup of LSU football vs. Florida. Here are four predictions, including a final score heading into this evening’s matchup.

Four predictions ahead of LSU football vs. Florida:

Three wide receivers eclipse 100 yards

When thinking about LSU football vs. Florida, it’s natural to immediately think about running backs and a more ground-and-pound style of play. While that generally may be the case, don’t expect it today.

When looking at either defense, one particular position group stands out above all others: defensive tackle. Whether Cam Jackson and Tyreak Sapp for the Gators or Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson for the Tigers, these teams excel at stopping the run.

In turn, we could see quite a few fireworks through the air this evening. More specifically, we could see some big-time wide receiver performances from both teams.

Jayden Daniels ➡️ Brian Thomas Jr.

LSU is used to this 😤 pic.twitter.com/ErIXN7Ok90

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 7, 2023

It could be LSU receivers, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr or Kyren Lacy. It could even be Florida receivers Ricky Pearsall or Eugene Wilson III. No matter who goes off for a big performance, expect to see at least three pass-catchers go for at least 100 yards.

Damian Ramos won’t attempt a field goal

Through 2023, LSU football kicker Damian Ramos averages 1.22 field goals per game. Notably, he’s efficient when given the opportunity, having completed 78.6 percent of his attempts, good enough for No. 51 nationally.

However, don’t expect to see too much of the sophomore kicker today. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is likely set to return to the field, and Florida isn’t exactly known for its ability to stop teams in the red zone.

Through nine games, the Gators are allowing opposing offenses to score on 88.5 percent of trips to the endzone. That’s No. 102 nationally and could mean disaster for coach Billy Napier and his team.

I expect the LSU football offense to dominate near the end zone, allowing kicker Damian Ramos to take week 11 off.

Graham Mertz throws his first interception since September

Quarterback Graham Mertz has been about as efficient as anyone could hope over the last two months of 2023. Since the start of October, the first-year Florida QB has thrown the ball for 1,189 yards and 11 touchdowns with no interceptions.

Threading the Needle 🪡

2019 All-American Graham Mertz (@GrahamMertz5) is feeling it today. #GoGators 🐊#AllAmericanBowl 🇺🇸

pic.twitter.com/X7ZeOInkGI

— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) November 4, 2023

However, we could see that streak come to an end today.

The LSU football secondary is inexperienced, but they’re athletic and more than capable of making a play when the ball comes their way.

Notably, both Tiger safeties have experience and could cause Mertz trouble if given the opportunity.

Final score prediction

At this point, we know what to expect with an LSU football game in 2023. The general theme is lots of offense with minimal defense, and it would be shocking if this turned out not to be the case today.

Florida doesn’t necessarily have the most intimidating offense, but that hasn’t stopped teams from scoring on the Tigers in the past. This will be a high-scoring matchup, but slightly closer than most anticipate.

Florida is a good team with plenty of playmakers on both sides of the ball. I think the overall talent level and coaching ability of Brian Kelly will be too much for the Gators to handle. The Tigers will come out of today’s week 11 matchup on top with a final score of 42-31.

Thank you for reading LSU Glory. For more LSU Glory content, covering all things LSU athletics, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at lsuglory.fr@gmail.com or direct message us on our Twitter account. It is thanks to your support that we can continue to grow into one of the fastest-growing and most influential LSU media outlets there is.