LSU vs South Carolina Week 3 Preview
Let's get into it!
Spread: LSU -7
O/U: 50
For the 1st time since September 27, 2014. College Gameday is returning to Columbia, SC. LSU leads the all time series 19-2-1. The 1st meeting between these teams was back in 1930, with South Carolina winning a 7-6 battle.
South Carolina (RV/RV) is 2-0 with wins against Old Dominion and a dominating road victory over Kentucky. This South Carolina offense is led by Raheim "Rocket" Sanders. Sound familiar, Tiger fans? Sanders spent his 3 seasons at Arkansas before transferring to South Carolina this season. Sanders is extremely experienced, currently 10th in the SEC in rushing yards, and he was named Preseason 2nd Team All-SEC. Under center, the Gamecocks have a bit of a two-headed monster. LaNorris Sanders will likely be the "starter," with Robby Ashford spelling him at times. LaNorris and Robby can scoot, but you have to respect their arms as well. Mazeo Bennet Jr. is a true freshman who appears to be the real deal on the outside. This defense is led by a 4-headed monster upfront. At defensive tackle, TJ Sanders and Tonka Hemingway are problems up the middle. Off the edge, Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard are among the leaders in sacks in the SEC. At linebacker, Debo Williams (Preseason 2nd Team All-SEC) is a ball hawk. In the defensive backfield, Nick Emmanwori (Preseason 3rd Team All-SEC) is all over the field, and Jalon Kilgore is off to a great start this season. On special teams, punter Kai Kroeger can pin you at any time, and kicker Alex Herrera is as steady as they come. This South Carolina team will be playing fired up in this one.
LSU (#16/#17) is 1-1 with mixed reviews so far this season. LSU has shown a lot of good, some bad, and some ugly. LSU has to keep Kyren Lacy involved in the game plan. He is clearly your most electric playmaker on his offense. Keep creating opportunities for him, and good things will happen. Garrett Nussmeier is off to a great start, but you cannot leave it all up to his arm. With your best run defender hurt, Jacobian Guillory (out for the season), who steps up in his absence? Look for Ahmad Breaux and Dylan Carpenter to play a lot in this one. Zy Alexander's return is huge for this defense. His veteran presence alone will help this team out. Zy is a playmaker.
KEYS TO THE GAME
- STRENGTH ON STRENGTH - Can this Tiger offensive line handle this South Carolina defensive line? This matchup will be fun to watch.
- ARE YOU READY?! - Williams-Brice Stadium is already a hectic environment for visiting teams, but with College Gameday being there. This stadium will be loud. Is this team ready for that challenge?
- ...RUN - Can this LSU offense get SOMETHING, ANYTHING going on the ground in this one? This South Carolina defense is a high flying unit, you have to make them respect the ground game.
Fun Fact: College Gameday Appearance records: South Carolina 3-6 & LSU 21-12
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