Predictions: No. 18 LSU vs. Florida in Key SEC Showdown
No. 18 LSU returns to Baton Rouge for an SEC showdown against Billy Napier and the Florida Gators on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.
For Brian Kelly's program, starting quarterback Jayden Daniels is probable for the contest after working through concussion protocols this week.
Daniels took a brutal hit last weekend against Alabama, knocking him out of the contest, but looks poised to play on Saturday in Death Valley.
Here's what Kelly and Napier said of the contest on Saturday, Gators to keep tabs on, best bets for the showdown and a score prediction for Week 11:
What Brian Kelly Said of the Florida Gators:
On The Task At Hand... “We need to move on, which we have. We’ll turn the page and get ready for Florida,” Kelly said on Monday. “Great rivalry game and an opportunity to play at Tiger Stadium. Winning a football game in the SEC is very difficult to come by. This is a game that has always been closely fought. This will be another great game in Tiger Stadium. Florida’s Tennessee win is a great win. The offensive production by Graham Mertz this year is outstanding. The running game is as good as there is in the SEC. The freshmen wide receivers are outstanding."
On Florida's Offense... “This is a really good offense. They’re playing a lot of young guys on defense. They are athletic and can run to the football. They’re looking to build on some really good performances they’ve had. This will be a great matchup.”
What Billy Napier Said of the Tigers:
Experience in Tiger Stadium... "I played there a handful of times and it’s awesome. That’s one of the things about this place and this league, you get to go play in some of the iconic places, places you dreamed of competing in. You grew up your entire life watching games on TV in those venues and to go get a chance to go do it is pretty special.”
LSU's Wide Receiver Tandem... “I think it’s more than just those two. I think the other players - [Kyren] Lacy’s a good player, obviously the tight end [Mason Taylor]. The backs are big and heavy and tough to tackle. Then the quarterback not only is a great passer, but the ability to escape, extend and then the read game. I think if you go look at the stats here this is a pretty accomplished group. The two receivers are lights out, but Lacy, the tight end, the backs, and how many rushing yards does Jayden have? No other quarterback has contributed that many rushing yards to the team. Not to mention, how many times has he been sacked? There’s a benefit to having an athlete at the position and this guy he’s pretty special.”
Florida Players to Know:
Graham Mertz: Quarterback
There were concerns surrounding Mertz upon his arrival to Gainesville and the type of player he could be in Napier's offense.
Now, as the backend of the schedule takes shape, the first-year Gator is quietly putting together a solid season. He's up to 2,409 passing yards and 17 passing touchdowns with 50 carries and three rushing touchdowns for the Gators offense.
A player who can make plays with his legs at times, Mertz can give the Tigers’ defense trouble in short yardage situations, especially without Mekhi Wingo up front for the defensive line.
With the Bayou Bengals heading into Saturday night without Wingo and several cornerbacks, Mertz will be a player to keep tabs on if he can exploit the defense.
Ricky Pearsall: Wide Receiver
The flashy, electrifying wideout has been a deep threat for the Gators all season long with an opportunity to tear up the LSU secondary on Saturday night.
Pearsall has been the engine for this receiving corps. Yes, Eugene Wilson and Co. have carried major weight, but Pearsall has been an impressive veteran for this program.
Now, heading into a showdown in Death Valley, Pearsall will be a player the Tigers have circled. He'll likely go up against either Sage Ryan or Javien Toviano, two inexperienced cornerbacks, with Napier's staff looking to exploit the defensive backs.
When asked about about the Florida offense on Wednesday's SEC Teleconference, Brian Kelly specifically detailed the importance of Pearsall:
"The running game is as good as there is in the SEC. This is a really good offense. Built on the running game, play action, and a big play guy in (WR Ricky) Pearsall."
Princely Umanmielen: Defensive End
Umanmielen has been a key contributor on defense this season for the Gators. The defense has performed poorly this year in Gainesville, but with a few bright spots, Umanmielen is one of them.
The junior defensive end had a career-high nine tackles and six solo tackles against Georgia with 1.5 tackles-for-loss and two quarterback hurries. A guy who can shine in the big-time games, Saturday will be key for the veteran.
The LSU offensive line has been nearly flawless through the first nine games of the season, and looking ahead to this weekend, they'll need to carry that success.
Umanmielen has 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for losses and 12 quarterback hurries on the year with this o-line needing to keep tabs on him on each snap.
Best Bets? Our DraftKings Sportsbook analysts have you covered:
The spread for the LSU vs. Florida matchup has the Bayou Bengals currently listed as 15-point favorites at -108 odds. That means the bet would be a winner if LSU wins by 16 points or more. If LSU can deliver on that bet, a $110 wager would return roughly $100 in profit.
If you want to focus on just the money line, LSU is listed as -800 to win. Florida is listed as +550 to win, so if you wager on their money line and they pull off the upset, it's a significant payday.
The game total for LSU vs. Florida is set at 67 with -110 odds on both the over and the under. Whichever side you want to back, you’ll win $10 for every $11 staked if your bet is successful.
To bet on any of these markets now, click here to join DraftKings Sportsbook, and you’ll receive $200 worth of free bets just for placing a $5 bet on any of these LSU vs. Florida odds.
Claim this $200 DraftKings sign-up bonus and you can also get a same game parlay every day this season. And all you need to do is place a $5 bet on any available sports market, including this LSU vs. Florida contest.
Score Prediction for Week 11: LSU 42, Florida 28
More Content on LSU vs. Florida:
Jayden Daniels' Status Revealed for Florida Matchup
Everything Florida's Billy Napier Said Ahead of LSU Matchup
