The Florida Gators are set to clash with No.19 LSU inside Tiger Stadium in week 11 of the 2023 college football season. The Gators are 12-9 on the road vs. LSU across the last 21 meetings dating back to 1981 despite being 2-7 since 2005. Whoever wins this matchup gains the edge in the all-time series, as it is currently tied at 33-33-3.
Gator Country previews this week 11 matchup by providing a Q&A with LSU expert Zack Nagy, a publisher at LSU Country. You can find more of his work on Twitter (X) @Znagy20.
Q. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the 2023 LSU Tigers?
A. When it comes to the Tigers this season, their strengths and weaknesses are cut and dry. Offensively, they’ve flown up the rankings to the No. 1 unit in America led by Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers. The passing game has taken off with the one-two punch of Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. From a weakness perspective, it’s the defense, specifically the secondary. LSU will roll with a trio of true freshman in the secondary on Saturday night in Jeremiah Hughes, Javien Toviano and Ashton Stamps. The “experienced veteran” in the room is Sage Ryan, who’s been utilized as a Swiss Army Knife in the secondary. With all four transfer corners out, they’ll rely on the youngsters to carry the weight in the defensive backfield.
Q. Florida is preparing for two quarterbacks in Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier as Daniels is questionable to play. Can you compare the two quarterbacks? How does LSU’s offense change with Nussmeier under center?
A. Garrett Nussmeier handled QB1 reps during Tuesday’s practice with Jayden Daniels working through non-contact work on Wednesday. When comparing the two, Daniels has the ability to use his dynamic approach better than Nussmeier. A player who can open the field with his legs and break off a 20+ yard run with his wheels, it’s what makes him so challenging to game plan for. When it comes to Nussmeier, he isn’t afraid to take shots. He’s proven he’ll launch the deep ball at any given time.
Q. How would you evaluate LSU’s defense this season? What are the keys for LSU’s defense against the Gators? Give us a few players to look out for on that side of the ball.
A. LSU’s defense has been abysmal this season. With no true weapon in the secondary, it’s been a work in progress with LSU attempting to limit the passing attack of others. The keys to the game defensively will be limiting the one-two punch of Montrell Johnson and Trevor Etienne. LSU will be without stud defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo up front, meaning others will have to step up in order to limit the rushing attack. Yes, the pass defense has been a struggle, but limiting the Gators run game will be key. Keep tabs on Jordan Jefferson and Bradyn Swinson up front to step in and fill Wingo’s role up front. In the secondary, watch out for Andre Sam and Sage Ryan, two players who must step up on Saturday or it’ll be a difficult night for the defense.
Q. How do you expect LSU to respond after losing their third game of the season in a hard-fought game against Alabama, essentially eliminating themselves from the college football playoff?
A. I expect Brian Kelly to have his team well coached and prepared for Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. The Bayou Bengals continue taking small steps in the right direction defensively, and despite suffering three losses, each game still matters for this group. All three losses have come on the road against challenging foes, and now returning to Death Valley, it’ll be key this program earns a victory in a winnable game.
Q. LSU is 13.5-point favorites against Florida. How do you expect this game to go? Give us a score prediction.
A. 3.5 points is a significant margin in college football, and with Jayden Daniels’ status up in the air, it alters my decision on how the final score will end up. If Daniels plays, I expect the LSU offense to handle business against a Florida defense that has struggled this season. Score Prediction: LSU 41, Florida 24