LSU will begin a new era with first-year coach Brian Kelly at the helm. They will head east on I-10 to take on Florida State in New Orleans in the Allstate Louisiana Kickoff. The Tigers are looking to bounce back after finishing the 2021 season 6-7 and parting ways with Ed Orgeron. Brian Kelly was able to bring in transfers to fill in some holes and they will get their first test in the ‘Big Easy’ on Sunday night in the Caesar’s Superdome.
Florida State vs. LSU Game Information:
Current Records: Florida State (1-0) vs. LSU (0-0)
Date/Time: September 4th @ 7 p.m. CT
Where: Caesar’s Superdome; New Orleans, LA
Where to Watch: ABC (Commentators: Play-by-Play Joe Tessitore, Analyst Greg McElroy, Reporter Katie George
Spread: LSU (-3.0)
What to Expect From LSU in the Season Opener
Brian Kelly knows who the LSU starting quarterback is going to be. He hasn’t announced it to the public to have a tactical advantage vs. Florida State.
That leaves the decision to be between Jayden Daniels or Garrett Nussmeier. Daniels’ pros is that he has a cannon for an arm, but he has struggled in the accuracy department. His ability to extend legs with his feet could pose a challenge to the Florida State defense.
Nussmeier does have experience as the starting quarterback for LSU that could vault him into the starting quarterback role and he has shown progression throughout the offseason. Whoever winds up under center on Sunday night will have their choice of targets with Kayshon Boutte, Jack Bech, Jaray Jenkins and Malik Nabers leading the way for the wide receiver room.
LSU will be without running back John Emery in this game as he is serving a two-game suspension for lingering issues related to his year-long suspension from last year. With Emery out, Noah Cain will take over as the RB1 for the Tiger offense. LSU will go with a running back by committee with Noah Cain, Armoni Goodwin and Josh Williams.
Play calling on both sides will receive a new look with new offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and defensive coordinator Matt House. House will unleash a multiple-formation system, using both 3-4 and 4-3 while front while asking the secondary to play both man and zone coverage.
The Tigers primarily used a 4-3 scheme for most of the season last year, before changing to a 3-4 defense. Expect to see different looks from LSU on the defensive side in the season opener.
Scouting LSU’s Opponent: Florida State
Florida State opened the 2022 season with a 47-7 win against Duquesne in Tallahassee last weekend. The Seminoles did have to wait to see action on the field as they had to weather the storm during a lighting delay that pushed back the kickoff time.
Florida State’s offense got off to a hot start to their new season as they racked up 638 total yards of offense (232 passing yards and 406 rushing yards). Treshaun Ward racked up 127 yards on 14 carries and two touchdowns to help the Seminoles start off the season 1-0. Florida State showed in their week one contest that they are able to run the ball effectively and will pose a challenge to the Tigers’ defensive front.
Florida State didn’t showcase their passing game in Week Zero as Jordan Travis finished with 207 yards on 11-of-15 passing. Expect that to increase as they face an LSU secondary with some question marks. Travis’ ability to be an effective passer and being able to extend plays with his legs will pose a challenge to LSU’s defense. Travis has multiple weapons on the perimeter that will see an uptick in game No. 2 vs. the purple and gold.
Redshirt wide receiver Johnny Wilson suffered an injury during Florida State’s season opener. His status will be monitored leading up into game time.
Linebacker Amari Gainer suffered a lower leg injury against Duquesne on Saturday. It is still up in the air as if to how much we see Garner on the field for the Seminole defense. If he is ruled out, Florida State will have to test their depth at the linebacker position.
Prediction for LSU’s Season Opener vs. Florida State
LSU will be in need of a fast start in this game. They will ultimately be looking for to start off their 2022 season on the right note. Whoever is named the starting quarterback for LSU will need to jump on the Florida State defense fast.
The matchup between Florida State and LSU will be won in the trenches. The Tigers were able to bring in some talent through the transfer portal and with their incoming recruiting class. The idea that LSU lost five of their offensive starters will pose question marks for the offensive line. They face their first challenge in game action against a Florida State defensive line that can get after the quarterback.
Florida State’s offense was able to run the ball effectively against Duquesne in Week Zero. LSU’s defense has a chance to combat that with the speed and athleticism. They have experience in the defensive line and linebacker cores. The Seminoles offensive line was able to open up holes for the running backs in their season opener. That will have to continue if they want to stay undefeated. The running backs for Florida State will pose a challenge to the interior of the defensive line for the Tigers.
Expect this game to be a four-quarter battle with new schemes on the offensive and defensive side of the ball for LSU. There was a lot of turnover on this LSU’s roster from last season to this season. Now it’s time to see what they are made of. LSU is tested by a pesky Florida State team for 60 minutes in New Orleans, but they go home to Baton Rouge 1-0.
Prediction: LSU 31, Florida State 24
