No. 11 LSU is hosting South Carolina for a Week 7 matchup on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The Tigers are listed as 8.5-point home favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 44.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction, and best bet for this SEC matchup between LSU and South Carolina.
South Carolina vs. LSU prediction, preview
South Carolina Preview
This is a massive revenge opportunity for the Gamecocks. They led LSU by eight points at halftime last season, but weren’t able to hold on after quarterback LaNorris Sellers left the game with an injury. A questionable penalty on the return of a likely game-clinching pick-six also remains fresh in the minds of Gamecocks fans. As one of the first teams left out of the College Football Playoff, that LSU game could be seen as the thing that stopped South Carolina from having one of its best seasons in program history.
This Gamecocks team has not impressed at the same level as last year’s squad. They took a significant step back on defense after losing heaps of talent to the NFL. They also didn’t get LaNorris Sellers any game-changing weapons to work with. It is basically the Sellers show for South Carolina. If he can put on a special performance, they have a chance against anybody. However, as evidenced by their loss to Vanderbilt, without Sellers on the field, this is not a very imposing team.
LSU Preview
This is a massive game for LSU. They were one of the top-ranked teams in the country heading into their big test against Ole Miss, but then endured a heartbreaker at the hands of the Rebels. This continues the trend of Brian Kelly not being able to beat high-level SEC competition and get LSU over the hump. In recent seasons, the defense has been what has held the Tigers back. But so far this season, it’s surprisingly their offense that hasn’t lived up to its billing. LSU has been a wide receiver factory over the past decade, and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier entered this season as a Heisman hopeful. However, LSU’s offensive line has struggled, the Tigers’ run game has been a non-factor, and Nussmeier has been shaky by the standards set for him. This is a game LSU should win comfortably at home — and if the Tigers lose, their season is likely over.
South Carolina vs. LSU pick, best bet
My best bet for this game is for South Carolina to cover as 8.5-point underdogs. Both teams had a bye week before this game, but that break was likely more valuable for South Carolina. They finally have a healthy secondary with Judge Collier ready to play for the first time this season. Between Collier, Jalon Kilgore, and DQ Smith, their secondary should be able to match up against the LSU wide receivers. The LSU offensive line has been an issue, and star EDGE Dylan Stewart should get after Nussmeier. The return of Collier should give the Gamecocks the ability to cover long enough for Stewart to reach the quarterback. The LSU run game is virtually non-existent, so they can’t hurt the Gamecocks there.
The Gamecocks have been improving offensively, looking much better against Missouri and Kentucky. While the LSU defense is tough up front, Sellers can make special plays under pressure that few quarterbacks in the country can make. This should result in a lower-scoring game, with both defenses able to match up well against the opposing offense. That should help the Gamecocks cover this wide point margin. South Carolina should keep it within a touchdown, and if LaNorris Sellers goes into superhero mode, they have a chance to win the ball game.
