It’s been a crazy offseason, but LSU football is finally in their last stages of preparation for the first week of the season, which opens up against Mike Leach’s Mississippi State Bulldogs.
The Tigers are considered heavy favorites, but it’s hard to ignore how different the Bulldogs’ offense will look this year as they move to the Air Raid, and how different the Tigers look after losing 14 of the strongest players to the 2020 NFL Draft.
Here’s a look at who some of the experts are picking:
Barrett Sallee, CBS Sports:
All eyes will be on Myles Brennan as he looks to replace a legend in 2019 Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. The intrigue goes beyond that, though. It’s like the world completely forgot that Bo Pelini was hired to replace former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. Both sides will click. LSU will want to put on a show if, for no other reason, to know that it can do it. Perhaps even more important is the debut of Mike Leach as Mississippi State’s head coach. That system, which spreads everybody out including the offensive line, won’t fly in the SEC. LSU’s size and speed on defense — especially up front — will lead the Tigers to an easy win and cover. Pick: LSU (-16.5)
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Pete Fiutak, College Football News:
Few teams in America could’ve used a tune-up game against a Central North Cupcake State more than these two.
How will the timing be on the Mississippi State O? It might rely on Kylin Hill and the running attack more than you might think, but the parts will be there to throw a scare into the Tigers for a half.
This is still an incredibly loaded LSU team, and over the long haul of the game, it’ll wear down the Bulldogs enough to get out with a good win in a fun game.
Give this one to the LSU lines.
Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports:
Mississippi State at No. 6 LSU (Under 57.5) — Last week, I mentioned a trend in games featuring teams playing their first game of the season when I told you to take the under in Oklahoma State’s game against Tulsa. The under had gone 14-6 in 20 such games. Well, the Oklahoma State-Tulsa game that had a total set at 66.5 points saw both teams combine for 23 points. Our opening game trend now has the under going 15-6, and considering all the turnover both of these teams have had to deal with this offseason, I like the odds of it pulling through here. Also, don’t be afraid to keep this trend in mind when looking at every SEC game this weekend. I’m not, and if you don’t believe me, continue reading. LSU 27, Mississippi State 13
The Tigers and Bulldogs are set to kick off at 2:30 p.m. CST on Saturday in Tiger Stadium.
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