ESPN analytics predicts LSU’s Week 3 matchup against South Carolina

Here’s what ESPN’s FPI and SP+ have to say about LSU’s chances on Saturday.

LSU football will look to get above .500 and kick off its SEC schedule with a win it travels to face South Carolina on Saturday morning.

The Tigers and Gamecocks haven’t met since 2020 when LSU put up 52 in Tiger Stadium. This is LSU’s first trip to South Carolina since 2008. The two were scheduled to meet there in 2015, but a hurricane forced the game to Baton Rouge.

According to BetMGM, LSU is a seven-point favorite, but what do the projection systems say about LSU’s chances?

ESPN’s FPI gives LSU a 50.6% shot at coming away with the win. That’s lower than some might expect given where the betting line is at. SP+ projects a 3.6 margin of victory for LSU with a 59% chance to win.

Both systems have this one closer than LSU fans hope for. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] and the Tigers are looking to make a statement after the first two weeks brought on some concerns.

LSU fans want to see the run game get going along with a stabilized defense. As far as LSU’s playoff hopes go, this is a must-win. A 1-2 start would not go over well after LSU entered the year with high hopes and expectations to compete for a spot in the 12-team playoff.

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