LSU Set to Square Off with Florida at The Swamp – LSU

No. 22 LSU (6-3) looks to right the ship against the Florida Gators (4-5) on Saturday afternoon at The Swamp at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 2:45pm CT on ABC and the LSU Sports Radio Network. Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Dusty Dovareck (analyst) and Taylor McGregor (sideline reporter) will join the call.

The Tigers are coming off a disappointing result against Alabama, which handed LSU its third loss of the season. Missed opportunities, costly mistakes and an inability to stop the running quarterback were the difference in the game.

“We were inconsistent and that was really the difference,” head coach Brian Kelly said. “We had an opportunity to score a touchdown on the first drive and we weren’t able to secure a catch. We turned the football over. We had chances to get off the field on third down. At times we weren’t in those right positions. Our guys were ready for the game, but it’s not good enough if you’re not consistent.”

However, another opportunity awaits in Gainesville, a place that has produced some nail-biting contests for the Tigers in recent years. In fact, six of the past seven games in Gainesville have been decided by one possession, with the exception coming in 2022 when LSU won, 45-35.

“Going to the swamp is always a challenge and a tough place to play,” Kelly said. “Definitely an opportunity for us to get in the winning ways with our football team. It’s exactly the same place we were last year. We’ve got two (SEC) losses and let’s see where it ends up. What’s more important is that we have to play more consistently – offense, defense and special teams.”

Through nine games, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier ranks as the no. 2 in the SEC in passing touchdowns (21), total offense (320.8) and passing yards per game. 11 interceptions. To leave the swamp victorious, the Tigers need a productive outing from their QB1.

“This is about us,” Kelly said. “There’s a lot for this football team to look forward to. We have the opportunity to finish this season strong and look toward another 10-win season, and that’s important to this program. A standard that’s been set that we will continue to work towards.”

The Gators are led by freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, who is expected to play Saturday after suffering an injury against Georgia on Nov. 2. Lagway has thrown for 1,071 yards passing and six touchdowns while also rushing for 114 yards on 37 carries. At receiver, Florida is led by Elijhah Badger and Chimere Dike, who have tallied 560 yards and two touchdowns and 523 yards and two touchdowns, respectively. Defensively, Trikweze Bridges leads the unit with 45 tackles and edge rusher Jack Pyburn is second in tackles with 43.

“Really good,” Kelly said of LSU’s preparation. “Intentional. We’ve got to get better. I’ve made it pretty clear: I’ve got to be better, our coaches have got to be better and our players have got to be better. We’ve been intentional about that work. Our guys have had a great week. I expect them to play at the highest level on Saturday against a team that plays fast and loose.”

The LSU-Florida game is one of college football’s most historic rivalries. It always seems to deliver classic finishes, whatever the circumstances.

The Tigers have enjoyed recent success in the series, winning five in a row and six of the last seven meetings with Florida, including last year’s 52-35 win at Tiger Stadium. The five-game winning streak by the Tigers is LSU’s longest streak in the series at 70 games.