This weekend's top matchup features two SEC programs heading the wrong direction. The Florida Gators are 4-5 overall and have lost two games in a row. The LSU Tigers are 6-3 but have also lost two straight. Both programs are needing a win to prevent a total collapse.

The Gators are fighting to reach six wins and play in a bowl game. But to get there and win this week, despite being 3.5-point underdogs, they have to see a big performance from their offensive line. If not, LSU will rout them.

With a total of 55.5 set, oddsmakers expect a good amount of scoring involved. The spread is surprisingly close, given how Florida was expected to fire Billy Napier before pivoting so they could keep star quarterback D.J. Lagway. 

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The Tigers have the offensive advantage in this game, with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier having more weapons and a better offensive line at his disposal. However, their offense has had its hiccups as well and is far from infallible. Nussmeier's inexperience and lack of physical traits to compensate for bad reads have led to turnovers.

If Florida can replicate the pressure and disguised coverages of fellow SEC teams, their offense will have a chance to win this rivalry game.

It won't be easy, though, as LSU's defensive front has been on fire lately. Florida's offensive line has five starters and three reserves who have graded as above-average blockers. This is where the heavyweight battle will take place, literally and figuratively.

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LSU's top pass-rushers include edge defenders Bradyn Swinson and Sai'vion Jones. Those two have combined for 51 quarterback pressures and 13 sacks. Matching up against Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson and Austin Barber will probably define this game.

Florida's tackle combination has allowed only two sacks (both on Barber) and 13 pressures total. They've performed as well as LSU's tandem of Emery Jones Jr. and Will Campbell. Unlike LSU, Florida also has a great interior of the line as well.

Center Jake Slaughter is one of the best in the country at his position, and the duo of Bryce Lovett and Knijeah Harris aren't far behind. They've given up only 16 pressures and two sacks between the three of them. Inserting Lovett into the lineup to play over Damieon George has been a boost to the unit.

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This will put pressure on LSU's edge rushers and interior defenders. Expect an emphasis on blitzes from up the middle to confuse Lagway, and it's fair to assume we'll see Paris Shand, Gio Paez, and Jay'viar Suggs make their presence known at some point. 

Individually, it's not the most talented group, but they've been playing well as a unit as they turn the aggressiveness up.

Check out our team's final predictions here.

Final predictions for huge SEC rivalry game between No. 21 LSU and Florida Gators team looking to play spoilers

LSU vs. Florida will define trajectory of both programs