Final score predictions for Florida vs. LSU: Will DJ Lagway or Garrett Nussmeier steal the show in Death Valley?

It’s a pivotal matchup to kick off the SEC schedule.

Adam Holt, Ian Valentino, Justin Churchill, Rob Gregson, Travis May, Tyler Forness
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Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier and LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly have a laugh before the start of the game at midfield during warm ups at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun

The SEC schedule is now kicking into high gear in week 3, as the Florida Gators are traveling to Baton Rouge to take on the LSU Tigers.

It’s going to be a big game for both the Gators and Tigers, but the former is in much more dire need of a win after losing to South Florida. Even so, the Gators ended up beating the Tigers last year by two scores when they were in an even worse position.

Who will come home with their first conference win of the season? It’s going to be a fascinating game, and our college football staff gave their final score predictions.

Florida Gators vs. LSU Tigers predictions

Florida 27, LSU 20

This is a really interesting game from multiple perspectives. You have a Florida Gators team who beat LSU last year in an upset at The Swamp. One thing that was really interesting about the game was how much the Gators’ defense was on the field. It didn’t matter, as they shut down the Tigers’ offense.

After the Gators lost 18-16 to South Florida, you started to see fractures across the fanbase. Head coach Billy Napier was roasted for the loss and there were multiple discussions about finding his replacement. What people don’t talk about enough is that his team loves him. This is the kind of game where the Gators can go into Death Valley and get the win. Will they? They certainly can with the hopeful return of Caleb Banks and tightening things up. Tyler Forness

LSU 27, Florida 17

Historical trends point toward this game being decided by 10 points or less, as it has in four of the last five years. While these programs are heading in two different directions, this is a rivalry game featuring one staff coaching for their jobs at Florida. That desperation could be a big factor if the Gators can win the turnover battle. But projecting that to happen is another thing.

LSU’s offense is well-known entering this matchup, and is as dangerous as any team’s in the nation when they’re humming. The question is whether Florida can crack the Tigers’ newfound defensive prowess. If DJ Lagway can shake off any remaining rust and we see more of his Superman-esque powers, the Gators could close this gap. Still, the safer pick is LSU to handle its business and further increase the strain on Billy Napier’s neck. Ian Valentino

LSU 27, Florida 14

LSU looks to be one of the best teams in the country, and now that they have an even decent defense, where that was non-existent the last two years, they are a team that can seriously compete in the SEC. With what we saw from Florida last week and even the week before that, there is no doubt in my mind that LSU wins this game at home. The only true question here is by how much?

We saw LSU struggle offensively a bit in that Clemson game, but that was against Clemson, which has a pretty good defense. Florida just isn’t a good football team, and is looking like the same team that started the 2024 season with a big loss to Miami. LSU wins this one convincingly. Justin Churchill

LSU 27, Florida 17

This is a game that had top 15, conference-altering stakes predicted for it when this season began. For LSU, they’ve shown some flaws but done enough to get to 2-0, including a massive win over Clemson. It’s a different story for the Gators, though. Billy Napier’s seat has rekindled a flame after their recent loss to USF and overall lackluster play. They’re lacking consistency, and some mental errors are plaguing a team that cannot afford those.

I’m gonna take the Tigers in this one simply because it’s difficult to see Florida making nearly enough adjustments on both sides of the ball to earn the victory. DJ Lagway is immensely gifted, but due to injury or not, he’s not playing up to his standards so far. Garrett Nussmeier needs to start conference play off strong, and this is a great chance to do so. I love what the second level of the LSU defense is doing right now, too. Think they will cause havoc for their SEC foe this weekend. Adam Holt

Florida 30, LSU 25

I know the Gators faltered at home, against a much “lesser” opponent: USF. But let’s be clear here, USF has a good football team. One that could win its conference and make the College Football Playoff. That doesn’t absolve Billy Napier and the rest of the Gators from their stinker last weekend, but I would imagine they overlooked the Bulls, tried to course correct, and fount out it was too late.

And now Napier is fighting for his coaching livelihood. It’s only Week 3, but the Gators may be fighting for their chances to compete in the SEC and make a run at the CFP. I think Brian Kelly and the Tigers will be caught off guard, DJ Lagway will make some big throws, and the defense will bow up against Garrett Nussmeier in the end. Rob Gregson

LSU 27, Florida 20

The Florida versus LSU game lost a bit of steam this past week with the Gators’ loss to USF. The LSU Tigers haven’t looked perfect this season either, controlling their Week 1 game against Clemson, but then struggling with Louisiana Tech early. Still, this game should be a close one given the rivalry and how deep these rosters run with talent.

The LSU Tigers still need to fix their run game, finding more consistency there. Their star sophomore Caden Durham has only managed 3.4 yards per carry on the season so far as the completely rebuilt offensive line has struggled to create much push up front. Starting center Braelin Moore’s likely return (he’s practicing this week) could be key there.

Florida’s offense has to completely find themselves across the board. Suspect play calling. Lackluster execution from the wide receivers (key drops in big moments). Quarterback DJ Lagway has to string multiple big plays together too. The Gators currently rank 65th in yards per play through two weeks having played Long Island and USF. That’s just indefensible.

Both offenses have questions. The defenses have looked strong, which may lead to some stops early on. However, LSU likely gets the edge in this one given that it’s at home and they’ve found much greater consistency with their aerial attack thanks to the emergence of Aaron Anderson, Barion Brown, and Zavion Thomas (as a do-it-all weapon). Travis May

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