Florida vs LSU: Game preview, prediction, live stream for Week 6 battle

Here’s the Week 6 preview and prediction for Saturday’s SEC matchup between the Florida Gators and LSU Tigers.

Somehow, Florida is 3-1, despite losing a mess of great players to an unfortunate credit card scandal. This either shows that the Gators have more depth than anyone heretofore suspected, or they have gotten very, very lucky. This weekend should be the litmus test, though.

LSU hasn’t been looking great, losing to Troy last week, but then neither have the Gators. They almost choked last weekend against Vanderbilt. This is the SEC, and that means that you need to expect at least one topsy-turvy upset. This is also Florida’s homecoming weekend, so emotions will be on the line.

Added to the expectations implied with an SEC game, the two teams have been trading snark for years via social media. Last year, Florida was supposed to play LSU last October. They postponed the game because of safety concerns over Hurricane Matthew. Really? A Florida-based team doesn’t even flinch over a hurricane unless it’s at least a Category 4.

The two teams feuded back-and-forth for a few weeks, with LSU fans implying that the Gators were too scared to play them. Once the teams finally met, the Gators beat them 16-10 with a last-minute goal-line play. This allowed the Gators to head to the SEC Championship.

Then the Gators also beat LSU in the College World Series. Needless to say, LSU has a bone to pick with Florida. This is a rivalry at the best of times, but this game has turned into an all-out war. The insults have been flying on Twitter. The Gators should be on upset alert as LSU is seeking revenge.

The SEC rivalry game is this Saturday, and here’s everything you need to know for the game:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 7
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Gainesville, Fla.
Venue: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBSSports.com

Keys to Victory

The Tigers need to watch the turnovers. They outplayed Troy last week by the numbers, but they missed nine third-down conversion attempts and a crucial short field goal. It helps that LSU’s best rusher, Derrius Guice, is back on the field this game. He adds needed depth to the Tigers’ defensive line. LSU is loaded, and they have the tools they need to win this one. They could also use some good momentum as they are going into a brutal stretch of away games, including Alabama.

The Gators have pulled off victories all season, despite scandals, bizarro weather incidents, and losing many of their skilled players. The Gators offensive line is still an issue, and if LSU can get into the backfield and keep up the pressure the offensive line will fold.

Either way, this is going to be a close game. I think the Gators will take it, but the Tigers will not go gently into the night.

Betting Odds

Odds via SportsBook

Point Spread: Florida -4
Over/Under: 46

Next: NFL Mock Draft Post Week 5

Prediction

This is going to be one of those games where the better team won’t win. LSU will outplay Florida, but the Gators will somehow eke out a victory because that is what this season seems to be all about for the Gators-hope and luck and hard-fought victories. National titles have been won with less, and the Gators do have talent. As much as it galls me to admit, the Gators’ terrific secondary and solid defense will take the day.

Final Score: Florida 24, LSU 20

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