Two formidable college football teams, nestled comfortably within the preseason Associated Press Top 10 rankings, are poised to clash under the bright lights of Camping World Stadium in Orlando on Sunday night.
The much-anticipated showdown features the 5th-ranked LSU Tigers locking horns with the 9th-ranked Florida State Seminoles, making it the marquee matchup for Week 1 of the college football season.
The Seminoles enter the season with lofty expectations, guided by the experienced hand of head coach Mike Norvell, who embarks on his fourth season at the helm.
Their previous campaign concluded impressively at 10-3, culminating in a thrilling 35-32 victory over Oklahoma in the Cheez-It Bowl. Florida State also posted a commendable 5-3 record in Atlantic Coast Conference play, finishing 11th in the AP Poll.
Conversely, LSU recorded a 10-4 season, securing the SEC West title before encountering a tough loss to Georgia in the SEC title game, where the score stood at 50-30. Nevertheless, they rebounded with a 63-7 win over Purdue in the Citrus Bowl, securing a 16th-place ranking in the final AP Poll.
As the game approaches, the LSU Tigers hold a slight -2.5 point favorite status over the Florida State Seminoles, with the game’s total points line set at 56.5. Expect an electrifying clash as these college football titans vie for supremacy.
Kelly Excited for Year 2 with the Tigers
Brian Kelly is bubbling with anticipation for his team’s upcoming campaign.
The Tigers have the privilege of having Jayden Daniels at the helm again. Daniels showed remarkable improvement throughout the previous season, culminating in impressive stats – 2,913 passing yards and an additional 885 rushing yards. His accuracy soared, with nearly 69% of his passes finding their mark.
Adding to the excitement, the Tigers retain their star receiver from last season, Malik Nabers, who surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in 2022. Their chemistry promises to be one of the league’s standout connections.
Furthermore, the Tigers can count on the return of their top running back, Josh Williams, who led the team in rushing yards with 532, although Noah Cain outpaced him in touchdowns. Speaking of which, Cain is also back in action.
On the defensive front, the Tigers are introducing some fresh faces, with plans to start five transfers, including Jordan Jefferson and Omar Spieghts. While it may take time for this unit to gel, the raw talent within the Tigers’ ranks is undeniably promising.
Travis and Benson Lead Norvell’s Offense
Florida State’s sideline isn’t lacking in talent either, and there’s a strong expectation of continuous improvement as the season unfolds. The arrival of Mike Norvell as head coach has marked a remarkable turnaround for a program that had languished in mediocrity for several years.
Notably, the Seminoles are planning to field four transfer players on offense, including the former Michigan State standout Keon Coleman. The addition of tight end Jaheim Bell adds another layer to the offensive arsenal, providing valuable options for quarterback Jordan Travis.
In the running back position, Trey Benson is slated to shoulder the majority of carries. Last season, Benson fell just 10 yards short of a 1,000-yard rushing mark, showcasing his potential.
Johnny Wilson, who was Travis’s top target in the previous season, is also back in action. Wilson’s partnership with Coleman forms a potent receiving duo, reinforcing the Seminoles’ offensive capabilities.
Tigers Win the Season Opener
We expect that this should be an outstanding College Football game. We hope it’s one of the best of the season. Week 1. Sunday Night Football. Two great programs getting together.
Ultimately, we will take the physicality of the SEC and the LSU Tigers in this one. Just a small favorite, but they win by a touchdown. Take LSU -2.5, as they win this one 27-21 over Florida State.
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