LSU vs South Carolina (Week 3): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

LSU vs South Carolina (Week 3): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

In a thrilling Week 3 matchup, the LSU Tigers head to Columbia, South Carolina, to face the South Carolina Gamecocks in what promises to be a fierce SEC showdown. This game, which will take place at Williams-Brice Stadium, will be broadcast live on ABC at 12:00 PM Eastern Time, with College GameDay in attendance. LSU comes in as a 7-point road favorite, while South Carolina is +223 on the moneyline, meaning they are sizable underdogs at home. The over/under is set at 50.5 points, implying a final score of around 29-22 in favor of the Tigers.

This battle could shape both teams’ seasons as they vie for early control in the SEC. Can South Carolina’s stout defense and unpredictable offense hold up against LSU’s powerful attack? Let’s dive into the details.

How to Watch LSU vs South Carolina

  • Game Date: Saturday, Week 3
  • Kickoff Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time
  • TV Channel: ABC
  • Location: Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC

Betting Odds: Spread, Total, and Moneyline

  • Point Spread: LSU -7
    LSU is favored by 7 points. For them to cover, they must win by 8 points or more. South Carolina covers if they lose by 6 or fewer points or win outright.
  • Total (Over/Under): 50.5
    The over/under for the game is set at 50.5 points. If you bet the over, you’re expecting both teams to score a combined 51 points or more. If you bet the under, you’re expecting a lower-scoring affair, with both teams scoring fewer than 50 combined points.
  • Moneyline:
    • South Carolina +223 (Bet $100 to win $223 if South Carolina wins outright)
    • LSU -280 (Bet $280 to win $100 if LSU wins outright)

The implied score from the betting odds is LSU 29, South Carolina 22.

Betting Spread, Total, and Moneyline Explained

  • Betting Spread: LSU being a 7-point favorite means they’re expected to win comfortably. If they win by 8 or more points, they cover the spread. South Carolina can cover if they lose by fewer than 7 points or pull off the upset.
  • Total (Over/Under): The over/under is the projected combined points from both teams. In this case, a bet on the over means you expect at least 51 points scored between both sides, while a bet on the under means you expect a lower-scoring game.
  • Moneyline: Betting on the moneyline is a straight bet on which team will win the game outright. LSU is the strong favorite, while South Carolina offers a higher payout if they can pull off the upset.

Implied Score and Injury Report

The implied score is LSU 29, South Carolina 22, based on the betting odds. Both teams are relatively healthy, with no major injury concerns heading into the game, but LSU will look to shore up its secondary, which has been a weak point through the first few weeks.

Game Analysis: LSU Tigers

The LSU Tigers are looking to bounce back after a shaky start to the season on defense. While their offense, led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, has been firing on all cylinders, LSU’s defense has given up over six yards per play, ranking 131st in pass play success rate allowed. That said, LSU’s offense is a different story, anchored by an experienced offensive line that provides solid pass protection.

On offense, LSU boasts an array of weapons, including wide receivers Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacy. The Tigers’ air attack will be their biggest advantage against South Carolina’s defense, which is decent but untested against high-powered offenses like LSU’s.

Key to Watch: LSU’s passing attack will need to exploit South Carolina’s 4-2-5 defense, particularly as the Gamecocks’ secondary is their strength. If Nussmeier can spread the field and connect with his playmakers, LSU should be able to put up points.

Game Analysis: South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina has been one of the hardest teams to figure out this season. Despite a win last week, the Gamecocks’ offense only managed 252 yards, and their defense allowed Kentucky to throw for just 44 yards while still managing to lose the game. South Carolina’s offense, led by quarterback Luke Doty, is inconsistent and lacks a reliable running game, averaging less than two yards per carry.

South Carolina’s defense, however, has been a bright spot. Their secondary has held up well so far, though they haven’t faced an offense nearly as explosive as LSU’s. Special teams will be another area where the Gamecocks could gain an edge, as they’ve shown themselves to be capable of game-changing plays in that phase.

Key to Watch: Can South Carolina’s pass rush disrupt Nussmeier and the LSU offensive line? If the Gamecocks’ front seven can generate pressure, it could keep them in the game and limit LSU’s offensive explosion.

Recent Trends and Head-to-Head Matchup

  • LSU has never lost to South Carolina, going 7-0 straight up against the Gamecocks since 2002.
  • South Carolina is 4-3 against the spread in their last seven games as a home underdog under Shane Beamer.

While South Carolina’s defense has looked solid, their offense has struggled mightily. Meanwhile, LSU’s defense has its own set of issues but should still have the upper hand in this matchup.

In-Depth Matchup Breakdown

LSU’s Game Plan:
LSU will look to stretch South Carolina’s defense through the air, using their elite wide receiver duo and solid offensive line to attack a Gamecock defense that is still relatively untested. Expect LSU to rely on the passing game while using the run to keep South Carolina’s defense honest.

South Carolina’s Strategy:
For South Carolina, the key to keeping this game close will be to control the pace and limit turnovers. They’ll need to pressure LSU’s offensive line and force mistakes from Nussmeier. Offensively, the Gamecocks will need to get creative, using special teams and short fields to create scoring opportunities.

Prediction: LSU vs South Carolina

This game is a tale of two teams trending in different directions. LSU’s offense looks potent and ready to test South Carolina’s defense, while South Carolina’s inconsistent offense could have a tough time keeping pace with the Tigers. Given LSU’s talent advantage and the shaky state of South Carolina’s offensive line, the Tigers are well-positioned to win comfortably.

Final Score Prediction: LSU 31, South Carolina 20

Pick: LSU -7

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