LSU Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/14/2024 12:00 PM EST

We have your LSU Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks prop betting and game preview needs covered as the LSU Tigers hit the road to face the South Carolina Gamecocks.

LSU Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: LSU Tigers -286 (BetRivers) / South Carolina Gamecocks +225 (BetRivers)
Best Spread Odds: 7.0 - LSU Tigers -110 (BetMGM) / South Carolina Gamecocks -110 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 52.5 - Under -110 (ESPN BET) / 52.0 - Over -110 (bet365)

Game Info

Date: 9/14/2024
Time: 12:00 PM EST
Location: Williams-Brice Stadium (Columbia, SC)
TV: ABC

LSU Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks Preview

The LSU Tigers are set to face the South Carolina Gamecocks in a highly anticipated SEC matchup at Williams-Brice Stadium. Both teams come into this game with something to prove, as LSU looks to build on their recent victory over Nicholls State, while South Carolina aims to continue their strong start to the season.

LSU, currently ranked No. 17 in the Coaches Poll and No. 16 in the AP Poll, is coming off a 44-21 win against Nicholls. Despite the victory, the Tigers showed vulnerabilities, particularly in their run defense, allowing 145 rushing yards to an FCS opponent. Offensively, however, LSU was impressive, with junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier throwing for 302 yards and six touchdowns, tying for the second-most in a single game in program history. Nussmeier's performance was a bright spot, as he connected with multiple receivers, including Kyren Lacy, who caught three touchdown passes.

South Carolina, on the other hand, is riding high after a dominant 31-6 win over Kentucky. The Gamecocks' defense was particularly formidable, sacking Kentucky's quarterback five times and holding him to a mere 35.2 passer rating. Edge rushers Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart have been standout performers, combining for six sacks and four forced fumbles in just two games. This defensive prowess will be crucial as they face an LSU offensive line that has shown some weaknesses.

The Gamecocks have not hosted ESPN's 'College GameDay' since 2014, adding an extra layer of excitement to this matchup. With a noon kickoff on ABC, all eyes will be on Columbia to see if South Carolina can capitalize on their home-field advantage and continue their winning streak. Meanwhile, LSU will be looking to iron out their defensive issues and establish a more consistent ground game, which has been lacking with only 64 rushing yards against Nicholls.

This game promises to be a clash of strengths, with South Carolina's stout defense going up against LSU's high-powered passing attack. The outcome could hinge on which team can better address their weaknesses and execute their game plan under the national spotlight.

LSU Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks Pick: LSU Tigers Against the Spread

In this SEC showdown, the LSU Tigers are favored to cover the spread against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Despite some early-season challenges, LSU's offensive firepower, led by junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, presents a formidable threat. Nussmeier's impressive performance against Nicholls, where he threw for 302 yards and six touchdowns, highlights his ability to exploit defenses through the air. This passing prowess will be crucial against a South Carolina defense that, while strong, has yet to face a quarterback of Nussmeier's caliber this season.

South Carolina's defense has been a standout, particularly in their recent victory over Kentucky, where they recorded five sacks and limited the Wildcats to just six points. However, LSU's offensive line, despite some vulnerabilities, has the potential to provide Nussmeier with the protection needed to execute their high-powered passing game. The Tigers' receiving corps, including standout Kyren Lacy, who caught three touchdown passes against Nicholls, adds another layer of complexity for the Gamecocks' defense to manage.

While South Carolina's edge rushers, Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart, have been effective, LSU's offensive strategy can mitigate their impact by utilizing quick passes and exploiting mismatches in the secondary. Additionally, the Tigers' need to establish a more consistent ground game could see improvement against a South Carolina defense that has yet to be tested by a balanced offensive attack.

Moreover, LSU's ranking at No. 17 in the Coaches Poll and No. 16 in the AP Poll reflects their potential to compete at a high level, despite their early-season loss to USC. The Tigers' ability to adjust and improve, particularly in the red zone where they went 5-for-5 against Nicholls, suggests they are poised to address their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths.

Given these factors, LSU's offensive capabilities and potential for defensive adjustments make them a strong candidate to cover the spread against South Carolina. The Tigers' experience and talent, particularly in the passing game, provide them with the edge needed to secure a victory in this pivotal SEC matchup.