A standalone game to kick off the 2024 season!
The LSU Tigers open the new season in Las Vegas as they face the University of Southern California Trojans.
The Tigers will look to start the season on the right foot as the expectations are always high for Brian Kelly and this squad.
From third down efficacy, player props, team defense/offense numbers and more, we will have a little bit of everything as we enter this season.
Last season we ended with a positive record (2022: 19-17, 2023: 19-17) and we will look to do so once more.
Today, we take a look at predicting three specific areas for the team. Remember these are bold predictions. (All stats via CFBSTATS)
1 Garrett Nussmeier Over 260.5 Passing Yards
Here we go, a dark horse sleeper for Heisman will need to start off hot and what better way to do so than going by over in the passing prop. In front of him will be a more than manageable defense and one he could shine against, especially after what he showed vs. a versatile Wisconsin defense, where he had 395 PY.
Considering that and adding being a full time starter with the full weight of the offense on his shoulders, it’s make or break for the Nuss Buss. I like this one for that reason, he will step up and carve that defense with some great skill players at his disposal, including a potentially great tight end. Sign up for PrizePicks with an exclusive code: PR-FLCK5IA
2 LSU 1H -3.5
I really like this one as a hit with a first half spread in favor of the Tigers of just 3.5. The Nuss Buss should be cooking and with just an average defense this seems a winner to me.
With it, I’m banking on some receivers taking a step forward, like Daniels and/or the running backs finding some space vs. a USC defense that’s in flux. A 14-10 half time score gets us the win, so I will back this one.
Thanks to our friends over at Draft Kings, the odds are -102.
3 Take the FULL GAME UNDER, 63.5 (-105)
Give me a fun opener here as both will look to right the wrongs of the past as the defenses held back these squads last year with really elite QB’s. Many changes abound for both squads defenses and as such we could see immediate impact. Soft secondaries on both teams could sink this prediction, but I trust that both will be at least bang average for the first game and as such the score will reflect a “normal’ game.
If our score model checks out even a couple more points here gives us a cash with this high of a total. Both teams will be mindful of giving up explosive plays and barring multiple broken coverages, I don’t see how the over hits.
Final score prediction: LSU 34-24 USC
That will do it for this week’s very specific predictions. Let us know what you think and give us some of your own!