LSU will be kicking off their 2023 season under the lights in Orlando against Florida State on Sunday night as it is setting up to be a heavyweight clash between two teams that are getting some preseason hype. The Tigers are entering the second year under Brian Kelly after finishing last year with an emphatic win against Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. LSU will be looking to get some revenge as the series shifts to the ‘Sunshine State’. Sunday night’s matchup is going to be a College Football Playoff-like atmosphere as both teams find themselves ranked in the top 10 of the AP Poll.

LSU Looking to Get Off to Fast Start:

Greg Brooks Jr. reacts after making a defensive play

LSU S Greg Brooks Jr. (3) – Jonathan Mailhes/Crescent City Sports

LSU is looking to end a three-year losing streak of dropping the first game of the season. The Tigers haven’t won a season opener since the 2019 season when they beat Georgia Southern at home. LSU has suffered defeats against Mississippi State in 2020, UCLA in 2021, and Florida State in 2022. It will be key for Kelly’s squad to get off to a fast start not only against the Seminoles but to start off the season 1-0 would be refreshing, especially with the schedule getting tougher as the weeks go on.

Not only do the Tigers have to get off to a fast start to the year, but they also have to have some urgency in this game. In last year’s contest against Florida State, the Seminoles were able to take advantage of a slow start by LSU. LSU was able to crawl their way back in the second half after Florida State’s defense shut down LSU’s offense in the first half.

The Tigers were able to drive 99 yards down the field and score a touchdown with the game clock expiring. LSU set up for the game-tying extra point, but it was blocked by Florida State. LSU lost in heartbreaking fashion and has been circling this game ever since the clock hit triple zero.

LSU Will Be Without Key Players:

John Emery scores a touchdown against Vanderbilt

LSU RB John Emery (4) – LSU Athletics

LSU will have to deal with some substances on both sides of the ball as defensive tackle Maason Smith and running back John Emery were both ruled out for the Florida State game. There are injury question marks on whether running backs Josh Williams and Armoni Goodwin would be available for this game or not. Offensive lineman Kimo Makane’ole was also listed on LSU’s injury report earlier in the week.

Smith was suspended by the NCAA for receiving an improper benefit before the NIL area came to light. Smith was coming off a 2022 season where he was sidelined for the season with a torn ACL that he suffered against Florida State. The star defensive tackle was ready to step back on the field, but he will have to wait until next week when LSU hosts Grambling State in their home opener for 2023.

With Emery being out and the question marks surrounding Williams and Goodwin, that leaves LSU’s running back group down to two starting options. Noah Cain and Logan Diggs will be the one-two punch for the Tigers if the two are unable to go by the time kickoff rolls around on Sunday.

Know Your Foe: Florida State

Florida State outlasts rival Florida as turnaround season continues

Florida State QB Jordan Travis (13) – Phil Sears/AP Photo

Florida State is coming off a successful 2022 season, where they capped off last year with a 10-3 record. Florida State enters the 2023 season with a lot of expectations as Jordan Travis returns for his senior season. The Seminoles are one of the heavy favorites, along with Clemson, to be the ACC Champion in 2023. Travis is likely to be in the Heisman Trophy race throughout the season, and a good showing against LSU will only boost that discussion. Florida State’s offense is loaded with talent as running back Trey Benson returns. Along with Benson, wide receivers Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman will be a threat to the Tigers’ secondary.

One of Florida State’s strengths will be its defensive line, as that group will be one of the best in the country. Jared Verse returns for another season after having a huge year in 2022. Verse could have very well entered his name into the NFL Draft, but he chose to come back. Verse is joined by two transfers on the defensive line, including Darrell Jackson.

The Seminoles tapped into the transfer portal in the offseason to add to a loaded roster. Those transfers included wide receiver Keon Coleman, defensive lineman Braden Fiske, defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr., and cornerback Fentrell Cypress II.

Prediction for LSU vs. Florida State:

One of the biggest question marks for this 2023 LSU team will be how the secondary will shape up this season. The Tigers have a lot of new faces in their secondary after several key players are now playing at the next level. Once again, Kelly had to tap into the transfer portal to be able to rebuild that position.

Last year’s contest came down to the final play, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see that same story in 2023. Both teams are both in the College Football Playoff discussion as we head into a full week one slate of college football. This game is very important for both teams, and the winner of this game will get a leg up in the race to be one of the final four teams, and the loser will have to dig their way out of a hole.

Prediction: LSU 27, Florida State 24