South Carolina (2-0) vs LSU (1-1)
Game Info: Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 12:00 pm (Williams-Brice Stadium)
The Line: Betting Odds: South Carolina +7.5 / LSU -7.5 — Over/Under: 54.5
The LSU Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks meet Saturday in college football action from Williams-Brice Stadium. Here’s an LSU vs South Carolina prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best LSU vs South Carolina pick. We will examine:
The LSU Tigers’ recent form and player performance
The South Carolina Gamecocks’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the LSU Tigers
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the South Carolina Gamecocks
Recent betting trends in games played between LSU and South Carolina
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the LSU vs South Carolina game
LSU Tigers Betting Preview
In their first matchup of the year, the Tigers took on the USC Trojans. LSU was up 17-13 going into the fourth quarter but ended up losing 27-20. Garrett Nussmeier finished with 304 yards, two TDs, and one pick. Kyren Lacy caught seven balls for 94 yards and a score to top the receivers.
In game two versus Nicholls State, LSU had a modest 9-7 lead after the first quarter. The Tigers would eventually come out on top by a 44-21 margin, though. Nussmeier had 302 pass yards and a whopping six touchdowns in the win. Lacy caught five balls for 65 yards and three of the scores. LSU will face UCLA following this game.
South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview
Over on the South Carolina side, they played Old Dominion in their 2024 opener. The Gamecocks held a 16-16 tie going into the final quarter and ultimately pulled off the win 23-19. LaNorris Sellers threw for 114 yards (and had a rush TD), while Raheim Sanders had 88 yards and a TD on the ground.
In the game two matchup against Kentucky, South Carolina was up 10-6 by the break. The Gamecocks scored another 21 points from there for a 31-6 win. Sellers had 159 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the victory. Mazeo Bennett topped the receivers with 63 yards and a score from three catches.
Why the South Carolina Gamecocks will win
- South Carolina has won five of its last six games.
- LSU has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four September games as a favorite.
- South Carolina has covered the spread in four of its last five games in September.
Why the LSU Tigers will win
- LSU has won 18 of its last 19 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- South Carolina has lost each of its last 11 September games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- South Carolina has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of South Carolina’s last three games.
Total Points Facts
- Thirteen of LSU’s last 14 games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of South Carolina’s last five games against conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- South Carolina ranks T1st among FBS teams for H1 win percentage this season (1.000).
- South Carolina ranks T27th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (1.5).
- LSU ranks T38th among FBS teams for Q2 points per game this season (12.0).
- LSU has won the SEC West Division in two of the last five seasons.
LSU vs South Carolina Prediction
I’m going to try South Carolina. The Gamecocks didn’t post the greatest offensive numbers in the world last weekend though, so they’ll need a good boost there. South Carolina posted 252 total yards (86 rushing) in the win with just 13 first downs and a 3-of-10 rate on third-down tries. The eight penalties didn’t help either.
As for LSU, they posted 378 yards (314 passing), 24 first downs, and zero turnovers against Nicholls in their last win. The Colonels had some minor success on the ground (150 yards) and on third downs (6-of-13) however, so I think South Carolina could cover if they play well. Probably not touching it, though.