ESPN’s FPI predicts outcome of Saturday’s Florida-LSU game
By Andrew Olson
Published:
LSU has dominated the rivalry series with Florida in recent years. ESPN’s Football Power Index sees the Tigers extending their streak over the Gators.
ESPN Analytics gives LSU an 87.4% chance to win on Saturday night in Death Valley. The Tigers have defeated the Gators 4 years in a row. UF’s last win in Baton Rouge came in 2016, a game that was rescheduled and relocated due to a hurricane.
The FPI’s simulation-based projections do not account for Jayden Daniels’ injury. LSU’s star quarterback left the Alabama game after taking a hard hit. Garrett Nussmeier finished the game in relief of Daniels. Daniels has thrown for 2,792 yards and 27 touchdowns this season, completing 72.1% of his passes. He has also rushed for 684 yards and 6 scores.
On Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, Brian Kelly indicated that Daniels is expected to return to practice Wednesday. Kelly said all went well in Daniels’ morning workout and the QB is on track to be cleared for contact on Thursday.
LSU is playing its first game with its championship goals out of the picture. Kelly expressed hope this week that his team will be motivated to win the next 3 contests and potentially pick up a 10th victory in a bowl game.
Florida, meanwhile, needs another victory to secure bowl eligibility. The Gators are 5-4 ahead of a challenging final stretch against LSU, Mizzou and Florida State.
LSU and Florida are set for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday night. The game will air on the SEC Network.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
