LSU vs South Carolina Prediction, Player Props & Odds (Saturday, Sep. 14)

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier 13 throws a pass as the LSU Tigers take on the Nicholls Colonels at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

• LSU vs South Carolina is the featured noon ET college football matchup on Saturday
• The LSU vs South Carolina odds favor the Tigers on the road
• Read below for LSU vs South Carolina prediction, odds and picks for Saturday

The stage is set for an epic SEC showdown as the #16 LSU Tigers (1-1) travel to Columbia to face the South Carolina Gamecocks (2-0) on Saturday, September 14th. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET at Williams-Brice Stadium, with the game being nationally televised on ABC. ESPN’s College GameDay will be on hand, adding to the electric atmosphere.

LSU looks to rebound after a disappointing 27-20 loss to USC in Week 1, while South Carolina aims to build on their momentum following a dominant 31-6 victory over Kentucky.

The Tigers enter as 6.5-point road favorites, with the total set at 50.5 points. Let’s dive into our LSU vs South Carolina prediction.

LSU vs South Carolina Prediction

LSU’s offense has been humming, averaging 32 points per game behind the stellar play of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The junior is tied for the FBS lead with eight touchdown passes, with six coming in last week’s win over Nicholls.

Nussmeier’s top target, Kyren Lacy, has hauled in four touchdowns, also tops in the nation. However, LSU’s defense has allowed 48 points through two games and ranks 126th in yards per dropback allowed.

Kyren Lacy moves so well for a 6-foot-2, 213 pound receiver… pic.twitter.com/zQV1yEKorZ

— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) September 8, 2024

South Carolina’s defense has been suffocating, holding opponents to just 12.5 points per game. They completely shut down Kentucky, allowing only 44 passing yards and forcing two interceptions. True freshman edge rusher Dylan Stewart has been a game-wrecker, helping the Gamecocks post the 6th-best coverage grade in the country per PFF.

On offense, South Carolina leans on the run game, with a 65% run-pass ratio. Transfer RB Raheim Sanders has rushed for 142 yards and 2 TDs, while dual-threat QB LaNorris Sellers is still finding his footing as a passer (55.3% completion rate, 273 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT).

SEC Leader in Missed Tackles Forced:

🔥 Raheim Sanders, South Carolina: 17@GamecockFB pic.twitter.com/BiXBJPergA

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 11, 2024

South Carolina matches up well with LSU. Their strong pass rush (5 sacks vs Kentucky) can exploit the Tigers’ defensive weaknesses, and their ball-control offense (27.8 seconds per play) can keep LSU’s explosive playmakers off the field. Being at home (5-2 at Williams-Brice in 2023) will also give the Gamecocks a boost.

The betting trends favor South Carolina:

– The line has moved from LSU -7.5 to -6.5, indicating sharp action on the Gamecocks

– South Carolina is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 September games

– The underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings

Prediction:

• South Carolina +6.5
• Under 50.5 (-110)

In a physical, hard-fought battle, South Carolina’s defense and home-field advantage should allow them to keep it close. I predict LSU will likely pull out a narrow victory, but the Gamecocks will cover the spread. I’m predicting a final score around 23-17 for the Tigers.

LSU vs South Carolina Player Props

• Kyren Lacy Over 63.5 Receiving Yards (-115)

Lacy has been unstoppable, averaging 86.5 yards per game on 13.3 yards per catch. Even with South Carolina focusing on stopping the deep ball, expect Lacy to pile up the yards on intermediate routes. He should see double-digit targets.

• LaNorris Sellers Under 174.5 Passing Yards (-110)

Sellers is averaging just 136.5 passing yards per game and has yet to eclipse 160 in a contest. With South Carolina likely to rely on the run (142 rush yards per game) and potentially playing with a lead, Sellers’ volume could be limited. He’s also completing just 55.3% of his passes.

LSU vs South Carolina Odds

Odds as of September 14, 2024, at BetMGM Sportsbook.

LSU is currently a 6.5-point road favorite over South Carolina, with the moneyline at LSU -260, South Carolina +210. The over/under is set at 50.5 points.

The odds imply LSU has a 72.2% chance of winning outright, while South Carolina has a 32.3% chance of pulling the upset. The line movement from LSU -7.5 to -6.5 indicates early sharp money on the Gamecocks, even though 75% of public bets are on the Tigers. Historically, following the sharp action early in the week has been more profitable.

With two run-heavy teams (SC 65% run, LSU 68 rush yards vs Nicholls) and strong defenses (SC #6 coverage grade, LSU 48 points allowed), the total of 50.5 points feels slightly inflated. Expect a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair.

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