Predictions: No. 19 LSU vs. Army in Week 8 Battle

The Tigers prepare for a showdown against the Black Knights in Death Valley, final tune-up before key matchups.

The LSU Tigers return to Death Valley with a chance to carry their momentum from Week 7 into their non-conference showdown against Army on Saturday.

LSU enters the contest at 5-2 overall (4-1 in SEC play), while Army is 2-4 overall, but it’s a matchup that has significant intrigue for those within the program.

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT in Tiger Stadium on SEC Network.

Here are three LSU players to keep tabs on, best bets for Saturday and a score prediction for Week 8. 

Lance Heard: Offensive Tackle

Heard be the starting right tackle on Saturday night while Emery Jones nurses an ankle sprain suffered in Week 7. The five-star freshman has seen limited action this season, but when thrown in the fire, he’s handled business.

Against Auburn, when Jones went down with injury, Heard entered the mix and got it done in the trenches. Now, facing an Army squad that has struggled in the trenches this season, Heard has an opportunity to get in a rhythm.

He’s had a week to run with the first-team as he prepares to take significant reps this weekend against the Black Knights, and facing an inferior opponent, it makes the battle inside that much more intriguing. Heard will be one to keep tabs on this weekend.

Greg Penn III: Linebacker

Brian Kelly detailed how the second-level will be key against an Army offense that thrives in the triple option. Looking ahead, it’ll be veteran linebacker Greg Penn III that must step up in a big way for this program in order to shut down the rushing attack.

Penn has been the savvy leader this program has relied on at linebacker. While Oregon State transfer Omar Speights has been out, we’ve seen Penn be vocal for the Tigers. Now, facing an inferior opponent, Penn has an opportunity to put his game together and shake off an inconsistent season with a complete performance.

The linebackers as a whole will be key on Saturday, but big-time performances from Penn and true freshman Whit Weeks will give this program an opportunity to put Army out of reach early.

Maason Smith: Defensive Line

LSU will be without interior defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo on Saturday against Army, which will immediately put a larger workload on third-year Tiger Maason Smith. There have been challenges with Smith this season as he works back from a torn ACL (last season) and an ankle sprain (fall camp), but he’s slowly getting back in game shape.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen Smith work back into a groove, and with Wingo out this weekend, it’s clear there will be more eyes on Smith as he prepares to hold down this unit against a unique offense.

It’s clear Army favors the triple option on offense, and for Smith, he’ll have to be on his toes each snap in order to get a read on the play. Look for the dominant defensive lineman to make the most of his reps and dominate the trenches on Saturday night in Death Valley. 

Betting Lines/Best Bets via DraftKings Sportsbook 

• Money Line: Army Black Knights (+3500) vs. LSU Tigers (-20000)
• Point Spread: Army Black Knights +32.5 (-110) vs. LSU Tigers -32.5 (-110)
• Game Totals: Over 59.5 (-110) vs. Under 59.5 (-110)

Best Bet: LSU -32.5

DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Information: 

To bet on any of these markets now, click here to join DraftKings Sportsbook, and you’ll receive $200 worth of free bets just for placing a $5 bet on any of these LSU vs. Army odds.

Claim this $200 DraftKings sign-up bonus and you can also get a same game parlay every day this season. All you need to do is place a $5 bet on any available sports market, including this LSU vs. Army contest.

Score Prediction: LSU 48, Army 10