Predicting every LSU Tigers game in the 2023 college football season

What we can expect when LSU takes the field in 2023 as defending SEC West champions

James Parks | Aug 23, 2023

Predicting every LSU Tigers game in the 2023 college football season /

Brian Kelly surprised many analysts in his debut season, leading LSU to a win over Alabama and an SEC West championship and now coming into his sophomore effort leading the Tigers program returns a team loaded with experience, including his starting quarterback, offensive line, receivers, running backs, and one of the most formidable front seven rotations in college football.

What can we expect when LSU takes the field this season? College Football HQ takes a stab at predicting each game on the Tigers' schedule, in one sentence.

vs. Florida State: Expect another close one in this rematch, this time in Florida against a Seminole team that returns a ton of its production from last year's 10-win team and can run the ball with authority, and scored major transfers on both sides of the ball who will be immediate impact players. Loss

vs. Grambling State: A chance for LSU to trot out Garrett Nussmeier for some meaningful reps. Win

at Mississippi State: The SEC opener should feature LSU's receiver corps finding ample room against a Bulldog secondary wanting for a playmaker. Win

vs. Arkansas: LSU should better control the line of scrimmage as the Hogs won't have the same blocking combo on the inside offensively and should struggle on the back end against the likes of Nabers and Thomas. Win

at Ole Miss: LSU shut down the streaking Rebels last year in a statement win and should be favored to do so again on the road, but not before Quinshon Judkins, arguably the SEC's top back, makes it interesting. Win

at Missouri: LSU's defensive front shouldn't have too much trouble against Missouri's protection. Win

vs. Auburn: Transfer quarterback Payton Thorne can place the ball downfield, but he won't have much time when LSU's front seven gets after Auburn's new-look front five. Win

vs. Army: No more option football for the Black Knights, who are undergoing a tremendous strategic shift under coach Jeff Monken. Win

at Alabama: Two in a row for Kelly and LSU against the Crimson Tide, who lack a game-changer at quarterback and could struggle to maintain possession against the Tigers' adept front seven rotation. Win

vs. Florida: The Gators can rush the quarterback moderately well and will run the ball competently, but LSU has posted over 40 points in three of the last four of this rivalry, all wins, and have the pieces to do it again. Win

vs. Georgia State: Cupcake Week goes as expected. Win

vs. Texas A&M: These teams have split the last six with the Aggies taking last year's game in a shocker, but this time LSU is ready for the pressure, plays a tighter defensive game, especially against the run, and protects home field. Win

College Football HQ prediction: LSU finishes 11-1 overall with an 8-0 mark in SEC play and places 1st in the West.

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