College Football Predictions: South Alabama-LSU Prediction, Odds

South Alabama Jaguars and LSU Tigers will face each other in a high-scoring game on Saturday, September 28. LSU is a 21.5-point favorite in the odds and the overall odds are as high as 65.5.

South Alabama’s offense has been running hot lately, scoring a combined 135 points against Appalachian State and Northwestern State. The Jaguars will now step up in class to see if their offense can hold up against an LSU defense that has struggled at times early in the season.

Which team has the advantage on Saturday? To find out, we break down the matchup.

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South Alabama Jaguars vs. LSU Tigers odds

LSU-21.5

Total: 65.5

Moneyline: LSU -1600, South Alabama +900

Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbooks

South Alabama Jaguars and LSU Tigers prediction

Do you like points? If so, South Alabama-LSU is probably the game for you. As the high 65.5 overall number indicates, this is a matchup between two good offenses that struggle on defense.

South Alabama entered Saturday’s game ranked 13th in total offense and averaging over 48 points per game. Meanwhile, LSU is averaging 33.5 points per game, but the offense took a step back after the NFL Draft lost three first-round picks to last season’s top-ranked unit.

These numbers are a bit misleading because LSU was facing a much tougher schedule, but there’s no denying the Jaguars’ offense is improving heading into Saturday’s game. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for South Alabama’s defense. The Jaguars rank 107th in total defense, allowing 449 yards per game.

LSU’s offense has been effective, but the Tigers are still looking for a breakout performance. Although we expect to see Garrett Nussmeier and Co. play well through all four quarters, there were some flashes like the second halves against South Carolina and UCLA. That breakout performance should come on Saturday.

The big surprise for LSU through four games has been its mediocre offensive attack. LSU was thought to have one of the best offensive lines entering the season, but the Tigers finished a disappointing 96th in rushing with just 117 yards per game.

I expected LSU to destroy a bad UCLA squad last week, but it didn’t happen. I’ll be honest, this performance raises a red flag for me because the Bruins have been so bad this season. Still, I expect the Tigers’ offense to improve against South Alabama’s superior defense.

The total of 65.5 is a bit high for me, so I’m attacking this game another way. I like the LSU team’s total to be over 43.5. South Alabama lost 52 to North Texas earlier this season, and I think we’ll see a similar result in this matchup. If LSU’s offense can’t get the upper hand against one of the worst defenses in the country, it’s time to hit the panic button.

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South Alabama Jaguars and LSU Tigers selection

LSU team total over 43.5 (DraftKings)