Station Survey: Predictions on LSU vs. USC

We asked the team at 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge to predict the outcome of Sunday’s season opener. Here’s what they had to say.

Jacob Hester, Co-Host Off the Bench: LSU gives up yards, but the defense holds USC to field goals. Not TDs. Running back by committee approach helps chew the clock and finish the game. 31-23 LSU.

T-Bob Hebert, Co-Host, Off the Bench: Last year’s defense was away to reactive, not aggressive. Blake Baker is going to change all that. I love my dude Harold Perkins saying they’re going to get freaky on third downs. He’s speaking my language. BIGGER. FASTER. STRONGER. 38-24 LSU.

Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: This game has made me nervous all week, but I’m still picking LSU 38-28. I understand that the Tigers haven’t performed well in openers which is my main cause for concern.  Anyone who’s been out there at practice knows this team still has a few issues to get straightened out, but my time around this team has shown me something else. There is just a different feel around this team.  Brian Kelly and the Tigers seem confident, and the team appears to be a close-knit group, that can go a long way in close games.

Alondra Villareal, Audio Producer, Off the Bench: LSU 38, USC 31. I think it will be a high scoring game, but LSU’s offensive line will overpower USC’s defense. I think they’ll keep the game close, but ultimately LSU’s running game will be better than USC’s. I have faith in Blake Baker and this new defense.

Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: 34-31 LSU…lot of offense, two defenses in transition, and a fast track.

Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: The game comes down to two things. How well does LSU run it? How well does USC throw it. I expect both to have success. LSU’s defensive backs concern me against this talented Trojan WR corps. Still, give me the Tigers with a late field goal to win it. LSU 37, USC 35

Jacob Beck, Audio Producer, The Hunt Palmer Show: We’ve talked about it for weeks now, but I think this game comes down to which defense can make one or two more stops than the other. I trust that Blake Baker and his staff have got this LSU defense ready. LSU 31 USC 27

Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: LSU 31, USC 27. I don’t think LSU stops USC’s offense but I think LSU’s O-Line and kicker are good enough to get the lead and salt the game away.

Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: LSU 34, USC 30. LSU has an advantage up front on offense. We’ve heard about the offensive line and run game all off-season long now it will be on display. On defense I’m looking at 3^rd down and the coverage in the backend. Can LSU hold USC to in between 30-34% on third down and not let guys run free by 20 yards? If so, I like the outcome. I like LSU to take a two-score lead in the second half and hold off the Trojans late salting the game away.

Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: LSU 35, USC 31. I think Garrett Nussmeier is ready to lead the LSU offense and has plenty of playmakers to do so successfully. The defense will be much improved from a year ago, but playing together for the first time against a Lincoln Riley lead offense could prove challenging early on.