The Florida Gators (1-1) travel to Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge on Saturday for a crucial SEC showdown against the third-ranked LSU Tigers (2-0). This primetime matchup on ABC carries massive implications for both programs, but for vastly different reasons.
Florida enters this game reeling from a shocking 18-16 home loss last weekend to South Florida, a defeat that knocked the previously 13th-ranked Gators completely out of the AP Top 25 and put fourth-year head coach Billy Napier back on the hot seat. The Gators desperately need a statement victory to salvage their season before soldiering on with what many consider the nation's toughest college football schedule.
Meanwhile, LSU will be aiming to continue its impressive start under the lights of Death Valley. The Tigers are coming off a 23-7 victory over Louisiana Tech and a big win at No. 12 Clemson 17-10 in Week 1.
Key players to watch include each school's quarterback, with DJ Lagway under center for the Gators and LSU's Nussmeier, a fifth-year senior who has been the Tigers' starting quarterback the last two seasons. Lagway will be hoping to shake off the loss to USF, where he produced respectable stats (22-of-23 passing for 222 yards, one touchdown and one interception) but trouble with consistency in his pass placements.
Nussmeier, meanwhile, is the first player in LSU history to return as starting quarterback after passing for 4,000 yards or more the previous season.
Each team also has standout running backs, with Florida's ground game led by sophomore Jaden Baugh (27 carries for 201 yards in two games played) and LSU paced by sophomore Caden Durham (30 carries, 105 yards in two games).
LSU will be without two key starters: junior transfer center Braelin Moore and tight end Trey'Dez Green, both nursing injuries that may sideline them for multiple games. Florida's key injury last week came to edge rusher LJ McCray, who broke his foot in the USF game and has already undergone surgery.
History favors the home team in this series. Last year's meeting in Gainesville saw Florida defeat LSU 27-16, giving the Gators momentum in the rivalry. However, Florida owns a 2-4 record in its last six trips to Tiger Stadium and have lost its last four games there.
How to watch Florida vs LSU
Who: University of Florida Gators (1-1) vs. Louisiana State University Tigers (21-0)
What: Southeastern Conference opener for both schools.
When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, La.
TV: ABC
Streaming: ABC. Announcers: Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst), Molly McGrath (reporter). Radio: Gator Sports Network (Station List) and SiriusXM 160 or 190 (SiriusXM App). Pre-game coverage starts at 4 p.m. ET
Radio Announcers: Sean Kelley (play-by-play), Shane Matthews (analyst), Tate Casey (reporter) Point spread: LSU is a 9.5 favorite, and the over/under is set at 49.5 points, according to Draft Kings Sportsbook
Last season's records: LSU finished the 2024 campaign 9-4 overall and 5-3 in the SEC. Florida went 8-5 and 4-4 in the SEC
Series history: This marks the 71st meeting between Florida and LSY, with the Gators owning a record of 34-34-3 against the Tigers. Last season, Florida prevailed 27-16 over LSU at The Swamp.
Weather: According to The Weather Channel, kickoff conditions will be mid-80s, 67 percent humidity 91 degrees, partly cloudy and only a 5% chance of rain.