In the upcoming college football matchup on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, two top-10 teams, No. 5 LSU and No. 8 Florida State, will face off at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. This game promises to be a highlight of Week 1 and one of the most highly anticipated nonconference clashes of the entire 2023 college football regular season. The excitement surrounding this showdown is not only due to the prestigious football programs but also fueled by their previous encounter, which ended in a dramatic 24-23 victory for Florida State in last year’s season opener.
Watch Now
Sponsored
LSU rebounded impressively from that one-point loss, securing 10 victories and notable wins over Alabama, Ole Miss, and Auburn, ultimately clinching the SEC West title. The arrival of head coach Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge brought renewed hopes of championship contention. Despite a substantial loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship game, LSU’s rapid progress under Kelly has elevated expectations for the 2023 season.
Florida State, on the other hand, also achieved 10 wins last season, marking a significant milestone as it was their first such accomplishment since 2016. Under the guidance of coach Mike Norvell, the Seminoles have steadily improved from three wins to five wins and, finally, to 10 wins. Their victory against LSU last season, along with impressive wins over Florida and Oklahoma, indicates that they are ready to take the next step in their program’s development
With both teams entering the 2023 season with top-10 rankings and College Football Playoff aspirations, this nonconference showdown holds immense importance. The outcome will significantly impact the playoff debates later in the season. The winning team will boast one of the most impressive victories on its resume, while the losing side will face intense pressure to perform flawlessly in the remaining 11 games of the season.
Key Points for LSU vs Florida State:
Heisman-caliber Quarterbacks: Jayden Daniels for LSU and Jordan Travis for Florida State are top contenders for the Heisman Trophy. They will be the driving forces behind their respective offenses. Both teams also have talented wide receiver groups, with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas for LSU and Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman (a transfer from Michigan State) for Florida State. Given the relative weaknesses in both teams’ secondary’s, expect a high-flying passing game battle.
Transfer Portal Impact: Both coaches have strategically utilized the transfer portal to bolster their rosters. Coach Norvell has consistently brought in top transfer classes in recent years, while Coach Kelly has done the same at LSU, enabling rapid improvement despite significant roster changes.
Defensive Challenge for LSU: LSU will be without key defensive tackle Maason Smith, who is serving a one-game suspension for NCAA violations stemming from an autograph signing just before the implementation of NIL rules in the summer of 2021. This absence will test LSU’s defensive depth against one of the more experienced offenses in college football.
How to Watch LSU vs Florida State Live:
Date: Sunday, September 3rd
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
TV: ABC
Live Stream: fubo (Free trial available)
Prediction and Picks:
Expect an offensive shootout, as both teams feature exceptional quarterbacks and elite wide receivers, coupled with concerns about their respective secondaries. The point total is likely to surpass the oddsmakers’ prediction. While I predict a Florida State victory, the highlight of the game is expected to be a thrilling quarterback battle between Jayden Daniels and Jordan Travis.
In what is sure to be an electrifying clash on the field, these Heisman-caliber quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels and Jordan Travis, will undoubtedly take center stage. Their skill sets, combined with the top-notch wide receiver talent surrounding them, promise to deliver a spectacular offensive showcase. LSU boasts Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas as potential household names, while Florida State’s All-ACC candidate Johnny Wilson now partners with Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman, a gifted wide receiver with a bright NFL future. The matchup is further intensified by the fact that both teams have question marks in their secondaries, suggesting that fans can anticipate a plethora of big plays through the air throughout the game.
Labeling this game as the “Portal Bowl” would not be an exaggeration. Both coaches have adeptly utilized the transfer portal to address roster needs, resulting in the infusion of top-tier talent. Coach Norvell has consistently bolstered his squad with impressive transfer classes over the past three offseasons, with the latest class ranking No. 6 in 247Sports’ Transfer Team Rankings for 2023. Similarly, Coach Kelly has harnessed the transfer portal to swiftly rebuild LSU’s roster, ranking No. 3 and No. 2 in transfer rankings in his two offseasons at the helm. This strategic use of the transfer portal has facilitated rapid success for both programs, despite substantial roster overhauls following previous coaching eras.
One noteworthy development for LSU is the absence of key defensive player Maason Smith, who was poised to be a defensive star this season. Unfortunately, Smith will miss the season opener against Florida State due to a one-game suspension resulting from NCAA violations related to an autograph signing just before the implementation of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules in the summer of 2021. This suspension decision has raised questions, as had it occurred slightly later, it might have been permissible under the new rules. LSU will face the challenge of navigating this pivotal top-10 matchup without one of their key defensive assets. However, Coach Kelly has expressed confidence in the depth of his defensive line and its ability to perform at a high level even without Smith on the field.
As fans eagerly anticipate this showdown, they can mark their calendars for Sunday, September 3rd, at 7:30 p.m. ET when the action unfolds at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The game will be broadcast on ABC, and for those looking to stream it live, fubo offers a free trial.
In conclusion, expect a thrilling offensive spectacle in the LSU vs. Florida State matchup, with both teams featuring top-tier quarterbacks, talented wide receivers, and questions surrounding their secondaries. While Florida State may emerge as the victor, the real highlight of the game will likely be the captivating duel between Jayden Daniels and Jordan Travis, making this matchup an unmissable spectacle for college football enthusiasts.
The anticipation surrounding this top-10 clash between LSU and Florida State is palpable, and for good reason. Not only do both teams possess a rich football tradition, but their recent successes and offseason developments have set the stage for an epic showdown. With their sights set on College Football Playoff contention, the stakes could not be higher in this nonconference battle.
For fans of the game, this matchup promises a spectacular offensive showcase. With two Heisman Trophy-caliber quarterbacks in Jayden Daniels and Jordan Travis leading the way, the field is set for an aerial assault. Both signal-callers have the potential to light up the scoreboard, and they’ll have elite wide receivers at their disposal to make big plays. LSU’s Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, along with Florida State’s Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman, are all primed to steal the spotlight. Given the vulnerabilities in both teams’ secondary’s, expect a high-scoring affair with no shortage of highlight-reel moments.
The “Portal Bowl” moniker is apt for this game, as both coaching staffs have masterfully leveraged the transfer portal to bolster their rosters. Coach Mike Norvell of Florida State has consistently brought in top-tier transfer classes, with the 2023 class ranking among the best in the nation. Meanwhile, Coach Brian Kelly has rapidly reshaped LSU’s roster through the portal, resulting in immediate success despite significant changes following the Ed Orgeron era. The impact of these portal acquisitions will be on full display as the teams take the field.
One intriguing storyline to watch is LSU’s defensive challenge. Despite losing a key defensive player in Maason Smith for the season opener due to suspension, Coach Kelly has expressed confidence in the depth of his defensive line. Smith’s absence against Florida State’s experienced offense will test the Tigers’ ability to maintain a winning level of play. It’s a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the LSU squad under their new coach.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 3rd, at 7:30 p.m. ET when this highly anticipated matchup unfolds at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. ABC will broadcast the game, and for those looking to stream it live, fubo offers a free trial.
In summary, the LSU vs. Florida State showdown promises to be a football extravaganza that fans won’t want to miss. With explosive offenses, talented quarterbacks, and the backdrop of strategic transfer portal moves, this game is sure to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable plays. The winner will not only secure a crucial early-season victory but also earn a prominent spot in the College Football Playoff conversation, setting the stage for an exhilarating 2023 season.