No. 7 Texas heads to Baton Rouge on a three-game winning streak to face No. 14 LSU in one of the week’s biggest college football matchups. The Longhorns are 7-2 after beating Missouri 34-20, and have also picked up wins over Ole Miss and Tennessee this season.
LSU, now 6-3, is looking to regroup after a 31-13 defeat to Alabama. The Tigers had put together a strong October, with wins against Auburn and Mississippi State.
LSU opened as a 4.5-point favorite, while the game’s total is set at 45.5.
Arch Manning could be asked to run more than usual. LSU’s defense puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so designed runs and scrambles may be important for Manning as Texas looks for ways to keep the pass rush at bay.
That pressure could also limit Manning’s passing production. Texas may rely on its ground game and shorter throws, making it harder for him to build up passing yards.
LSU may try to help Sam Leavitt settle in with quick passes, screens and other short throws. Those could add up to completions, even if the Tigers struggle to create big plays.
There’s also a chance Leavitt faces trouble against a Texas defense coordinated by Will Muschamp. He had thrown eight interceptions entering November, and if LSU falls behind, he may have to take more risks.
The outlook points to a physical, defense-focused game with pressure on both quarterbacks. That fits the relatively low total, and the atmosphere of a night game in Baton Rouge could make things tougher still.
