LSU Football: 247Sports makes predictions for Tigers’ season-opener
By Zach Ragan
LSU Football is set to kick off the 2021 season on September 4 on the road against the UCLA Bruins.
The Tigers are hoping to get off to a quick start after finishing the 2020 season with a disappointing 5-5 record.
Opening on the road against UCLA isn’t an “automatic win” like a lot of teams get in week one.
LSU absolutely has the talent to beat the Bruins, but nothing is ever certain in week one — especially on the road.
247Sports’ predictions for LSU football’s season-opener against UCLA
247Sports’ team of LSU writers made some predictions this week for the Tigers’ season-opener against UCLA.
And they’re feeling quite confident about LSU’s chances of starting the season 1-0.
Sonny Shipp has the Tigers winning 34-20, in what he says will be a “close game at halftime”, with LSU pulling away in the second half.
Shea Dixon sees a similar scenario playing out. He has UCLA keeping the game close until halftime, with LSU opening up a two-score lead and winning 33-24.
Finally, Billy Embody has LSU winning 38-31. This feels like the most likely outcome. I think the Tigers’ defense will be much better in 2021 than it was in 2020. But LSU will need at least a game to find its groove under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones (and a largely new defensive staff).
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Ultimately, these predictions don’t mean much. But it’s at least notable that LSU is basically viewed as the “favorite” heading into the season-opener against UCLA.
That means anything less than a win in Pasadena on September 4 will be viewed as a major letdown for the Tigers.
As usual, there will be plenty of pressure on Ed Orgeron and his staff to perform at a high level.