While the LSU Tigers didn't put together a dominating performance against Louisiana Tech, they still prevailed with a 16-point victory to move to 2-0 on the season. The same can't be said for their Week 3 opponent, the Florida Gators, who suffered a crushing loss at home to South Florida on Saturday night.
Favored by 18 points against the Bulls, the Gators fell flat in an ugly 18-16 loss. Florida paid USF $500,000 to come to Gainesville, and Alex Golesh's squad not only walks away with half a million dollars, but with a signature win that has Billy Napier feeling the heat more than ever. Napier knows he is now firmly on the hot seat, and the upcoming schedule in front of his team doesn't do them any favors. After visiting No. 3 LSU this weekend, Florida plays at No. 5 Miami (FL), vs No. 7 Texas, and at No. 16 Texas A&M over the next month.
After such a demoralizing defeat, it's easy for LSU to expect Florida to halfheartedly walk into Tiger Stadium and not have much motivation to put forth a competitive effort. But the Tigers shouldn't have that mentality. The Gators are going to bring their best, and Brian Kelly knows it.
Brian Kelly expects Florida to bring it - and he's right
LSU cannot afford to overlook the Gators in any way. Last season, Florida suffered several losses early in the season that had Napier on the verge of getting run out of town. The Gators suffered three losses before the end of October in 2024, but they responded with wins in the following games all three times. Down the stretch, Napier rallied his team to four straight wins to close the season, which included a dominating 33-8 win over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl.
Brian Kelly expects the Gators to bring their best to Baton Rouge on Saturday night. LSU needs to be ready.
"After what happened this past weekend, they are going to play their absolute best football. I told our guys that, they know that. "Brian Kelly
At times, an embarrassing loss can fire up a team. In 2017, LSU lost to Troy at home in embarrassing fashion. The following week, the Tigers went on the road and defeated No. 21 Florida in The Swamp by a score of 17-16. Don't be surprised if Florida comes out with an aggressive game plan on the road, especially after seeing LSU's vulnerabilities on display against Louisiana Tech.
LSU has started slow in each of its two games so far this season, and Florida is still a talented team that is capable of capitalizing if LSU leaves the door open. Kelly and his staff need to have the Tigers ready to go from the jump, as another slow start could put them in a tough spot.
LSU is looking for revenge against Napier and the Gators, as Florida defeated LSU 27-16 in Gainesville last season. Bragging rights are on the line on Saturday, as the all-time series between the Tigers and Gators is knotted up 34-34-3.