LSU's defense has played at a National Championship level so far this season. The Tigers are allowing just 12.2 points per game to their opponents, which ranks 6th in the entire country. Despite struggling against Ole Miss, the Tigers still managed to hold the Rebels to 24 points after they averaged over 44 points per game through the first four weeks of the season. Year 2 under Blake Baker is producing tremendous results so far, and LSU could be in line for another strong defensive day against a South Carolina offense that has been rough so far this season.
South Carolina ranks last in the SEC in several offensive categories
South Carolina entered the season ranked No. 13 in the AP Top 25 Poll. However, they quickly fell out of the rankings and enter this Week 7 matchup against LSU unranked with a 3-2 overall record and a 1-2 mark in SEC play. QB LaNorris Sellers entered the season as a Heisman contender, but inconsistent play and a concussion have led to an underwhelming campaign for the Gamecock QB so far in 2025. As a whole, the South Carolina offense ranks last in the SEC in several major categories.
308.6 - Yards per game for South Carolina (last in SEC)
Overall, the Gamecocks rank dead last in the SEC in total yards per game with 308.6. For comparison, the Missouri Tigers lead the league by averaging 547.6 total yards of offense per game. The LSU defense is allowing just 293 yards per game to their opponents, ranking 6th in the SEC. South Carolina has shown explosiveness, but the consistency hasn't been there. Long, extended drives have been rare for the Gamecocks this season, and the red zone offense has failed to capitalize on its opportunities on a regular basis.
The LSU defense has done a great job of preventing long drives this season, but struggled mightily in the first half against Ole Miss. The Tiger defense was on the field for 50 plays in the first half against the Rebels, which left them gassed down the stretch. LSU needs to capitalize on South Carolina's ineffiecny to help put the offense in good spots on Saturday night.
208.8 - Passing yards per game for South Carolina (14th in SEC)
Sellers has thrown for 886 yards through five games this season. He suffered a concussion early in the Vanderbilt game and was forced out after just seven pass attempts. His best game of the season came against Missouri when he completed 18 of his 28 attempts for 302 yards and two touchdowns without an interception in a 29-20 loss.
South Carolina's average passing yards per game is similar to LSU's passing yards per game allowed, as the Tigers are allowing 206.8 yards per game through the air to their opponents. That ranks 10th in the SEC, but LSU has a plethora of playmakers in the secondary who are able to give Sellers problems. South Carolina's WR room leaves a lot to be desired, and the offensive line has allowed a whopping 15 sacks on the season, which ranks 117th nationally.
99.8 - Rushing yards per game for South Carolina (last in SEC)
The Gameock running game has especially struggled, as they are the only team in the SEC averaging less than 100 yards per game on the ground. Leading rusher Rahsul Faison has 163 yards on 41 carries, which evens out to 4.0 yards per carry. Sellers is also capable of making plays with his legs, although he has managed just 2.0 yards per carry on the season.
124 - Total points for South Carolina (14th in SEC)
Given South Carolina's ineffectiveness in creating big plays and sustaining drives, it's not surprising to see the Gamecocks averaging the third-fewest points per game in the SEC with 24.8. The LSU offense has had its own struggles this season, but the Tiger defense should be able to help out the offense yet again with a strong performance against the Gamecocks. The Tigers and Gamecocks played a high-scoring game that featured 69 total points in last year's matchup, but this year's meeting could be more lower-scoring.