After a well-timed bye week, LSU is back on the field with a renewed sense of purpose and an opportunity to reset its season. The Tigers, ranked No. 11 in the AP Poll, hold a 4-1 overall record and a 1-1 mark in SEC play. Their last game—a 24-19 loss to No. 4 Ole Miss—highlighted persistent offensive struggles that head coach Brian Kelly aims to fix before Saturday’s matchup against South Carolina.
LSU’s offense has yet to find consistency against top-level opponents. In three contests versus Power Four teams, the Tigers have been held under 20 points each time, raising concerns about their lack of big plays and sustained drives. Although they average 27.0 points per game, that number is skewed by a 56-point showing against Southeastern Louisiana. In truth, LSU sits 80th nationally in scoring offense.
Even so, Kelly’s recent injury updates on several key players provide optimism that the Tigers’ offense could be trending upward.
Brian Kelly expects Garrett Nussmeier, Aaron Anderson, Caden Durham to play
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, once viewed as a potential Heisman contender, has drawn criticism for his inconsistent deep-ball accuracy and increasing pressure-to-sack rate. He’s averaging 6.8 yards per attempt with a 0.08 EPA per dropback, ranking 72nd nationally.
Head coach Brian Kelly provided some positive updates this week: Nussmeier has been cleared to play after recovering from a torso injury, and key pieces like running back Caden Durham and offensive lineman Weston Davis are also expected to return. Wide receiver Aaron Anderson is listed as “probable,” while offensive lineman Paul Mubenga remains questionable.
The return of several key players could provide the spark LSU needs to reignite its offense — and they’ll need it against a South Carolina team eager to make a statement and rejoin the College Football Playoff discussion.
Betting Lines and Game Info
Despite recent offensive struggles, LSU enters Week 7 as a clear favorite. The Tigers are favored by 9.5 points at most sportsbooks, with the total set around 41.5. Kickoff is slated for 7:45 p.m. ET at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, airing live on the SEC Network.
LSU 2025 Season Snapshot (Through Week 5)
Team Overview
- Record: 4–1 (1–1 SEC)
- AP Ranking: No. 11
- Points Per Game: 27.0 (T-13th SEC)
- Points Allowed Per Game: 12.2 (3rd SEC)
- Total Offense: 364.2 YPG (12th SEC)
- Total Defense: 293.0 YPG Allowed (7th SEC)
Top Performers
- QB Garrett Nussmeier: 1,159 yards, 7 TDs, 3 INTs, 67.3% completion
- RB Caden Durham: 213 yards, 2 TDs on 52 carries
- WR Aaron Anderson: 305 yards on 23 catches
- LB West Weeks: 31 tackles
- S Dashawn Spears: 2 interceptions
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