(12) LSU Tigers vs (20) TCU Horned Frogs
AT&T Stadium/ Arlington, Texas
Capacity: 80,000
8/31 9:00 PM EST/ ESPN
Players to Watch:
LSU:
Zach Mettenberger (QB) -- Has all the arm talent in the world, but will need to prove that he’s cleaned up his mechanics.
Jeremy Hill (RB) -- After being voted to stay on the team after an arrest in April, Hill returns as the team’s leading rusher.
Craig Loston (S) -- Loston is a human missile from his safety position and acts as an enforcer.
TCU:
Casey Pachall (QB) -- Pachall returns from his suspension with enough talent to be the game changer.
Brandon Carter (WR) -- An electric weapon at Pachall’s disposal that should give LSU defensive back’s issues.
Jason Verrett (CB) -- Verrett is arguably the best cornerback in the nation. He won’t make Odell Beckham Jr’s (LSU WR) job easy.
Previewing LSU:
For the most part, LSU’s offense should not lose a step. In fact, it is likely to be improved with Mettenberger now having a year under his belt and Hill becoming the full-time running back. Mettenberger’s receivers must help him out more than they did last year when they were plagued by dropped passes. The loss of starters on the LSU defense may hurt them. A pair of defensive backs and several members of the front seven are now at the professional level and leave big shoes to fill. LSU is a talented, but quite unproven team.
Previewing TCU:
Pachall, who only threw one interception on 97 attempts prior to his suspension, is back to command the Horned Frogs. He will be looking for his most talented wide receiver Brandon Carter as he tries to lead his team past the SEC powerhouse and through a BIG12 title run. TCU will be without their star defensive lineman Devonte Fields, who racked up 10 sacks last season as a freshman, as he is currently suspended. Although, defensive backs Jason Verrett and Elisha Olabode will be more than enough trouble for Mettenberger to handle.
Prediction:
This classic matchup could go easily go either way. LSU’s offense, if they’ve developed, will be high powered and may prove to be a bit too much for TCU to handle. As usual, LSU’s defense is primed to be solid and may be able to keep Pachall quiet. LSU should be favored for this week one battle.
LSU WINS 34-24