LSU and Florida were originally scheduled to play on Oct. 8 in Gainesville, but that was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew. We weren’t sure whether this game would be played at all this year, but despite the intense bickering on both sides following the postponement, they’ll actually play the game on Saturday afternoon in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.
Florida vs. LSU 2016: Start time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
With any luck, this game could still include a couple bounce passes from kickers, just like in the old days.
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
LSU-Florida games have traditionally been action-packed, important football games. That this game has been shifted to an early afternoon start on SEC Network should be indicative of how far both teams, particularly Florida, have slipped. But just because this isn’t a top-five matchup doesn’t mean there are no stakes at all. Florida can clinch the SEC East with a win, and LSU can finish second in the SEC West if they win out.
How to watch, stream, and listen
TV: 1 p.m. ET, SEC Network
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: LSU is favored by 14 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Alligator Army for Florida fans and And The Valley Shook for LSU fans.
Three big things to know
1. Ed Orgeron can give himself a strong case for the permanent head coach job at LSU by winning out down the stretch, which is now just games at home against Florida and at Texas A&M. As of right now, LSU is the only team to come close to holding Alabama in check, and if that’s the only loss on Coach O’s resume at the end of the year, that’s a pretty strong statement.
2. Florida’s defense has been spectacular for most of the season, but it’s difficult to overlook just how poor the Gators offense has been. They’re ranked 90th in Offensive S&P+, 82nd in points per game with just over 26, and 79th in yards per play at 5.49. That’s simply not good enough at a place like Florida.
3. Even more bad news for the Florida offense is that LSU’s defense is one of the best in the country. They’re fifth in Defensive S&P+, and allowing a paltry 13.9 points per game. LSU’s offensive output has ticked up since Orgeron took over as interim coach, and the disparity in production between the two offenses will probably be the story of the game.
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