Take Five Breakdown: Florida looks to break five game losing streak to No. 21 LSU

Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators

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• October Superlatives
• Former Florida Player Feedback: 10 Observations
• Parental Perspective: Florida Football Commits Parental RoundTable
• OTM: Is there a path to a fourth year
• Ranking UF’s commits from least to most likely to jump ship
• What names are on your Coaching Hot Board

After two games on the road, the Florida Gators are back home this Saturday to face the No. 21 LSU Tigers. Like Florida, LSU is coming off back-to-back losses but does have a five-game winning streak over the Gators going for them. To get a better feel for the Tigers, Inside the Gators caught up with Jason Willis of The Reveille for a full preview.

Five LSU Tigers to Know

Garret Nussmeier, Quarterback, Redshirt Junior

• Under center for LSU is redshirt junior Garret Nussmeier. He is kind of an anomaly in modern-day college football as he sat behind Max Johnson and Jayden Daniels for three years. The issue with Nussmeier is that he likes to take risks. “The expectation was always that the arm talent was there,” Willis said. “But the problem with Garrett was always that he is a gunslinger.” Although he has 21 passing touchdowns this season, he has also thrown 11 interceptions which has been costly for the Tigers.

Kyren Lacy, Wide Receiver, Redshirt Senior

• LSU’s No. 1 receiver is Kyren Lacy. After transferring from Louisiana Lafayette in 2022, he wasn’t given a big roll until now. Lacy is having a career year with 46 receptions for 697 yards and seven touchdowns. “This year… he has taken that leadership role in the wide receiver room,” Willis said. Lacy has good size and great speed. He is a well-rounded receiver, but he needs to be a bit more consistent.

Mason Taylor, Tight End, Junior

• At tight end, the LSU Tigers have the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. Mason Taylor is in his third season at Baton Rouge and is expected to be drafted. Although he is a fantastic blocking tight end, he helps his quarterback out the most when he gets down the field. “Nussmeier’s best attribute is going over the middle and having a guy like Taylor who can make tough catches in traffic only compliments that skill,” Willis said. Taylor is strong and quick which is a matchup problem.

Bradyn Swinson, Edge Rusher, Senior

• Oregon Transfer Bradyn Swinson plays in the Jack position for the Tigers. You will rarely see him in a stance with his hands on the ground. “Because he plays that Jack position, he makes plays not only rushing the passer and getting sacks, but every now and then he drops into coverage and he has been pretty disruptive there too,” Willis said. Swinson this season has 43 total tackles, two forced fumbles and leads the team with eight sacks.

Whit Weeks, Linebacker, Sophomore

• Leading LSU in tackling this season is Sophomore linebacker Whit Weeks. As Weeks’ freshman season went along, he started to get phased out of the game plan. Fans were upset and even started a #FreeWhitWeeks on social media. This year though, he is on the field for all three downs. “Weeks is easily LSU’s best open-field tackler,” Willis said. “He is instinctive.” Also, his older brother, West Weeks, plays for LSU as well.

Five Fast Facts

• In the last 10 games, LSU is 8-2 against Florida. The Tigers are currently on a five-game winning streak.
• Brian Kelly is 8-1 in day games since taking over as head coach in 2022.
• Dan Mullen and Billy Napier have only one combined win over LSU as Florida’s head coach.
• Both of Jalen Milroe’s career highs in rushing came against LSU (155 yards in 2023, 185 yards in 2024).
• LSU has the third-worst passing defense in the SEC, allowing 244.3 yards in the air per game.

Five Game Day Storylines

Can Nussmeier regain his early season form?

• During the first five games of the season, Nussmeier averaged an 86.04 QBR throwing for over 300 yards in 4 of the five games. These past four games in SEC play though, he has struggled. Nussmeier has thrown seven interceptions earning a 69.9 QBR. The Redshirt Junior needs to settle down and not put the ball in harm’s way.

Offensive Balance

• The Tigers have struggled to run the ball this season. In the SEC, LSU has the least amount of rushing attempts, rushing yards, rushing yards per game, and rushing touchdowns. With a gunslinger at quarterback, you need balance. If the Tigers can’t get their backs going, Nussmeier will be forced to throw the football all game which leads to his interceptions.

Nussmeier homecoming?

• Garret Nussmeier played one year of Varsity high school football in Gainesville at Buchholz. As a freshman, he played in three games in 2017, completing six passes for 63 yards and two interceptions. He later moved to Texas where he played at Marcus earning a four-star rating by 247Sports.

Will Lagway Play?

• After last week’s performance against Alabama, it’s clear that LSU can’t stop a dual-threat quarterback. Milroe had 109 yards passing and 185 yards rushing. When healthy, DJ Lagway can play as a dual-threat quarterback which would keep the Tigers’ defense on their toes. The issue is, will Lagway play? Even if he does, will he be as mobile as he was before the hamstring injury?

Situational Play Calling

• Like Florida fans, LSU supporters are tired of the offensive playcalling. There seems to be a lack of awareness in terms of what is needed. Long developing plays are called on third and short, while quick, short passing plays are called on third and long. Tiger fans want to see better judgment on vital downs.

Prediction

• Joseph Torviso: LSU 20-17
• Jason Willis: LSU 31-17

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