Top 5 matchups for Week 3 of the 2024 college football season
5. No. 16 LSU vs. South Carolina – Saturday, Noon ET, ABC
Despite being SEC opponents, LSU and South Carolina haven鈥檛 played often with just seven matchups since 2000. LSU has come out victorious in each, including the programs鈥� most recent contest in Baton Rouge in 2020, and leads the all-time series 19-2-1 with the Gamecocks only getting wins in 1930 and 1994. The first matchup in Columbia between these two teams since 2008 has the Tigers as a touchdown road favorite.
LSU would definitely take a conference-opening road victory after another season-opening loss under Brian Kelly to USC in a seemingly winnable game. LSU rebounded this past weekend with a 44-21 victory over Nicholls but the game was close into the third quarter. However, the Tigers got a brilliant 300-yard, six-touchdown performance from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier who has looked sharp while taking over for reigning Heisman winner Jayden Daniels.
The Tigers鈥� defense hasn鈥檛 been as crisp but has plenty of talent led by linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. That unit will look to slow a South Carolina offense which had its way with SEC-rival Kentucky this past weekend. Following a close Week 1 win over Old Dominion, the Gamecocks looked dominant in their conference opener, particularly on defense as they completely shut down the Wildcats鈥� passing attack. If the defense can play at that level against Nussmeier and LSU, the Gamecocks could pull an upset that would send LSU鈥檚 season into an early tailspin.
