Greg McElroy tabs LSU vs. Florida State as one of his favorite early season matchups

Last year, LSU and Florida State squared off in a thriller in Week 1. Both teams wound up taking big strides throughout the season, and that adds to the intrigue for the return game in September.

That’s why ESPN analyst Greg McElroy has it circled on his calendar.

McElroy listed the rematch of LSU vs. Florida State as one of his favorite early season matchups on Always College Football this week. Both teams put together impressive records in 2022 — LSU finished 10-4 and Florida State went 10-4. They also have important pieces back this year, which is why McElroy has his eyes on Orlando Sept. 3.

“That game was phenomenal last year,” McElroy said. “I was fortunate enough to be on the call for it. … It’ll be on Sunday again, standalone window on ABC. Should be an incredible game down there in Orlando. LSU, I don’t know if there was a team last year that overachieved or improved more from Week 1 to where they were at the end of the season. Now, was it without a couple issues? Sure. Tennessee game, forgettable. The performance against Texas A&M, Disappointing. But either way, Brian Kelly clearly has LSU on the right track and their team’s loaded, man. Returning quarterback, returning and young offensive line, emerging, experienced, super talented playmakers offensively. They return the two best defensive players from a year ago. You’ve got to like a lot of what you bring back.

“And, conversely, Florida State returning quarterback, experienced playmakers, dynamic run game and improved offensive line. Jared Verse on defense, three levels of great defenders and new additions via the portal. These are two teams that should be ranked in at least the top 12 going into the 2023 season.”

Mix of returning talent, new faces could make LSU vs. Florida State rematch interesting

LSU has plenty of star power coming back this year, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels. He cemented himself as a dual-threat last year as he threw for 2,913 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 885 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. In addition, the Tigers have a good amount of production coming back on the offensive line in front of Daniels, which means things look good for the LSU offense this year.

As if Florida State didn’t have enough production returning — quarterback Jordan Travis headlines the offense and EDGE Jared Verse headlines the defense — the Seminoles were also among the big winners in the transfer portal. Former Virginia cornerback Fentrell Cypress and former UTEP offensive tackle Jeremiah Byers are both in the fold after coming in as the No. 3 and No. 13-ranked transfers this cycle, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.

LSU and Florida State will face off Sept. 3 from Camping World Stadium in Orlando.