JD PicKell: Predicting the final score of Tennessee vs. LSU

LSU is coming along well under new head coach Brian Kelly. While Tennessee is enjoying their best start to a season in years in the second year of Josh Heupel’s reign. So when these two surging SEC powers meet in the Bayou for a morning melee this Saturday, who comes out on top?

On3’s JD PicKell answered that exact question over on the On3 YouTube channel. He broke down the game in full, then offered his precise score prediction for the Volunteers vs. the Tigers, noting that the early kick-off will play a major factor for both teams and the crowd.

You can watch his complete analysis in this video, where he picks a winner and score at the end. Or you can read his prediction just below.

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JD PicKell predicts Tennessee vs. LSU game

“At the end of the day, though, this game is being played in Death Valley and it’s a little bit earlier. So the atmosphere is different than it would have been at night. If it’s at night, you probably have people that have just been going at it all day long ready for some football. Tennessee, they practice in the morning, they’re accustomed to having a quick start early in the day. How much does that mean? Remains to be seen.

“But I think it’s worth noting, going back to the atmosphere, there’s probably going to be a little bit more of a toned-down Death Valley for 11 AM. Just from what we’re hearing, I think Tennessee just has too much firepower. I think they’re going to force the issue and score points early. And then Jayden Daniels, I think, does have a little bit more success downfield. I think that he, out of just necessity, has to try that.

“Ultimately, with what you’re doing at Tennessee, with how many points I think they’re going to score in the match, I think Tennessee wins this game, 31-21. And then that becomes the thing I tend to see, right. Check that one off. Next one means even more eyes on us at Tennessee. Josh Heupel has even more fodder to use when it comes to the recruiting game. This thing is continuing to build. It’s like a tidal wave with each win. A little more energy, a little bit more surge.

“For LSU, looking down the road, this year was more of a let’s see what we can do kind of year under Brian Kelly. It’s not what it’s going to be. At the end of the day, LSU is going to be fine down the road. And this one, Tennessee just further along, better offense, too much for LSU. They force the issue, Tennessee wins this game 31-21 in Death Valley.”