Greg McElroy adds LSU vs. Florida State in Week 1 to ultimate 2023 college football schedule

LSU against Florida State is probably the most anticipated matchup in Week 1 of the college football season. Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy agreed.

Brian Kelly already knew there were heightened expectations for the Tigers going into the opener. Mike Norvell and the Seminoles can probably say the same.

But out of all the games, LSU-Florida State stands out and could have the most at stake.

“Of all the games in Week 1, there’s one that stands out, it’s on Sunday, man,” McElroy said on Always College Football. “You got two teams that are potentially going to be in the top 10 in the preseason. If I were to put my top 10 together, it’s no doubt both LSU and Florida State would be in the mix. That game is being played in Orlando, a neutral site. It’s a little bit of a pseudo home game for Florida State after they traveled to New Orleans to take on LSU last year in Brian Kelly’s debut.”

McElroy went on to describe how LSU reshaped its roster with returning players and the transfer portal.

“Now Brian Kelly, their team is loaded. Loaded,” McElroy said. “They bring so many great pieces back. Get a couple of guys back from injury last year … If (LSU beats Florida State) you naturally have a chance to win the national championship.”

Florida State meanwhile, finally exploded under Norvell and has a Heisman-type quarterback in Jordan Travis.

“The answer after last year, is Florida State back? The answer is a resounding yes,” McElroy said. “Coming into 2023, you return your quarterback and return a ton of playmakers. There is great staff continuity. The defense added several portal players to kind of plug and play at positions where they can excel. Jared Verse comes back, the dynamic edge rusher. 

“Great run game with Trey Benson. Excellent, excellent supporting cast surrounding the quarterback Jordan Travis, who is probably in the preseason, going to be on the shortlist as far as the Heisman watch list if you will. So number one, game of week one, LSU-Florida State and to be honest with you, I really don’t think it’s very close.”

Not only that, Florida State just added Keon Coleman in the transfer portal, so it’s another worry for LSU.

LSU and Florida State kick off September 3, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. ET in Orlando (Fla.).