The LSU Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs will battle for the SEC conference championship this weekend at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The 9-3 Tigers had a fine season, with wins over Mississippi State, Florida, Ole Miss, and Alabama. The Bulldogs are the nation's top-ranked team and are in the driver's seat to win the national championship. UGA is an 18.5-point favorite, and the game total is 50.5 points.
LSU will not be intimidated by the Bulldogs, but can it pull off the improbable SEC title victory over the national title favorites? It wouldn't be the first time the Tigers threw a wrench in the championship picture this season. LSU's 32-31 win over Alabama knocked the Crimson Tide off their pedestal, giving head coach Brian Kelly his first signature win in Baton Rouge. It was an emotional win for Kelly and a substantial one for the program.
“I had never beaten Alabama,” Kelly said. “I was emotional, not for myself, but I was emotional for our team. Because I know what we looked like in January, and to see where we are today, that's pretty emotional.”
It's been an incredible first year as the head coach of LSU, and one of the most enjoyable years that I've had in my career.
Our work continues as we build a cham pionship program that everyone can be proud of. pic.twitter.com/GnsaiMS3O4
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) November 30, 2022
The Bulldogs know the Tigers won't play with their food but is LSU opportunistic enough to send UGA whimpering home without its bone? LSU is averaging 32.5 points and 433.4 yards per game this season, including 191.8 on the ground and 241.6 through the air. It has converted 49 of 55 red zone trips (89.1%) and 47.8% of its third-down attempts, the 13th-highest third-down conversion percentage in the nation.
Transfer quarterback Jayden Daniels leads the Tigers in rushing (824 yards), passing yards (2,556 yards), and total touchdowns (26). Junior running back Josh Williams has contributed 481 yards on 92 carries and six touchdowns, and sophomore wide receiver Malik Nabers has paced the pass-catchers with 58 receptions for 726 yards and one touchdown. Receivers Jaray Jenkins and Brian Thomas Jr. have also combined for 638 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
The LSU defense is surrendering 21.5 points and 346.8 total ya rds per game, including 143.4 rush yards and 203.4 pass yards. The Tigers have 25 sacks and six interceptions this season. Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. leads the pass-rushers with 7.5 sacks, and six different Tigers have recorded an INT.