Early odds, points spreads released for two LSU football games

Early odds have been released for a pair of LSU football games in 2023, according to FanDuel. Coming off of a 10-4 finish and SEC West division title in Brian Kelly’s inaugural season, the Tigers have high expectations for themselves.

However, in two of the biggest games of the year, oddsmakers have tabbed them as underdogs. Those contests are a marquee matchup against Florida State in the opening week, as well as a Week 10 road game against Alabama. LSU is a 1.5-point dog versus the Seminoles and a 7.5-point underdog against the Crimson Tide.

The Tigers handed Alabama one of its two losses this past season, winning 32-31 after a two-point conversion in overtime. Quarterback Jayden Daniels scored three total touchdowns in the victory, finishing 22-of-32 passing for 182 yards in addition to 95 yards rushing.

When it comes to Florida State, the Tigers will seek revenge after losing to the Seminoles in heartbreaking fashion last year. LSU rallied from 14 down in the fourth quarter to score the potential game-tying touchdown as time expired. However, they botched the extra point and lost 24-23. Florida State went on to finish with its first 10-win season since 2016, and many believe it will take another leap forward in 2023.

Daniels announced this offseason that he will return to LSU after throwing for 2,913 yards, 17 touchdowns and three interceptions along with a team-high 885 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. He brings back top receiver Malik Nabers, who had 72 catches for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.

On defense, the Tigers return defensive lineman Maason Smith, who missed all of last season after suffering an injury in the first quarter of the season opener. A member of the 2021 All-Freshman SEC team, he’ll be a big boost to the front line.

LSU will look to defy the odds when it kicks off the 2023 football season against Florida State on Sept. 3 in Orlando.