LSU vs. Missouri point spread: Picking Tigers vs. Tigers

No. 21 Missouri is looking to begin the season 6-0 for the first time since 2013, and No. 23 LSU stands in the Tigers’ way.

As Mizzou looks to become one of two undefeated schools in the SEC after six weeks, former NFL player Geoff Schwartz joined On3’s Andy Staples in revealing their picks for the ranked matchup between LSU and the undefeated Missouri Tigers. Only this time, they opted to favor the scoring total rather than the point spread.

“I don’t understand how LSU is going to get stops in this game,” Schwartz told Staples. “LSU’s defense right now is 121st in points per drive on defense. Their explosive play-rate is 127th on defense. Then you get an offense at Missouri that can score with wide receivers. The total (63.5) might hit, but this is a home game in a conference where everyone still thinks of LSU as a big dog program — [Missouri] is going to be fired up to win the game.

“But also, LSU can’t stop a nosebleed. I don’t really think we’re going to see a situation that has LSU winning by seven points or more.”

LSU’s defensive unit has allowed at least 31 points in three of its first five games of the season, including exactly 100 total points during the first three games of their SEC schedule.

“I picked the over because I don’t see how Missouri is going to stop LSU, either,” Staples said. “With Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas — those guys are awesome. We saw them against Ole Miss last week, so I think this is going to be a high-scoring game.”

Brian Kelly’s offense has been the Tigers’ saving grace this season. Luckily for LSU, their offensive unit has scored 124 total points over their span of three conference games with an average of 41.3 points per outing.

Last week alone, Daniels put up 414 passing yards, 99 rushing yards and five total touchdowns. A similar performance against Missouri — and it won’t matter how well the defense is playing. Averaging 32 points per game on offense, Mizzou, in theory, won’t be able to keep up with LSU’s high-powered offense.

That’s not to say they aren’t liable to score a touchdown or four during the contest — that’s why Staples and Schwartz are leaning on the over regarding the point total. Saturday’s opening kickoff is scheduled for Noon ET live on ESPN.