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Tennessee football: Vols, SEC, Top 25 predictions for Week 1 of 2018

By Caleb Calhoun

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 11: A general view of the stadium before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 11: A general view of the stadium before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images /

No. 8 Miami Hurricanes vs. No. 25 LSU Tigers

Sunday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; AT&T Stadium; Arlington, Texas

TV: ABC; Line: Miami -3.5; Over/Under: 48  

Caleb Calhoun

Something’s got to give. Even with the Miami Hurricanes, I’m still a believer in the notion that Mark Richt comes up small in big games. So a Sunday night game would work against him. But I’m also a believer in the fact that the LSU Tigers are slowly unraveling under Ed Orgeron, who simply can’t coach and ran off good assistants like Matt Canada. So what’s going to be the difference here?

Well, Miami has a lot more returning talent, including its quarterback. And the Hurricanes are more prepared for this big moment. As a result, I have Richt’s team winning in an ugly game that both programs try to lose. Take Miami and the under.

Miami: 23 LSU: 17 (Miami -3.5; Under)

Billy Williford

Call me crazy, but I do not think LSU is a Top 25 team. Yes, I know that is a bold statement with them potentially beating the No. 8 team in the land. What do we talk about every single year with the Tigers? They do not have a quarterback, and the offense is going to struggle.

Miami jumped out to a 10-0 record last season with wins over Virginia Tech and Notre Dame. The Hurricanes are the team most are predicting that have a chance against Clemson. Take Miami.

Miami: 28 LSU: 17 (Miami -3.5; Under)

Garrett Sanders

LSU recently has lost a lot of talent due to players being suspended and transferring away. It seems as if this team has lost their mojo coming into this game. Ed Orgeron looks like he is well on his way out the door. But a win here could change everything for LSU. Miami, on the other hand, is also coming off a three-game losing streak to the end their 2017 campaign. They need a win here as well.

Third downs are going to be the story of who wins and loses this game. Miami was putrid on converting third down’s last season. LSU’s defense, however, was one of the best third-down defense’s in 2017. If Miami cannot turn on third down situations, this may be a long night for the Hurricanes. But in the end, Miami’s pass rushing defense will prove to be enough to pressure LSU all night long. I expect this game to be close heading into the fourth quarter, but expect Miami to pull away with this one.

Miami: 24 LSU: 14 (Miami -3.5; Under)

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