Tennessee football at LSU: Last-minute predictions

4. LSU will win the second half by three scores.

With Jayden Daniels in at quarterback, the Tigers have scored touchdowns on six of 10 second-half drives this year. They overcame a 17-0 deficit to Auburn just last week, and while the comeback began in the second quarter, they really took it up a notch in the second half. That also includes the play of the defense.

Tennessee football has not been great in the second half this year, particularly the fourth quarter. The Vols almost choked away a game to the Pittsburgh Panthers because of numerous mistakes in the second half, including a blocked punt and two fumbles, one of which was a muffed punt. That’s why they needed overtime.

Meanwhile, they allowed Florida to have the ball with 30 seconds left down only 38-33 despite leading them 38-21 midway through the fourth quarter. What has typically happened is the Vols have used a strong second quarter to take control of games. Well, they’ll need to do that here.

How much they dominate the second quarter will determine who wins because they’ll also dominate the first. LSU, however, will dominate the entire second half, and it won’t be close. Brian Kelly is great at adjustments. The question is if UT can build an insurmountable lead. That’s how they can escape with a win.