Florida @ Louisiana State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 9, 2010 ) Louisiana State 33, Florida 29

THE STORY: No. 18 Florida ran into the wall that is Alabama’s defense in a deflating loss last weekend. With quarterback John Brantley sitting out this week, the Gators could have even more trouble with a defense that may be the only one on par with the Crimson Tide. No. 2 LSU has yet to be challenged despite having faced three ranked teams. The Tigers, however, are suddenly dealing with a mini quarterback controversy. Jordan Jefferson returned to the team last weekend after a four-game suspension and is itching to take the starting job away from Jarrett Lee. LSU will try to stay undefeated when Florida visits Death Valley.

TV: CBS. LINE: LSU -13.5

ABOUT FLORIDA (4-1, 2-1 SEC): Freshman Jeff Driskel is expected to get the start in place of Brantley, who suffered a leg injury when he was sacked in the first half of last weekend’s 38-10 loss to the Crimson Tide, the Gators’ worst home defeat since 2002. Florida managed just two first downs the rest of the way with Driskel under center. The Gators entered that contest averaging 259 yards rushing but finished with just 15 against Alabama. LSU’s run defense is nearly as strong, ranking third in the nation.

ABOUT LSU (5-0, 2-0 SEC): Lee kept his starting job last week against Kentucky but was just 8 of 21 for 169 yards and a touchdown. Jefferson replaced Lee on a goal-line play in the first quarter and rushed in for a score on fourth-and-1. The Tigers can probably survival a little turmoil on offense thanks to their defense, which is allowing 12.8 points. The unit was at its best last week against the Wildcats, yielding 155 total yards in a 35-7 victory.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jefferson was booed by the home fans when he entered the game last week. Head coach Les Miles took some time out of his press conference to chastise the fans for their reaction.

2. Florida head coach Will Muschamp worked at LSU from 2001-04, serving as a defensive assistant under Nick Saban.

3. LSU has won 13 straight home games since losing to top-ranked Florida on Oct. 10, 2009.

PREDICTION: LSU 27, Florida 10 -- The Tigers are on a collision course with Alabama (Nov. 5), and nothing will get in their way.