LSU Football: Opening game vs Wisconsin is weekend's main event

The LSU football season is ready to kickoff, and it’s going to be a huge opening week game against the Wisconsin Badgers to get things started.

The 2016 LSU football campaign will begin against the Wisconsin Badgers on the huge stage of frozen tundra at Lambeau Field. While It won’t be frozen in September, Lambeau will provide a great backdrop for the game that has been billed as the main event of the kickoff weekend.

These two teams met in the first week of the 2014 season in Houston in what turned out to be a comeback victory for the Tigers. The first matchup was a de facto home game for the Tigers, and this time around it will be so for the Badgers.

If Saturday’s game is anything like the one in Houston I’m certain there will be plenty of fireworks. Here’s how the Tiger stack up against the Badgers.

No. 5 LSU Tigers Vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Lambeau Field; Green Bay, Wisconsin

Saturday September 3, 2:30 pm kickoff

Television: ABC, Radio: 98.1 FM

LSU Offense Vs. Wisconsin Defense

The Tigers have the advantage in almost every category, but offense is arguably where they have the smallest advantage. While LSU has the better talent and more depth, their passing game is still suspect.

LSU has questions on the offensive line and if they have to lean too heavily on Leonard Fournette and the rest of the running game it could be a long night for them. The Badgers may be unranked, but they always field tough and gritty teams, especially along the front seven. I’m sure new Wisconsin defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox will have something prepared for the Tigers.

Advantage: LSU

LSU Defense Vs. Wisconsin Offense

Wisconsin always sports one of the best offensive lines in the nation, and this year will most likely be no different.

After spending the past three seasons at Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda has joined the Tigers and he will be facing his old team in his first game with LSU. Dave will have to call upon his new pass rushers to break through Wisconsin’s offensive line.

An injury to defensive linemen Christian Lacotour will make that task more difficult. Running behind Wisconsin’s offensive line is running back Corey Clement. If Clement has a big day it can take some pressure off of Wisconsins new quarterback Bart Houston, who will be making his first start, and make the game a little bit easier for him.

Advantage: LSU

Special Teams

This category is basically neck and neck. Which means something crazy is sure to happen on a kickoff or punt. In fact, rumors have been circling around LSU that Leonard Fournette could be called upon to return kicks this season. This means that the Tigers are looking to make big things happen in the kicking game in 2016.

Advantage: PUSH

Prediction

I believe this game will be tough and gritty, but as the game wears on the Tigers depth will prove to be too much for Wisconsin, who don’t quite have as deep a team as they had during the Dave Aranda years.

Score: 33-14 LSU