ESPN’s “College GameDay” leaned toward LSU on Saturday morning, with the panel backing the Tigers 3-1 ahead of a pivotal showdown with Alabama.
The No. 14 Tigers, 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Southeastern Conference, are a six-point favorite over the No.
9 Crimson Tide, 6-2 and 4-2 in the SEC. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. in Tiger Stadium on ABC.
On the set at Notre Dame’s campus, former Michigan wide receiver and 1991 Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard joined host Rece Davis in calling the matchup a “huge” one for both teams as they try to build momentum in November and keep their playoff hopes moving.
“This is a tough one to pick,” he said. “I’m gonna go with LSU simply because they’re at home.
Sam Leavitt’s playing at a very high level right now, not turning the ball over. He has Trey’Dez Green back, so I’m gonna go with the Bayou Bengals.”
Nick Saban was the lone voice for Alabama. The former Tigers and Tide head coach, who went 13-5 against LSU while at Alabama and 9-1 in Tiger Stadium, pointed to the strange split in the rivalry when the game is played in Baton Rouge.
“This is one of the most unusual home deals that you’ve ever seen,” Saban said. “LSU beats Alabama more when Alabama’s at home.
Alabama beats LSU more when they’re playing at LSU, which is a tough place to play. But I think Bama gets it right.
I’m all in for Alabama on this one.”
LSU has gone 4-9 at home against Alabama since 2000 and 6-7 on the road.
Pat McAfee followed Saban with LSU, joking about the pick before saying the Tigers can keep their postseason hopes alive with a win. The former NFL All-Pro and West Virginia All-American punter and kicker pointed to LSU’s first game against Clemson and Leavitt’s recent play.
“Give me LSU just because what we saw that first week against Clemson, and Sam Leavitt’s playing better,” McAfee said. “They still have a path to get in (to the College Football Playoff). They know they have to win this at home.”
Celebrity guest picker Jason Sudeikis also went with LSU, tying his choice to one of the program’s most famous names.
“Pistol Pete Maravich is my all-time favorite basketball player, even though I never got to see him play,” said the “Ted Lasso” star. “Going LSU.”
Former Ohio State quarterback and longtime broadcaster Kirk Herbstreit did not make a pick because he will be on the ABC broadcast for the game.
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