2013 College Football Picks: LSU @ Georgia Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 9/28/2013

2013 College Football Picks: LSU @ Georgia Odds and Predictions – Free College Football Picks 9/28/2013: Another huge game in the SEC is on tap this weekend when the sixth-ranked LSU Tigers (4-0, 1-0 SEC) visit the ninth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (2-1, 1-0 SEC). Both teams have national title and conference title aspirations, but the loser of Saturday’s showdown is going to be facing an uphill battle for both. Plenty is at stake in this one, and playing at home, the Bulldogs are currently 3-point favorites.

The game will be the first big test for the Tigers, who have looked like a much more balanced team in 2013. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger has thrown 10 touchdowns compared to just one interception, running back Jeremy Hill has rushed for 350 yards and six scores, and receivers Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry have both surpassed 300 yards. LSU’s defense has also been solid, allowing less than 20 points per game despite several new starters.

For Georgia, the showdown with another top-10 team is becoming routine. After all, LSU will be the third top-10 opponent the Bulldogs have faced in four games this season. As expected, the Georgia offense has been stout throughout the year, and the Bulldogs enter the game averaging more than 40 points per game. Quarterback Aaron Murray is averaging more than 300 yards per game and completing 72.0 percent of his passes. Meanwhile, running back Todd Gurley is averaging more than 100 yards per game on 6.0 yards per carry. On the flip side, Georgia’s rebuilt defense has struggled and is allowing nearly 30 points per game.

The Tigers Win If:

If the Tigers are going to go on the road and pull off an upset, they need to win the battle in the trenches. Both teams have powerful ground attacks, but LSU’s punishing style is more crucial to the team’s overall success. By controlling the pace of the game, the Tigers can keep their defense well rested and make life easier for Mettenberger. While LSU actually has plenty of firepower on offense, the last thing the Tigers want to do is get into a high-scoring shootout with Murray and the Bulldogs. If the Tigers get their ground game rolling early, they can wear down an already-suspect Georgia defense and outlast the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs Win If:

If the Bulldogs are going to knock off the Tigers, they need to at least slow down the LSU ground game. While expecting the Bulldogs’ defense to suddenly become stingy is a reach, if Georgia can at least take away the Tigers’ ground attack, they should be in good shape. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs need to maintain a balanced attack on offense and attack the LSU defense through the air and on the ground. The Tigers are tough to beat when the can dictate the pace from the start of the game, but if Murray and company can get their offense rolling early and force Mettenberger and company try to keep pace, the Bulldogs should be able to overwhelm LSU with their offense.

Bottom Line:

Ironically, neither quarterback in this matchup has a history of performing well in big games, and while Murray has been the productive QB overall, the Tigers appear to be the more balanced team in this matchup. The Bulldogs’ defense has been porous all year, and it is going to backfire against a team like the Tigers that can control the tempo with their loaded backfield and physical offensive line. The Tigers should have little trouble establishing their ground game early, and from there, they should be on their way to a win.

Prediction: LSU Tigers (+3.5) Cover the Spread 

LSU @ Georgia
Time: 3:30 PM EST
Line: Georgia -3.5
Total: Over/Under 61.5

NSAwins.com is America’s premier sports betting website for 2013 College Football Expert Picks and College Football Betting Odds and Lines.