3 Bold Predictions for LSU vs Vanderbilt SEC Clash

Long a bastion for "old school" football that featured a heavy dose of running up the middle, LSU has reinvented themselves into a playoff team behind Joe Burrow lighting up the scoreboard in a spread offense. They open up conference play against Derek Mason and a Vanderbilt team that kicked off the season with some tough non-conference games.

Here are three bold predictions for Saturday's clash.

3. Joe Burrow Throws for 400 Yards

If he could throw for 471 yards and four touchdowns at Texas, why shouldn't he be able to feast against Vanderbilt? Look for Burrow to frequent wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who is leading the SEC with 374 yards receiving while averaging 19.7 yards per catch. Another day, another shockingly good performance from Burrow.

2. Jared Pinkney Gets 100+ Yards Receiving

Between Pinkney, wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb, and running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn, the Commodores have some legitimate NFL studs on their roster. Pinkney is making a case to be the best tight end prospect in the country and has a good test ahead of him in LSU's linebacking corps. His combination of size and speed should get the job done.

1. LSU Forces Three Turnovers in Dominant Win

Riley Neal has played well in his first few starts for Mason and Vanderbilt, but future Top-10 pick Grant Delpit, Kristian Fulton, and that Tigers secondary won't be intimidated in the least by Neal. Given how opportunistic Delpit can play, and how aggressive Dave Aranda is, the Tigers should be in Neal's grill all game long, which could lead to a few turnovers that swing the game in favor of LSU.