ESPN's Greg McElroy Predicts LSU-Texas Winner, Points To Key Matchup

ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy is picking LSU to beat Texas on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium.

During his *Always College Football* show, McElroy pointed to LSU's defensive front against Texas' offensive line as the biggest mismatch in the game.

"LSU's pass rush against Texas' protection is probably the most lopsided matchup on the board," McElroy said. "It's happening at home, at night."

McElroy believes Texas' defense can keep the game close, but questions whether the Longhorns can consistently protect quarterback Arch Manning against LSU's pass rush.

"Texas' defense is good enough to hold LSU to field goals, which is why I think this stays a fight," McElroy said. "But if Texas becomes one-dimensional and an offense that has to throw against this pass rush, this is going to spend way too much time off schedule, behind the chains."

McElroy ultimately predicted a 24-20 LSU victory.

"I'm taking LSU to win this game, 24-20, at night in Death Valley. That's when that pass rush gets a sixth man. And I don't know if Texas' O-line can hold up throughout the night."