re: Is it too early to start the LSU-Wisky score prediction thread? I don't think so

LSU 24 Wisconsin 20

Wisconsin doesn't have as much speed as LSU, but they can match up physically in the trenches. They should be able to hold their own and limit the inside running game enough to force us to spread them out a bit and throw the ball effectively. I think we'll see mixed results with that. Harris should hit some throws, but being an opening game, it's hard to see how the passing game will be very polished. LSU should score a decent number of points, but not put up gaudy numbers.

Offensively, Wisconsin should be their usual style offense with a physical pounding running game and some play action mixed in. LSU's defensive weakness is likely to be the same one as last year, although maybe not as bad, namely the lack of size and depth in the front seven. We should be able to keep them from dominating the LOS, but they will hold their own and do some damage, too.

I don't know much about UW's special teams, but I know ours are likely to be terrible except for placekicking and kick returning. Punts, kickoffs and coverage of both are a problem, and I'm not even sure we remember that it's legal to block a punt or kick. It's hard to imagine this being anything better than a wash for us, and it could easily be a Badger advantage.

Intangibles in the form of cool temperatures and the majority of fans at the game favor Wisconsin, but should not be all that big of an impact.

Final result: I think Harris hits enough throws and our speed gets us enough big plays to prevail in a tough, close one. LSU 27, Wisconsin 21