UT Vols vs. LSU: All of our experts predict Tigers to win

Do we really need experts to pick this game?

Tennessee has significant issues on both offense and defense. And whether it will make any difference, the Vols have an interim coach making decisions after defensive line coach Brady Hoke replaced Butch Jones, who was fired Sunday.

A better prediction for our experts: Who will be the next coach of the Vols? 

More:Coaching search: Here's what we know, including Grumors

Blake Toppmeyer (beat writer)

LSU 34, Tennessee 7: The question will be asked after this game whether the Vols rolled over in the aftermath of Butch Jones’ firing. That’ll be a lazy narrative. Tennessee was a bad team before Jones was fired. It’s a bad team now. Derrius Guice will carve up the Vols’ poor run defense, and the Vols’ offense will continue to muddle along helplessly.

Mike Wilson (beat writer)

LSU 34, Tennessee 6: Butch is gone, but the Tennessee offensive line is still around. That’s bad news for whichever quarterback plays against the LSU defensive front. Oh, and let’s not forget that Missouri ran all over the Vols – and the Tigers don’t have Derrius Guice.

More:UT Vols vs. LSU 5 things to know: Peyton Manning, avoiding a Tennessee first

More:Hoke appeals to fans ahead of LSU game: 'They can make a difference.'

More:Tennessee football looks as bad as LSU remembers it

John Adams (columnist)

LSU 27, Tennessee 6: It wouldn’t matter who was coaching the Vols on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. They just don’t match up well against LSU, whose defense should have no problem beating down UT’s beleaguered offense.

Joe Rexrode (columnist)

LSU 28, Tennessee 20: The Vols will show some pride and maybe release some frustration in their first game without Butch Jones. Brady Hoke will have them ready to play in his interim debut. It won't quite be enough. 

Dave Ammenheuser (sports director)

LSU 24, Tennessee 21: Vols put up a good fight, but they are simply outmanned in a game decided late. 

Phil Kaplan (deputy sports director)

LSU 44, Tennessee 13: No need to be an expert. Tennessee's offensive line has issues. LSU likes to run. The Vols' run defense is swiss cheese by the second half. No matter which quarterback will play for UT, he will be sacked at least four times. 

Dana Sulonen (sports planner)

LSU 38, Tennessee 17: Butch Jones might not be the coach anymore, but that’s not going to change much heading into this Saturday’s cross-division game against the Bayou Bengals. While I don’t foresee another 50-spot being put up against Tennessee this week, I do think it will be a lot to a little in terms of the final score.