Tennessee visits LSU in clash of physical teams - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

(RNN) - LSU should be motivated by its five straight losses to Tennessee dating back two years when the Vols come to Baton Rouge on Tuesday for the SEC season opener for both schools. The Tigers, who had their five-game win streak snapped by Rhode Island in their last outing, are favored by 2.5 points.

The 2014 teams are similar – Tennessee is 9-4 and LSU is 9-3 on the season, and both play a tough, inside-out game. Both like to bang it out under the goal, but have guys who can light it up from outside.

LSU's Johnny O'Bryant III and Jordan Mickey are towering presences underneath, combining to average almost 29 points and 15 rebounds per game.

O'Bryant III is a beast at 6-9, 256 and will confront Jarnell Stokes, an inch shorter and four pounds heavier, who's averaging 13.8 points and 9.2 boards per game.

Jerone Maymon is averaging 11.1 points per game.

Tennessee's leading scorer is guard Jordan McRae, with 18.9 points per game. He's the outside game - he leads the team with 26 threes.

The game tips at 7 p.m. ET and airs on ESPN.

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