College GameDay is heading to Baton Rouge for Week 11 as the LSU Tigers prepare to host their arch-rivals, the Alabama Crimson Tide, in what promises to be a high-stakes and captivating SEC showdown. The matchup between these two powerhouse programs has significant postseason implications, with both teams eyeing a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
With LSU ranked No. 14 and Alabama sitting at No. 11, Saturday’s clash could be a pivotal moment in determining each team’s fate.
Adding to the excitement, LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne and her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, will feature as this week’s guest pickers on ESPN’s popular pre-game show, College GameDay. Dunne, who has become a well-known figure both on and off the gymnastics floor, and Skenes, a rising star in Major League Baseball, will join the hosts in making predictions for the day’s biggest matchups.
Dunne, 22, took to social media to share her excitement about being part of this special event. She posted a brief but fired-up message for LSU fans ahead of her appearance on Saturday, writing, “Can’t wait!!! Let’s geaux.” Her enthusiasm has only further fueled the anticipation for what should be an electrifying atmosphere in Baton Rouge.
Olivia Dunne is not only a star gymnast but also a key contributor to LSU’s historic success in collegiate gymnastics. During the 2023-24 season, Dunne helped lead the Tigers to the program’s first-ever national championship in gymnastics.
Her prowess on the floor and her leadership have been instrumental in putting LSU gymnastics on the national stage.
Off the mat, Dunne is a social media phenomenon, with over 8 million followers on TikTok and 5 million on Instagram. Her massive online presence has made her one of the most recognizable athletes in college sports, and her influence reaches far beyond the gym.
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Meanwhile, Paul Skenes, also 22, is coming off an impressive rookie season in Major League Baseball. After leading LSU’s baseball team to a national championship in 2023, Skenes transitioned to the MLB, where he made an immediate impact as a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
During his rookie campaign, Skenes recorded an impressive 170 strikeouts across 130 innings, boasting a stellar 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. His performance on the mound has established him as one of the league’s most promising young talents, and his success has only added to the buzz around LSU athletics.
The couple’s appearance on College GameDay is sure to draw plenty of attention from fans, as Dunne and Skenes have become one of the most talked-about power couples in college sports.
Their shared success and love for LSU have made them fan favorites, and their participation as guest pickers will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to the pre-game festivities.
As LSU prepares to face Alabama, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams are battling for a spot in the College Football Playoff, and a win on Saturday could significantly bolster their chances. The Tigers will be looking to capitalize on the energy of the home crowd, and with College GameDay in town, Baton Rouge is set to be the center of the college football world for Week 11.
With Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes representing LSU on College GameDay, fans can expect a passionate and spirited showing as they make their picks for the day’s games.
The excitement surrounding their appearance is just one more reason why this SEC showdown is a must-watch event.
Saturday’s game has all the makings of a classic, and LSU fans are hoping that the presence of two of their most beloved athletes will bring the Tigers some good fortune against their storied rivals.
