LSU vs UCLA Week 4 Preview

Erik Trosclair • September 20, 2024

Let's get into it!

This Saturday will be the 2nd matchup between LSU and UCLA on the football field. The Bruins were victorious in that 2021 matchup, 38-27. One of the Tigers' recent 1st game slip ups.


Spread: LSU -24.0

O/U: 56.5

TV: ABC

Location: Tiger Stadium

Time: 2:30 PM


UCLA (1-1) is coming off of a loss to the red hot Indiana Hoosiers. The Bruin offense is led by quarterback Ethan Garbers, running back T.J. Harden, wide receiver Rico Flores Jr., and tight end Moliki Matavao. This offense ranks last in the Big Ten Conference and in the bottom 20 in the nation in total offense. The Bruin defense is led by linebacker Kain Medrano, defensive back K.J. Wallace, and defensive lineman Siale Taupaki. This defense ranks 2nd to last in the Big Ten Conference in total defense. UCLA is in a bit of a transition period, having to replace a head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator.


LSU (2-1, #16/#16) is coming off of a stunning victory over SEC foe South Carolina. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is off to a great start this season, ranking 15th in passing yards, 3rd in touchdown passes, and 14th in QBR in the country. Wide receiver Kyren Lacy is off to a tremendous start to the season, ranking T-2nd in the country in touchdown receptions. Aaron Anderson is finding his spot in this Tiger offense, as he seems to always step up when a big catch is needed. Tight end Mason Taylor, who passed Richard Dickson for the most receptions by a tight end in LSU history against South Carolina, continues to be a great outlet for his quarterback. The Tiger running game was a bit of a mystery up until last week when freshman running back Caden Durham exploded onto the scene, scoring 2 rushing touchdowns against South Carolina. This Tiger defense has improved from last season. While the big plays are still being given up, they are on the ground rather than in the air. Ashton Stamps continues to play great in the defensive backfield. Zy Alexander made his presence felt against South Carolina with a big interception in the endzone. Bradyn Swinson and Sai'vion Jones are both in the top 10 in the country in sacks.


KEYS TO THE GAME

- EARLY AND OFTEN - With this UCLA team struggling to find an identity, this is a perfect opportunity for the Tigers to hop on this team and put them away early. Beat reports for UCLA are out on this team, let's see if this team can eat their prey and not play with it.

- RUMBLE YOUNG MAN RUMBLE - While I do realize this team will have a running back by committee approach, I would like to see Coach Kelly roll with the hot hand in this one. IF that just so happens to be Ju'Juan Johnson or Caden Durham, then so be it. Send a message.

- FINISH THE JOB - This LSU redzone offense has to improve. You have to get more points in the redzone. This is a great spot for this team to gain some confidence.

- SEEK AND DESTROY - This defense has a great opportunity to be dominant in this game. This UCLA offense is not very good. They do have a few playmakers. Can this defense "get up" for this one?


Fun fact: UCLA coaches Eric Bieniemy and Ted White were both born in Louisiana.


Thank you for reading my article.


Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro

A quick share helps us a lot!

How X Games Found Its Perfect Match in New Orleans

By Patty V • July 28, 2026
How X Games Found Its Perfect Match in New Orleans

Linebacker Room Outlook: Different Yet Familiar?

By Kaden Arkeder • July 28, 2026
Well the changing of the guard has begun on defense. With Demario Davis leaving in free agency a big leadership void was left in the locker room where someone else will have to take the torch. Whom remains to be seen but all eyes are on what Kaden Ellis brings in his return to the Saints. The Saints signed Ellis to bring back someone with familiarity with the organization and the talents he was better able to showcase after leaving the team. Kaden Ellis in his time with the Atlanta Falcons was able to show he can do whatever you need of him from the linebacker position. He can play off ball in space showing good awareness in coverage but can also play well on the ball when asked to rush the passer from a variety of situations. With Ellis in the fold I expect the defense to be more effective in keeping the offense guessing on what the linebackers will be doing on a down to down basis.  Next up is Pete Werner who has had a up and down career thus far with the Saints but overall has been a solid starter since he was drafted. Werner’s coming off a down year in terms of on field production in 2025 where he was routinely taken off the field in favor of getting the young linebackers on the roster snaps on defense to give them some opportunity and experience. If Werner wants to keep his starting role on defense he is going to have to show more impact on defense this season beginning in training camp. With Demario gone and Pete Werner the only returning starting at linebacker on defense the door of opportunity has fully opened for the young linebackers on the roster. who have been patiently waiting for their chance to make a name for themselves. Isiah Stalbird, Jaylan Ford, Danny Stutsman fit into this category as young guys earning their stripes through special teams and limited snaps on defense thus far. This will be one of the more fascinating, fun training camp battles to see if any can overtake Werner on the depth chart and carve out a more meaningful role on defense. After them is the roster hopefuls in Anfernee Jennings and Jackson Sirmon. These two will look to show they belong in the league and will do whatever it takes to prove it. Whether they make the 53 man roster with the Saints or not the goal is to help bring more competition to the room and see who can do enough to latch on somewhere in the NFL. Opportunity is the key word I would use for this group. From Kaden Ellis getting a chance to really star on defense to Pete Werner getting an opportunity to keep young guys from taking his snaps again to the young guys like Danny Stutsman overtaking Werner on the depth chart. The linebacker unit has plenty of opportunities ahead of them, let’s see what they can make with them.
Show More