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.


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