UCLA played football for the 1st time in the state of Louisiana on Saturday. Let's talk about the game.

LSU received the opening kickoff and marched down the field on a 6 play 75 yard drive that was capped off by a 5 yard Zavion Thomas touchdown reception. LSU 7-0. UCLA goes on an 8 play 75 yard drive, even converting on 4th down before Ethan Garbers hits Jack Pederson for a 20 yard touchdown reception. Tied 7-7. LSU then turns the ball over on downs. UCLA hits a 47 yard field goal. UCLA 10-7. LSU has a 4 play 75 yard drive; this is where the play of the game comes in. With a DB all over Kyle Parker, Garrett Nussmeier throws a perfect pass. Parker takes it into the endzone (see picture above). LSU 14-10. The two teams trade punts on their next possessions. UCLA's following possession was looking to be a promising one before Bradyn Swinson sacked Ethan Garbers, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Sai'vion Jones. The Tigers kick a 22 yard field goal. LSU 17-10. UCLA then goes on an 11 play 75 yard drive, and Ethan Garbers finds Logan Loya for an 11 yard touchdown. Tied 17-17. LSU kneels out the half. UCLA punts on the opening possession of the 2nd half. The Tigers are pinned on their own 4 yard line, but the Tiger offense put together a 13 play 96 yard drive, taking more than 6 minutes off of the clock. Josh Williams ran it into the endzone from 2 yards out. LSU 24-17. UCLA punts again, pinning the Tigers deep in their own territory. LSU puts together an 11 play 92 yard drive, and Caden Durham takes a pass 35 yards into the endzone. LSU 31-17. UCLA throws an interception to Jardin Gilbert on the following drive. Tiger kicker Damien Ramos hits a 32 yard field goal. LSU 34-17. UCLA punts again. LSU runs out the clock on the final drive. Tigers win! LSU 34 UCLA 17.

TAKEAWAYS

- Garrett Nussmeier is the real deal. Nuss threw for 352 yards, 3 TDs, and hit 9 different pass catchers.

- Mason Taylor will be a great NFL tight end. Appreciate him while you have him on your team, Tiger fans!

- Bradyn Swinson steps up again! This guy is piecing together a great season.

- Sai'vion Jones is really coming into his own right now. It is great to see someone stepping up.

- Aaron Anderson is quietly having a solid season for the Tigers. He is always open when the Tigers need a big catch.

- The Tiger defense pitched a shutout in the 2nd half. The adjustments that were made at half were great to see.

- This UCLA team has some grit. Ethan Garbers took some hard hits in this contest. Respect.

AWARDS

- Offensive MVP - Garrett Nussmeier - What a game. This guy is playing some great ball right now.

- Defensive MVP - Bradyn Swinson - 5 total tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble. Awesome game.

LSU welcomes South Alabama to Death Valley next Saturday night at 6:30.

Thank you for reading my article.

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