LSU vs UCLA Week 4 Review

Erik Trosclair • September 22, 2024

Let's get into it!

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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Football player in dark uniform celebrating on a field with a scoreboard in the background

Tulane Green Wave PWO Commit: Brett Paukstis

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
Class of 27 QB Brett Paukstis 6-0/185 Washington, DC He trains with QB Factory and is positioned for a big senior year that could elevate his stock further. Arm Talent & Passing Ability (Strong for regional level): Paukstis possesses legitimate arm talent with velocity, spin, and the ability to drive throws downfield (including 50+ yard air yards). He makes all the throws, short, intermediate, and deep, with good touch and anticipation. Off-platform accuracy stands out; he can throw receivers open while scrambling or from awkward arm angles. Ball placement is precise, and he layers passes over defenders effectively. Accuracy & Mechanics: High completion rate (mid-to-high 60s) reflects sound mechanics, timing, and decision-making. Quick release and consistent footwork allow him to get the ball out cleanly. He goes through progressions with high football IQ and makes correct reads quickly. Velocity and arm strength continue to improve. Mobility & Playmaking: True playmaker who keeps plays alive when protection breaks down. Excels extending downs outside the pocket, using mobility to create space before delivering accurate downfield throws. Capable of off-platform creativity and arm strength on the run. Not a designed-run heavy QB but adds a valuable dimension through scrambles and creating opportunities in high-leverage moments. Decision-Making, Poise & Leadership: Poised and confident in the pocket with excellent command of the offense. High football IQ, precise decisions, and the ability to spread the ball around. Described as a great leader who elevates those around him; two-time All-Conference performer who has “breathed life” into the program through production and intangibles. Low turnover stretches (e.g., zero in key late-season games) show growth. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Tulane Green Wave commit graphic showing a football player in white uniform on a blue-green background

Transfer Portal Spotlight: Dawson Johnson

By Patrick Harkness • July 30, 2026
TE Dawson Johnson- ODU @DawsonLJ_ 
Dawson Johnson fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 230-pound modern hybrid tight end with proven college receiving production, reliable hands and route-running, functional blocking, and positional versatility (inline, slot, H-back) who immediately adds depth, competition, and mismatch upside to a depleted TE room alongside Vance Bolyard. 
He’s a redshirt sophomore transfer from Old Dominion (Sun Belt) who committed on January 9, 2026, via the portal (entered late December 2025). Originally a three-star high school recruit out of Cherry Creek HS (Englewood/Denver, CO), he signed with Florida as a true freshman (2024, redshirted with no appearances) before moving to ODU. He has three years of eligibility remaining (#19). 
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s offense (under head coach Will Hall) emphasizes tight ends who can contribute in 12 personnel packages, sealing edges in the run game while creating mismatches in the passing game through play-action, bootlegs, and option routes. Johnson is an ideal modern hybrid fit 
• Movement and receiving traits: Smooth mover for his size with good speed to threaten vertically, reliable hands on short-to-intermediate concepts (stick routes, seams), and the ability to flex out or operate in space as a chain-mover and safety valve. Early ODU usage (including a TD vs. ranked James Madison) highlighted his comfort getting open quickly against linebackers. 
• Blocking and physicality: Willing, technically sound functional blocker who’s not yet a dominant in-line mauler but stays on the field in multiple groupings, perfect for supporting Tulane’s run game while developing into a complete TE. 
• Versatility and intangibles: High football IQ (346 offensive snaps as a redshirt freshman) and multi-positional value (inline/slot/H-back). Comes from an athletic family (brothers played D1 lacrosse/football). Tulane targeted portal TEs with immediate production potential to complement bigger in-line types like Bolyard. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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