LSU football found a way to win last week against South Carolina in an instant classic. It was the type of ugly SEC game that one team survives but both teams come away bruised.
The Tigers are still searching for consistency as they face UCLA in Week 4. The Bruins have narrowly beaten Hawaii and lost handily to Indiana in their first two games.
Here’s how the Reveille Sports Staff predicted the upcoming game.
Jason Willis, Sports Editor | @JasonWillis4
LSU needs a pick-me-up to gain confidence both in terms of running the ball and defense. As storied a program as UCLA is, this year the team provides just that opportunity. The Bruins are the worst offense in the Big 10 in most major metrics: total yards, points, rushing yards. It’s not much prettier on defense, where they let up the second-most passing yards on average in the conference.
The Tigers will find a groove early and force some punts on defense to turn this one into a comfortable victory. The bigger question is not whether LSU will win this game against a struggling UCLA team, but if it will turn the win into positive momentum.
Prediction: LSU 38-10 UCLA
Tyler Harden, Senior Sports Reporter | @ttjharden8
This is a crucial weekend for LSU to gain momentum as it soon heads into the toughest matchups of SEC play. UCLA is 1-1 on the season; the Bruins are coming off a bye week and a 42-13 loss to Indiana at home.
Similar to LSU’s offense, UCLA’s run game has also been struggling. And while the Tigers’ defense showed flashes of improvement against South Carolina, their matchup with UCLA is an opportunity to continue improving. Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers has thrown three interceptions in two games, so LSU’s defense putting pressure on Garbers and forcing him to make tough decisions will be a major key for LSU to come out on top.
On the offensive side of the ball, this is a weekend for LSU’s run game to gain some consistency. UCLA’s defensive line seems to be battling some injuries leading up to the game, so this could create an opportunity for LSU to take advantage of.
Prediction: LSU 31-14 UCLA
Isabelle Callahan, Sports Reporter | @isabellecal17
All eyes will be on Death Valley this Saturday, with the chance this game will be a good redemption from last week’s game against South Carolina. UCLA is traveling to Louisiana, and “SEC Nation” is being broadcast from on campus. The Tigers will have a chance to show how strong their offense has gotten since the first game, which will help them to a much-needed win.
Looking at the footage of UCLA, their offense is not much of a threat, but the Tigers could always make mistakes like we saw last week. UCLA is a strong defensive team, and because of that, the offense will need to find what works best for them early instead of waiting until the fourth quarter.
Garrett Nussmeier and Kyren Lacy on the offensive side have strong chemistry on the field, and Mason Taylor is tied with Lacy for the team lead in receptions, six of those coming from last week’s game. The offense is set to hold off the UCLA defense nicely. But will the defense have that kind of chemistry? We’ve seen LSU isn’t strong enough to dominate any team with the defense alone. However, I think against UCLA the Tigers are going to be able to hold off the offense to control the clock and get a win.
Prediction: LSU 35 – 21 UCLA
Gabby Gray, Sports Reporter | @GabbyGray06
After a win against South Carolina last weekend, LSU is gearing up to play the UCLA Bruins this Saturday in Death Valley. Given that UCLA suffered a 42-13 loss against the Indiana Hoosiers, the Tigers should be ready to bring home an easy win.
While this is anticipated to be a simple game for LSU, if its defense lets their guard down, we may see things go the other way for the Tigers. Yes, Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers has delivered some easy-to-intercept throws, but LSU’s defense must remain alert and continue to improve as they did against South Carolina. Otherwise there’s a chance for UCLA’s offense to slide right underneath them, just as Nicholls State did two weeks ago.
LSU’s offense, however, has flourished through players like quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and wide receiver Kyren Lacy. If these two maintain proper coordination throughout the game, they will easily run past the Bruins’ defense, resulting in a Tiger win.
With “SEC Nation” coming to watch LSU play this weekend, I think that this game will be a chance for the Tigers to shine and prepare for greater opponents further in the season as long as they take advantage of UCLA’s poor offensive line and keep their guard up.
Prediction: LSU 34-14 UCLA
Martin Sullivan, Sports Reporter | @marty_sulli
With UCLA coming off a bad loss and LSU coming off an ugly win, this matchup provides an opportunity for the Tigers. Following this game, one game stands between a highly significant Ole Miss showdown. There is no better time for LSU to gain confidence and establish an identity.
Two of Garrett Nussmeier’s three games so far have come with consistent pressure at the hands of talented defensive lines and play-callers. While the Bruins might be a blitz-happy team, hot answers and a top end pass blocking line should minimize that concern. The luxury of time in the pocket combined with weapons like Kyren Lacy and potentially Chris Hilton indicate the air attack will be in full effect. Expect multiple connections of over 20 air yards.
But more questions lie on defense. Will LSU simply limit UCLA, or can the Tigers torment and bully its offense for four quarters? The latter would bode well for the season as a whole and matchups against more talented teams. The Bruins’ unstable quarterback play and faulty run game provide that opportunity.
Prediction: LSU 41-20 UCLA
