Two teams looking to calm swirling storm clouds hovering around their programs hook up in the bayou Saturday. LSU returns to Tiger Stadium after an exhausting comeback win at South Carolina and UCLA is just trying to find some footing after a disappointing first three weeks of the DeShaun Foster era.
That's not to say LSU is necessarily downtrodden after rallying to beat South Carolina in an entertaining 36-33 win. The Tigers overcame a 17-point deficit, accounting for the second-biggest road comeback in school history.
"The energy and focus was different. It felt like it was a freedom game and everyone was like if we make a mistake, it's all right," said LSU defensive end Bradyn Swinson, the Tigers' sacks leader with three.
While No. 16 LSU (2-1) at least appears to know its strengths, UCLA (1-1) is struggling to find its identity with new coordinators. The Bruins have scored only 28 combined points in two games -- the program's slowest start in five years -- and the defense was torched last wee in a 42-13 loss to Indiana. The Hoosiers moved the ball at will and didn't punt until the final series of the game inside the Rose Bowl.
"Guys are eager to get out here and play because, you know, we got to get better," Foster said this week. "It's different when you have to force them to try to get better and I don't have to do too much of that."
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UCLA's offense is struggling: UCLA has a fifth-year quarterback in Ethan Garbers and a solid stable of running backs and a well-regarded offensive coordinator. But the offense is anything but successful, ranking last in scoring in the Big Ten. The running game has especially struggled, ranking 122nd nationally (83.5 yards per game) against a schedule that has included Hawaii and Indiana. Perhaps the Bruins can establish a ground game against LSU's defense, which is giving up a surprising 154 yards per contest on the ground (89th in FBS) and eight touchdowns (dead last in FBS). Nothing seems to be clicking for the Bruins, whose passing efficiency is among the nation's worst (126th).
LSU's defense is inconsistent: We expected much more from the Tigers' defense after the impressive season-opening performance against USC, but the close call at South Carolina last week gives us pause. The Gamecocks jumped to a 17-0 lead week despite LSU forcing two turnovers in the first half. The Tigers gave up 12 explosive plays, including seven runs of 10-plus yards. Through three weeks they're allowing 6.6 yards per rush attempt. This is a perfect week to get the defense right against a subpar offense.
Bruins have bodies on D-line: If you're looking for a bright spot for the Bruins and a potential game-changer in Baton Rouge, look to UCLA's defensive line. The Bruins seem to be getting good push and pressure, ranking 28th nationally in rush defense (87 yards per game). The unit has 15 tackles for loss, though 11 of those came in a 16-13 wni over Hawaii in the season opener. Kain Medrano leads the team with four tackles for loss and starting tackle Keanu Williams might be out with an injury. LSU has one of the nation's worst rushing success rates without John Emery (ACL), so UCLA might have an advantage in the trenches.
UCLA is fighting through an identity crisis as it transitions from the Chip Kelly era, and DeShaun Watson seemingly has a lot more work to do to establish an identity as a head coach and schemer. LSU can win any number of ways, and with an offense that can score 30-plus against any opponent, UCLA will have a difficult time slowing the Tigers in Death Valley. Garrett Nussmeier should have a big day throwing the ball against UCLA's secondary. Pick: Under 56.5
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Images by Getty Images and Imagn LSU head coach Brian Kelly waits for the officials call in the third quarter of the game against South Carolina on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. LSU defeated South Carolina 36-33.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly waits for the officials call in the third quarter of the game against South Carolina on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. LSU defeated South Carolina 36-33.
The Bruins (1-1) scraped past Hawaii in their season opener, then fell 42-13 at home to Indiana. Now, they're set for their first game in Tiger Stadium against an LSU squad fresh off a thrilling, come-from-behind road win over South Carolina.
What LSU's defense has allowed at halftime:198 yards passing14.1 yards/completion5 of 8 on third/fourth downUCLA has thrown for 68 yards and a TD on third down.
LSU and UCLA are going to be tied 17-17 at the half.UCLA had not scored more than 16 points in its first two games.
Well, LSU's defense hasn't figured out its big play issues yet. That UCLA touchdown drive had plays of 28, 13 and 20 yards. Running backs open in the flats, and an open tight end over the middle for the score.
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Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers will take on the UCLA Bruins on Saturday afternoon in Tiger Stadium with kickoff slated for 2:45 p.m. CT.
Led by signal-caller Garrett Nussmeier, the Bayou Bengals are looking to capture their third straight victory after taking down Nicholls State and South Carolina in consecutive weeks.
“There’s more to it than arm talent,” Kelly said of Nussmeier. “You have to bring some of those intangibles. He showed the resolve and leadership to keep us in there. We have a talented QB, but he knows there’s some growth there. There’s not a more committed guy on our roster.”
Now, it's on to Week 4 with Kelly and Co. preparing for a showdown against the Bruins.
Here's what Brian Kelly said of the matchup, pregame updates and a live thread from Saturday afternoon in Tiger Stadium:
“I think you have to look at it from this perspective. Their work has been so good and they know they’ve prepared so well, their concern is they haven’t played they want to play. They were still able to overcome so many mistakes against a really good football team. That really built a lot of confidence in the group this week.”
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LSU WR Chris Hilton is active for Saturday's showdown against the UCLA Bruins. The redshirt-junior wideout will make his season debut after missing the first three games of the season.
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LSU LB West Weeks is OUT for the Tigers' Week 4 matchup against UCLA. He's battling a lower-body injury and was seen in a boot during warmups.
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LSU DT Jalen Lee is OUT with a shoulder injury for Saturday's clash. LSU will now be without both Lee and Jacobian Guillory (torn Achilles).
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LSU true freshman safety DaShawn Spears will start over Jardin Gilbert. Jordan Allen will also be in the rotation, an LSU spokesperson confirmed.
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First Quarter
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LSU has won the opening coin toss and elected to receive. UCLA will defend the North end zone and receive the ball to begin the second half.
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LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier opens the game with a 17-yard pass over the middle to Kyren Lacy for the first down. He follows it with a completion to Aaron Anderson for a 21-yard gain and the Tigers are in UCLA territory in the blink of an eye.
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Josh Williams breaks open a 23-yard gain on the ground to put LSU inside the 10-yard line followed by Zavion Thomas getting in the end-zone on a shuffle pass from Nussmeier. Thomas gets to the edge and puts in the score. Perfectly executed opening drive for the Tigers. 6-play, 75-yard drive in 2:41.
Score Update: LSU 7, UCLA 0
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LSU opens the game with Ashton Stamps and Zy Alexander as the cornerbacks with DaShawn Spears and Major Burns as the safeties on the first drive. Harold Perkins, Whit Weeks and Greg Penn III as the linebackers. True freshman defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux earns the start alongside Gio Paez inside.
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UCLA converts on a 3rd-and-4 to keep the drive alive with Bruins signal-caller Ethan Garbers connecting for an explosive play. LSU forces a 4th-and-2 with UCLA converting with TJ Harden for a 13-yard gain.
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The Tigers' inability to get off the field plagues them on the first drive with UCLA getting in the end-zone with Ethan Garbers connecting with Jack Pederson for the score.
Score Update: LSU 7, UCLA 7
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LSU goes to the ground on three consecutive plays with Josh Williams gaining four and three yards followed by a Caden Durham five-yard gain.
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LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell gets called for a false start penalty on 3rd-and-5. The Tigers back it up five yards, but convert the first down after an 11-yard gain: Garrett Nussmeier to Aaron Anderson. (4:45 remaining in the quarter).
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LSU WR Kyren Lacy drops an easy first down on 3rd-and-7 with the Tigers electing to go for it on 4th down. Garrett Nussmeier's pass is incomplete to Zavion Thomas. UCLA takes over on their 44-yard line after the turnover on downs.
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UCLA converts on 3rd-and-8 with Ethan Garber connecting with Devin Kirkwood for a 29-yard gain. The Bruins quickly get inside the LSU 25-yard line with under two minutes remaining in the opening quarter.
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UCLA settles for a 47-yard field goal attempt that is knocked in by Mateen Bhaghani. 7-play, 27- yard scoring drive.
End of 1Q: UCLA 10, LSU 7
Second Quarter
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LSU offensive tackle Emery Jones is down on the field on the first play of the second quarter with what appears to be a lower-body injury. Redshirt-freshman Tyree Adams will slide in Jones' place. He went straight to the medical tent.
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LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier delivers a dime to wide receiver Kyle Parker for a 45-yard touchdown on the fourth play of the drive. Nussmeier put that on the money for the score.
Score Update: LSU 14, UCLA 10
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LSU's defensive line comes up with a pair of sacks (Dominick McKinley and Bradyn Swinson) to force a UCLa 3-and-out. Bruins punt it away and the Tigers take over from the 40-yard line.
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Garrett Nussmeier and the offense are unable to get anything going on the following drive with the Bruins forcing the Tigers' to punt it away. Blake Ochsendorf pins UCLA inside their own 10-yard line.
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LSU CB Zy Alexander heads to the injury tent after what appears to be an upper-body injury on the second play of the drive. JK Johnson enters the game for Alexander.
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UCLA is 4-of-7 on 3rd and 4th down here in the first half with LSU's defense remaining unable to get off the field on crucial plays.
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The Bruins convert another 3rd down to remain on the field, but a Bradyn Swinson strip sack gives the Tigers possession. Sai'vion Jones recovers the fumble. 1st-and-10 LSU on the UCLA 38-yard line.
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LSU takes advantage of the turnover and quickly executes to get points on the board. Garrett Nussmeier connects with CJ Daniels for a 23-yard gain and Damian Ramos drills a 22-yard field goal to extend the Tigers' lead.
Score Update: LSU 17, UCLA 10
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UCLA is in the midst of a 7-play, 72-yard drive. Ethan Garbers connects with Kwazi Gilmer on a 32-yard reception to put the Bruins inside the 5-yard line. 24 seconds remaining in the half.
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Ethan Garbers connects with Logan Loya for an 11-yard touchdown with two seconds left in the first half. Garbers sat in the pocket, took a beating and delivered a laser to Loya on 3rd and goal from the 11-yard line to tie the game at halftime.
Halftime: LSU 17, UCLA 17
Third Quarter
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UCLA receives the ball to start the second half with Ethan Garbers and Co. rolling out to begin the final two quarters. He's up to 198 passing yards and two touchdowns on 14-of-20 passing.
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LSU forces a Bruins punt after a quick 4-play, 21-yard drive. UCLA pins LSU inside the five-yard line after a 50-yard punt. Tigers ball on the 4-yard line to begin the first drive of the second half.
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LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier connects with Mason Taylor for a 33-yard gain on a well-designed play by offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. Tigers near UCLA territory with 10:14 remaining in the quarter.
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LSU RB Josh Wiliams caps off an 14-play, 96-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run. Garrett Nussmeier went 5-for-7 with 51 yards through the air while the rushing attack tallied 27 yards on seven attempts.
Score Update: LSU 24, UCLA 17
- UCLA's offense is unable to get into a groove to start the second drive of the half. 8 plays and 35 yards later, the Bruins punt it away to Zavion Thomas. LSU will begin their drive on their own 8-yard line. (1:30 remaining in the quarter).
End of 3Q: LSU 24, UCLA 17
Fourth Quarter
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LSU is in the midst of an 8-play, 47-yard drive with 12:35 remaining in the 4th Quarter. Garrett Nussmeier is 4-for-5 with 36 yards. LSU converts on 3rd-and-8 after Nussmeier connects with Mason Taylor.
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LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier dumps it down to Caden Durham and the true freshman does the rest. Durham turns up field and gets in the end-zone for a 35-yard touchdown to make it a two possession game. 11-play, 92-yard drive.
Score Update: LSU 31, UCLA 17
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LSU LB Harold Perkins limps to the Injury Tent following a tackle early in the 4th Quarter. LSU trainers immediately assisted Perkins where he's currently being evaluated by the staff.
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LSU safety Jardin Gilbert comes up with the interception with 9:25 remaining. It's LSU's third forced turnover of the game after coming up with two fumbles earlier in the game.
FINAL: LSU 34, UCLA 17
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Zack Nagy is the Managing Editor and Publisher of LSU Country, a Sports Illustrated Publication. Nagy has covered Tiger Football, Basketball, Baseball and Recruiting, looking to keep readers updated on anything and everything involving LSU athletics.
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