UCLA (1-1) at No. 16 LSU (2-1)
When: 12:30 p.m. PT Saturday
Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, La.
TV/radio: ABC Ch. 7/1150 AM
Line: LSU by 22.5
What’s at stake? It’s still early in the season, but this game is the first of three consecutive matchups against nationally ranked opponents. A good showing from the Bruins will provide a boost of confidence going into the most difficult stretch of the schedule. It won’t be easy at Tiger Stadium, arguably the rowdiest and loudest venue in college football. UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster said at practice this week that he thinks his team will be ready for the hostile environment.
Who’s better? Both teams have something in common so far this season: sluggish starts. UCLA has trailed in the first half in both of its games and LSU fell behind early in a season-opening loss to USC and trailed South Carolina 17-0 last week before making a comeback. The Tigers are a nationally ranked and historic program with one losing season in the past two decades. UCLA is retooling with a new coaching staff and a handful of transfers still trying to find their footing.
Matchup to watch: If there is one area in which UCLA might have the upper hand, it’s in the run game. Running back T.J. Harden scored a touchdown last week and would have had another one on a 29-yard rush that was called back by a holding penalty. Quarterback Ethan Garbers can also move the chains with his feet, averaging 4.9 yards per carry on 14 attempts this season. LSU has given up eight rushing touchdowns and an average of 154 rushing yards per game in three games. If Harden and company can gain large chunks of yards on the ground, it should help keep the pressure off Garbers and the passing attack.
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UCLA wins if: The Bruins take care of the football, score early and finish drives. UCLA has four turnovers in two games (three interceptions and one fumble) and can’t afford to give LSU advantageous field position. … The offense must get going from the jump. UCLA has totaled seven points this season in first-half action. … Converting in the red zone and coming away with touchdowns instead of field goals will be key.
Prediction: LSU 37, UCLA 24. The Bruins’ offense will finally get going with its first multiple-touchdown game, but it won’t be enough to match LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and the Tigers’ offense. Nussmeier has thrown 10 touchdowns, tied for second most in the country, and holds a 69.8 completion percentage.