LSU in Search of Rebound Performance, Previewing Week 2 Versus Nicholls State

9/5/2024

Graphic By: Athlon Sports

Da Boot Sports
9/5/2024
By: Jason Watson Jr.

Baton Rouge, LA- Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers return home to Death Valley with yet another disappointing 0-1 record in tote. After dealing with heavy scrutiny and criticism this past week, they’ll be hoping to get back on track when they face off against FCS-ranked opponent, Nicholls State University. Although this game should not be remotely close, ninth-year head coach Tim Rebowe and his Colonels certainly do not plan to hold anything back against the wound-licking Bayou Bengals.

Last Week (W1):

LSU met the Trojans of Southern California in a Las Vegas neutral-site matchup that lived up to its hype. Garrett Nussmeier and the Tigers held the lead entering the final period, but ultimately fell at the hands of Lincoln Riley and Miller Moss as USC scored the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds. LSU 20- USC 27

Nicholls State University traveled to Ruston, LA for a game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. In a game that was more dominant from Tech than the final score would lead one to believe, Nicholls mustered all that they could to draw within one score just before the two-minute timeout in the fourth quarter. The Colonel defense could not get the necessary stop to put the ball back in their offense’s hands, as they would fall in the season-opener. NSU 17- LA Tech 25

Series History:

Although Nicholls’ football program was first erected in 1972, it has taken all 52 years of their intercollegiate playing time to match up with the Tigers. LSU was actually supposed to host the FCS program during the 2020 season. However, that meeting would eventually get postponed due to the Southeastern Conference announcing a “conference-only” schedule due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The 2024 pitting is one that has been a long time coming for Louisiana football fans.

Injury Report:

LSU is dealing with a few injuries ahead of its home opener, none bigger than losing senior running back John Emery Jr. to a torn ACL in his left knee during Tuesday’s practice that will likely keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. It marks the second torn ACL for Emery in as many years after suffering a tear on his right side in the later half of the 2023 season. Defensive end, Princeton Malbrue, who sustained a “serious knee injury,” will undergo further examinations to determine a timeline for any possible return. Freshman wideout, Kyle Parker, is nursing a UCL injury to his elbow that has him listed as “doubtful” for the bout with the Colonels.For Nicholls
State, it appears to be a clean bill of health for Rebowe’s squad with no major absences to report.

Keys to Victory:

*Do Not Overthink the Game Plan
The Tigers should be blowing out Nicholls State in this one. You cannot come out flat-footed against the Colonels attempting to run any foreign concepts, especially coming off of a loss. Settle everyone down, play the style of LSU football we know we are capable of, and be consistent.

*Win the Turnover Battle
Although it was just a meaningless Garrett Nussmeier interception on the final offensive play of the game, LSU still finds themselves at a -1 turnover margin after the first week of play. The Tigers actually forced a pair of fumbles, but could not gather the ball before allowing the Trojans to jump back on top. There were opportunities for an INT or two for the defense as well, but just did not have the situational awareness to complete the plays. I’d like to see the defense get after the ball more against Nicholls, handing the offense a few extra possessions during the game.

*Find Depth in Your Roster
As much as you would like for the starters to get their reps in, you want to use this non-conference game as a sort of segway into your younger, inexperienced players getting valuable reps. Positions such as wide receiver or running back where you are facing injuries, and an offensive line that you’ll be losing three to four starters on at the end of the season are of major importance in rotating through the lineup. As Terrill, David, and LSU great, Leonard Marshall, alluded to on the Da Boot Sports weekly podcast episode, coach Kelly has to utilize this Week 2 contest to identify the “DAWGS” up and down the roster. Who is going to be the next man up when the going gets tough?

Predictions and Final Thoughts:

The game versus Nicholls will be the first Saturday night in Death Valley on tap for the 2024 schedule. An in-state rivalry with traveling fans aplenty, tailgating, music, great food, and an all-but-guaranteed Tiger victory is a recipe sure to satisfy any Louisiana football fan’s “l’envie.” Saturday will also be the first opportunity for LSU to debut its “100 Years of Tiger Stadium” upgrades to the gameday atmosphere. Enhancements include new video and ribbon boards, boosted sound towers, and an all-new LED light display sure to add to the excitement of being in Baton Rouge for the weekend. I’ve got the home team winning an easy one, 62-13. Geaux Tigers!

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