LSU Playing for Fourth Straight Win; Previewing Week 5 vs. South Alabama

9/25/2024

Photo By: Jonathan Mailhes

DA BOOT SPORTS
9/25/2024
By: Jason Watson Jr.

BATON ROUGE, LA- LSU defended Tiger Stadium last Saturday in a competitive contest as they picked up their third victory of the season. Although riding some momentum, the Tigers face a test this weekend when the University of South Alabama comes to town. The Sun Belt conference opponent comes to Baton Rouge in hopes of challenging LSU’s defense with one of the most high-powered offensive groups in the entirety of the FBS.

Last Week (W3):

The Tigers defeated UCLA for the first time in school history in a tale of two halves. The two played into a tie ballgame at halftime; certainly, closer than most would have expected. However, LSU utilized timely pressures and multiple forced turnovers to pull away late from the Bruins. LSU 34- UCLA 17

South Alabama played their first conference game of the season on the road against Appalachian State. The Jaguars finished the game with 474 yards of total offense, but 320 of those were gained by way of rushing. South Alabama not only dominated the Mountaineers, but they were also very efficient, scoring touchdowns on four of their first five possessions. USA 48- App St. 14

Series History:

When LSU hosts South Alabama, it will be the first meeting between the two schools. The Tigers have already played another team this season for the first time in the Nicholls State Colonels. LSU will look to replicate the success and notch another win. LSU head coach Brian Kelly has made it well-known that he has a deep respect and high praises for USA coach, Major Applewhite, and their offensive schemes.

Injury Report:

Injuries suck. When it rains, it pours. After already losing Guillory and Emery to season-ending injuries, star linebacker/pass rusher, Harold Perkins, is now out for the remainder of the year after suffering a severe knee injury. Perkins will be draft eligible at the season’s close, but Brian Kelly emphasized in Monday’s press conference that Harold, nor his family, will be making the decision to enter the draft or return to LSU anytime soon. Starting CB Zy Alexander also went down with a concussion versus UCLA; he remains questionable to suit up for Saturday. On a positive note, LSU is
expected to add another weapon on the offensive side as they slowly work wideout Chris Hilton Jr. back into the rotation.
South Alabama’s QB Gio Lopez came off of an injury last week versus App St., but seemed to be throwing and running the football just fine. Expect a clean bill of health for the Jaguars against LSU.

Keys to Victory:

* Limit the Big Plays

South Alabama had six plays last week that went for 20 yards or longer from the line of scrimmage. Defensively, LSU gave up five of the same type of plays to UCLA in Week 4. The Tigers have done a nice job adjusting throughout games, especially in the second half, but chunk yardage gains continue to plague LSU and put them in bad situations. Keeping pressure on Lopez and plugging gaps in the trenches will be key to coming out on top.

* Take Advantage when Defense gets a Stop

LSU may have had their best defensive outing in the effort versus the Bruins last Saturday. The Tigers finished with five sacks, two turnovers, and forced one three-and-out against UCLA. You would think LSU would have dominated with as many chances as they were given, but the offense could only muster six points off of the two turnovers (two field goals.) Find a way to turn those extra possessions into more points versus the Jaguars.
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* Do Not Cruise into the Bye Week

The Tigers have not looked like a Top-15 powerhouse football team in one game they’ve played thus far. Yes, you have multiple three-score victories. Yes, you already have a conference win. Yes, your only loss is to the thirteenth-ranked team in the nation. Still, I have not seen good, consistent, kick-ass football played by any positional group this season to the point where the Tigers should feel they walk over USA and strut into their rest week. South Alabama has nothing to lose coming into Tiger Stadium Saturday night. Brian Kelly and LSU cannot afford to be outcoached or outplayed again versus a lesser opponent. They cannot afford to overlook the Jaguars and stumble before Ole Miss comes to Death Valley in two weeks.

Where to Watch:

Fans can watch LSU v. South Alabama on the SEC Network when the live broadcast kicks from Baton Rouge at 6:45 p.m. CST.

Predictions and Final Thoughts:

LSU has begun to find an identity on the defensive side of the ball with aggressive play, blitzes, and getting opportunistic with the football. This is a good thing, but if it is the way Kelly and his coaching staff want to lean, they will need to fully deep-dive into this style before facing some really good offenses in the SEC. South Alabama put up 87 points two weeks ago versus Northwestern State. 87!! I do not care who you’re up against; putting 87 points on the scoreboard does not just happen without the right coaching and personnel. The Jaguars will be a good test for the Tigers Saturday night. Fans should be excited for some more football in Death Valley, and even more so excited about not having to deal with 100+ degree temperatures throughout the duration of the game. I am expecting a high-scoring affair with the Tigers pulling away during the second half once more. I’ll pick LSU, 52-27.

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