LSU Takes on UCLA
Through three weeks, LSU has yet to put together a complete game. Its second Big-10 opponent of the season (oddly enough) will provide the next opportunity to do so as UCLA comes to town on Saturday. Deshaun Foster’s Bruins have yet to establish an identity in his first year as the head coach, but a win in Baton Rouge could provide a significant morale boost as they navigate their new conference schedule. This game is even more important for LSU than UCLA due to the aspirations of the team and fanbase. The Tigers look to be athletically superior, but three keys to this game should decide the outcome.
Contain the Quarterback
UCLA’s Ethan Garbers looks the part at quarterback. He’s 6’-3”, 210 pounds, and athletic enough to extend plays and/or gain rushing yards. Offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy won’t run much option like South Carolina did against LSU, but the Tigers still must prove they can stop a mobile quarterback.
Don’t be fooled by the Bruins’ 124th-ranked offense; they have weapons. Their problem is getting out of their own way long enough to use them. TJ Harden is an elusive back who can make defenders miss in the backfield and sees the field well on screens. Tight end Moliki Matavao is a big, athletic target at 6’-6”, and Bienemy gets the ball to him in creative ways.
So why can’t they score if they have good skill guys? UCLA has had two turnovers in each of its first two games. The play calling involves a heavy short game which reflects a lack of trust in the quarterback, and it’s easy to see why. Garbers is fairly accurate despite his 54% completion percentage, but he’s impatient. He tends to force the ball in tight windows. If the Tigers can put the onus on Garbers to pass his way to a win, they’ll likely get turnover opportunities.
Pick Up the Blitz
Much was made of the performance of South Carolina’s defensive line against LSU last week, and rightfully so. But missed assignments by the backs in pass protection have been the bigger problem since the fourth-and-goal against USC. This is not a contest in which the Tigers can afford confusion in the backfield.
Although Jay Toia is disruptive at defensive tackle, UCLA doesn’t trust their down linemen to consistently get pressure. The Bruins blitz often, and they’ll do it on any down. Be it first and 10 or third and 20, they’re probably coming. If LSU picks it up then Garrett Nussmeier should have a good day against UCLA. Tight end Mason Taylor currently leads the team in catches with 17, and there isn’t a good matchup among Bruin linebackers or safeties for Taylor.
The Tiger running game could also discourage blitzing. True freshman Caden Durham emerged as a weapon for LSU last week at running back. The feast-or-famine nature of a blitz lends itself to backs getting to the second level of the defense with no defenders there or one man to beat. Known for his speed, Durham could have even more opportunities for big plays this week.
Clean Football
Picking up the blitz isn’t the only area in which the Tigers are lacking when it comes to smart football. The Tigers are 118th in penalties with 26 through three games. False starts, disconcerting signals, pass interference, and good old-fashioned personal fouls have plagued this team all year. UCLA is performing better than LSU from this standpoint.
The 23.5-point spread in LSU’s favor seems a little high, but untimely penalties can provide more opportunities for UCLA. The longer the underdog stays in the game, the more pressure builds on the favorite. The Tigers are not a dominant team that can afford to rack up nine penalties per game and expect to win.
Beyond the penalties, the Tigers must remain sound in assignment football defensively. UCLA doesn’t have a freak athlete at quarterback like South Carolina or a herd of NFL receivers like USC, so they get creative in designing plays to help free up playmakers. For example, Matavao could start a play blocking and then leak across the defense on a drag route. The LSU linebackers and safeties can’t fall asleep at the wheel. Last week proved that the Tigers are a strong-willed group, but will alone isn’t enough to string wins together. This game could get uncomfortable if LSU isn’t sharp mentally.
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