The LSU Tigers (3-0) step away from SEC play on Saturday when Brian Kelly’s team welcomes in FCS opponent Southeastern Louisiana (2-1).
LSU enters the game undefeated after recording a Top 10 road victory at Clemson in the opener. Still, Brian Kelly’s team struggled offensively in its last two games — both at home — against Louisiana Tech and Florida.
The kickoff between the Tigers and Lions is set for 6:45 PM on Saturday, and the action can be heard on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette and 104.1 Lake Charles.
OFFENSE NEEDS TO GET GOING
Despite having a 4,000-yard passer returning in Garrett Nussmeier, the team’s leading wide receiver in Aaron Anderson back, and a healthy Chris Hilton, and adding Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown, Oklahoma wide receiver Nic Anderson, and tight end Bauer Sharp, LSU’s offense has struggled to start the season. The Tigers enter Saturday’s game averaging 345.7 yards per game and have scored only six touchdowns total this season. Whether it is the play calling or the offensive line, or a torso injury, Nussmeier has not looked as sensational as last year. Nussmeier has thrown for only 469 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in three games. Having the offense get on track against an FCS opponent would bode well before the Tigers begin a tough stretch of SEC games.
SHARPENING HIS SKILLS
Transfer tight end Bauer Sharp has made an immediate impact for the LSU Tigers this season. He enters Saturday’s game ranked third on the team in receptions (9) and receiving yards (97). Sharp transferred this offseason from Oklahoma, where he hauled in 42 receptions for 324 yards and two touchdowns. Before his lone season in Norman, Oklahoma, Sharp developed his skills at Southeastern Louisiana for coach Frank Scelfo. Sharp would play three seasons for the Lions, hauling in 82 receptions for 690 yards and six touchdowns in 37 games. He even began his career at quarterback before switching to tight end.
IN-STATE DOMINANCE
LSU has been unbeatable when facing other teams from the state of Louisiana. The Tigers have won 38 consecutive games against in-state opponents, with the last loss coming in the regular-season finale of the 1982 season. Tulane defeated LSU 31-28.
SERIES RECORD: LSU leads 2-0
Last Two Meetings:
2018: LSU 31 – Southeastern La. 0
1949: LSU 48 – Southeastern La. 7
STAT LEADERS:
LSU
Garret Nussmeier: 69-106, 469 Yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Caden Durham: 45 Carries, 196 Yards, 2 TD
Aaron Anderson: 18 Catches, 247 Yards
Barion Brown: 15 Catches, 145 Yards
Davhon Keys: 26 Tackles (10 Solo), 1 TFL, 1 QB Hurry
Dashawn Spears: 2 INT
Damian Ramos: 6-of-8 Field Goals, Long of 52
Southeastern Louisiana
Carson Camp: 37-of-59, 442 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Kyle Lowe: 18-of-25, 233 yards, 2 TD, INT
Jaedon Henry: 26 Carries, 130 Yards, 2 TD
Jaylon Domingeaux: 10 Catches, 152 Yards, 3 TD
KK Reno: 24 Tackles (12 Solo), 3 TFL
Rowan Briggs: 9 Tackles, 2.5 TFL, 2.5 Sacks
Guillermo Garcia Rodriguez: 1-of-3 Field Goals, Long of 21