College football is officially back, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Once again our state is reeling from the effects of a hurricane, and any positivity is a welcome distraction from the scramble of getting back to normal after the destruction that Louisiana and several other states have endured recently. Tomorrow we’ll have an opportunity to temporarily escape the reality of rebuilding our communities and enjoy the revival of LSU Tiger football. UCLA comes into this game in good spirits after running wild against Hawaii in a 44-10 rout. There’s always an advantage to getting a chance to knock the rust off against an inferior opponent, but even more so when you can handily defeat the opponent without showing your more advanced concepts on either side of the ball. UCLA was able to simply run the ball at will on offense and blitz heavily on defense. Rest assured, Chip Kelly has some tricks up his sleeve for a game that’s critical to his career and the direction of the program at UCLA. Coach Orgeron feels that the Tigers are well prepared, as this game is even more important to his future at LSU. If the Tigers lose the season opener the pressure would grow infinitely to somehow right the ship with the entire SEC schedule ahead of them. Talking season is over, and it’s time to see what we’ve got.

UCLA Offense vs LSU Defense

It’s not easy to draw a lot from a game when one opponent is so physically overmatched, but the physical nature itself is a good starting point. Regardless of the opponent, UCLA’s offensive line’s dominance last week was impressive. The line created space, but running backs Zach Charbonnet and Brittain Brown also proved tough to bring down. Charbonnet, a Michigan transfer, flashed explosiveness and decisiveness on several highlight reel runs. Senior quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson got off to a slow start, but he’s capable of playing at a higher level than he showed last week. The key for LSU will be to control the running game, so this will be the first test of the season for a linebacker room that struggled in 2020. If LSU stops the run they can put UCLA in third and long situations where I expect the Tigers to excel. The ideal situation for LSU is to allow defensive ends Ali Gaye, Andre Anthony, and BJ Ojulari to rush freely on third downs without the threat of the run. UCLA will have to pass more this week than against Hawaii, but they don’t have receivers that will strike fear into a defense. Expect them to utilize their big bodied tight ends over the middle and selectively take deep shots, even if they use trick plays to do so. Thompson-Robinson will have to consistently make the right reads and accurate passes against a talented secondary that’s eager to redeem themselves. I like LSU’s odds, but I also realize there are growing pains inherent with learning a new defense. I’ll give a slight advantage to LSU in this matchup.

LSU Offense vs UCLA defense

UCLA blitzed early and often last week, and did little to disguise it. Fortunately for LSU, Max Johnson usually knows where he needs to go with the ball and gives his receivers a chance in 1 on 1 situations. More importantly, the best way to slow down the blitz is to effectively run the ball. In the last segment I mentioned how the LSU linebackers will be tested; LSU offensive line’s performance will be even more consequential in deciding this game. LSU will be missing freshman running back Armoni Goodwin, but the Tigers are never short on running backs. Ty Davis-Price and John Emery have the talent to be productive, but they can’t if they’re evading tacklers in the backfield. The LSU offensive line has to set the tone early. I’d welcome the blitz in passing situations if I’m Jake Peetz, because LSU has favorable matchups on the outside. Kayshon Boutte will likely receive extra attention from the defense, but Jaray Jenkins has proven effective when targeted. The Bruin linebackers looked fast when rushing last week, but can they cover? Sophomore tight end Kole Taylor is often forgotten when LSU offensive weapons are discussed, but he is a legitimate weapon. With functional speed at 6’7″ he provides an easy outlet for Max Johnson when in distress. It’s a simple formula for LSU to win this game: run effectively, lean on your playmakers, and don’t turn the ball over. I like the LSU offense, even on the road.

While I expect LSU to win this game, I do expect UCLA to put up a fight. Last week Chip Kelly showed less schematically than you would typically see in a spring game. UCLA will make plays tomorrow, but I don’t think they can consistently sustain drives. Don’t panic when the Tigers miss assignments and/or blow coverages; it’s part of the learning curve when adjusting to new coordinators. It is important that they learn when mistakes are made and avoid repeating the same mistakes. From the coaches to the players, LSU understands the urgency of getting off to a good start. They’ve said all the right things, but now it’s time to prove it. GEAUX TIGERS!!!