Two teams looking to calm swirling storm clouds hovering around their programs hook up in the bayou Saturday. LSU returns to Tiger Stadium after an exhausting comeback win at South Carolina and UCLA is just trying to find some footing after a disappointing first three weeks of the DeShaun Foster era.
That's not to say LSU is necessarily downtrodden after rallying to beat South Carolina in an entertaining 36-33 win. The Tigers ovecame a 17-point deficit, accounting for the second-biggest road comeback in school history.
"The energy and focus was different. It felt like it was a freedom game and everyone was like if we make a mistake, it's all right," said LSU defensive end Bradyn Swinson, the Tigers' sacks leader with three.
While No. 16 LSU (2-1) at least appears to know its strengths, UCLA (1-1) is struggling to find its identity with new coordinators. The Bruins have scored only 28 combined points in two games -- the program's slowest start in five years -- and the defense was torched last wee in a 42-13 loss to Indiana. The Hoosiers moved the ball at will and didn't punt until the final series of the game inside the Rose Bowl.
"Guys are eager to get out here and play because, you know, we got to get better," Foster said this week. "It's different when you have to force them to try to get better and I don't have to do too much of that."
How to watch LSU vs. UCLA live
Date: Saturday, Sept. 21 | Time: 3:40 p.m. ET
Location: Tiger Stadium -- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
TV: ABC | Live stream: fubo (Try for free)
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LSU vs. UCLA: Need to know
UCLA's offense is struggling: UCLA has a fifth-year quarterback in Ethan Garbers and a solid stable of running backs and a well-regarded offensive coordinator. But the offense is anything but successful, ranking last in scoring in the Big Ten. The running game has especially struggled, ranking 122nd nationally (83.5 yards per game) against a schedule that has included Hawaii and Indiana. Perhaps the Bruins can establish a ground game against LSU's defense, which is giving up a surprising 154 yards per contest on the ground (89th in FBS) and eight touchdowns (dead last in FBS). Nothing seems to be clicking for the Bruins, whose passing efficiency is among the nation's worst (126th).
LSU's defense is inconsistent: We expected much more from the Tigers' defense after the impressive season-opening performance against USC, but the close call at South Carolina last week gives us pause. The Gamecocks jumped to a 17-0 lead week despite LSU forcing two turnovers in the first half. The Tigers gave up 12 explosive plays, including seven runs of 10-plus yards. Through three weeks they're allowing 6.6 yards per rush attempt. This is a perfect week to get the defense right against a subpar offense.
Bruins have bodies on D-line: If you're looking for a bright spot for the Bruins and a potential game-changer in Baton Rouge, look to UCLA's defensive line. The Bruins seem to be getting good push and pressure, ranking 28th nationally in rush defense (87 yards per game). The unit has 15 tackles for loss, though 11 of those came in a 16-13 wni over Hawaii in the season opener. Kain Medrano leads the team with four tackles for loss and starting tackle Keanu Williams might be out with an injury. LSU has one of the nation's worst rushing success rates without John Emery (ACL), so UCLA might have an advantage in the trenches.
LSU vs. UCLA picks
UCLA is fighting through an identity crisis as it transitions from the Chip Kelly era, and DeShaun Watson seemingly has a lot more work to do to establish an identity as a head coach and schemer. LSU can win any number of ways, and with an offense that can score 30-plus against any opponent, UCLA will have a difficult time slowing the Tigers in Death Valley. Garrett Nussmeier should have a big day throwing the ball against UCLA's secondary. Pick: Under 56.5
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