After surviving a scare against South Carolina in which it needed to overcome a 17-point deficit in the first half, the Tigers return home for a matchup that shouldn’t be quite so tricky.
UCLA is coming to Baton Rouge toting a 1-1 record and looking to bounce back after an ugly 42-13 loss at home to Indiana. The Bruins are led by first-year coach DeShaun Foster, who was hired late in the carousel cycle after Chip Kelly left to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State.
This is a rebuilding UCLA team, and the Tigers enter as more than a three-touchdown favorite, according to BetMGM. Here’s how our staff sees it playing out.
Tyler Nettuno, Managing Editor
I have my questions about the Tigers through three weeks, and I think this team could have some issues in its tougher SEC games. But UCLA, in its current rebuilding state, is not really in a position to stress those weaknesses on Saturday. I see the Tigers being able to score in this one, and I doubt the Bruins will be able to say the same.
Prediction: LSU 41, UCLA 17
Will Rosenblatt, Staff Writer
LSU returns home after a thrilling win against South Carolina. There are still issues to iron out, but we saw progress in Week 3. Caden Durham brought life to the run game, and LSU’s defense made enough plays to offset the big plays it allowed. LSU is a heavy favorite in this one, and I don’t expect any surprises. Garrett Nussmeier has another big day and the defense clamps down on a struggling UCLA offense.
Prediction: LSU 38, UCLA 17
Kyle Richardson, Staff Writer
LSU gets revenge against the Bruins from their previous loss. Garrett Nussmeier throws for 5 TDs.
Prediction: LSU 42, UCLA 28
Composite Prediction
Prediction: LSU 40, UCLA 21
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