No. 18 LSU eyes bounce-back performance against Nicholls State
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) hands off to running back Josh Williams (18) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/Steve Marcus
Nicholls State (0-1) at No. 18 LSU (0-1), Saturday, 7:30 ET (SECN+, ESPN+)
BetMGM College Football Odds: No line.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
LSU needs a convincing victory to remain in the AP Top 25 p oll after stumbling late in a 27-20 season-opening loss to USC in Las Vegas last week. Nicholls doesn't need to win this game, but it could be a program defining victory if the Colonels can pull it off.
KEY MATCHUP
LSU's offense vs. Nicholls State's opportunistic defense. The Tigers scored just two TDs last week with new starting QB Garrett Nussmeier under center. Nicholls produced five takeaways on three interceptions and two fumble recoveries during the Colonels’ 25-17 loss at Louisiana Tech last week..
LSU head coach Brian Kelly, left, talks with officials during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern California, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/Steve Marcus
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nicholls State: LB Eli Ennis was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the third time in his career after making 10 tackles to go with an interception and fumble recovery at Louisiana Tech.
LSU: WR Kyren Lacy had 7 catches for 94 yards and a TD against USC last week.
FACTS & FIGURES
Nicholls will be looking for its fifth win over an FBS school since 2000 after claiming victories against Arkansas State (’01), Rice (’07), Western Michigan (’13) and Kansas (’18). ... The Colonels have lost 10 straight to FBS opponents since the victory over Kansas. ... LSU's home opener also marks the beginning of Tiger Stadium's 100th season. ... LSU has won 10 straight games in Tiger Stadium, where head coach Brian Kelly is 13-1. LSU went 7-0 in Death Valley in 2023 after going 6-1 at home in 2022. ... Nussmeier connected on 30 of 39 passes for 308 yards, two TDs and an interception to become just the second QB in LSU history to have 300-plus yards passing in his first two career starts. He had 395 yards vs. Wisconsin in last season's ReliaQuest Bowl. ... LSU RB John Emery tore a knee ligament at practice this week and is out for the season.
