McNeese State @ Louisiana State preview
Tiger Stadium
After frantic last-second finishes the last two weeks, Louisiana State probably could use a week off to recover. The No. 9 Tigers don’t have that, but they do have a weak opponent before resuming a brutal SEC schedule.
LSU (6-0, 3-0) hosts McNeese State (2-3, 1-1) on Saturday in Baton Rouge. It should be a good opportunity for LSU to work out any of those trademark Tiger quirks before their huge upcoming games against Auburn and Alabama.
Last week, LSU rallied to overtake Florida with a touchdown with 6 seconds remaining. Two weeks ago, after a Tennessee penalty gave them another play, the Tigers scored a touchdown with no time remaining to stun the Volunteers.
If LSU finds itself in a similar predicament against the FCS school, its fans will be complaining about more than Les Miles’ clock-management skills.
McNeese State, from the Southland conference, has played 12 FBS opponents since 2000, losing 10 times. Its victories have come against Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana-Monroe, and a third Louisiana conquest would be the biggest of all. Two years ago, the Cowboys lost to North Carolina by only a touchdown and last season they did beat Appalachian State, which famously upset Michigan three years ago.
The Tigers are coming off of their most complete outing of the year. LSU’s challenged offense showed signs of life in the 33-29 win at Florida.
Fans have been critical of Miles, who continues to split time between quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee. Jefferson, a great running threat who hasn’t thrown a touchdown since the season opener, played his best game of the year against the Gators. Lee threw his first two touchdowns of the year, including the game-winner. The rotation worked perfectly last week and Miles will continue with it.
While it still is no juggernaut, LSU's offense jumped up 29 spots nationally to No. 62. Led by Stevan Ridley, the Tigers’ rushing game is 33rd in the country with 189.8 yards per game. Terrence Tolliver, the recipient of Lee’s last-second scoring pass, turned in his best game with six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
Jacob Bower directs the Cowboys’ offense. The quarterback has completed 60 of 99 passes for 803 yards and three touchdowns. Corday Clark is his top receiver with 15 catches for 147 yards.
The Tigers are hoping that their offense is coming around just in time for Auburn and Alabama, both of whom are ranked higher than LSU.
While McNeese State would love nothing more than to beat another FBS state school, it will have to do so without leading rusher Marcus Wiltz and offensive tackle Taylor Johnson, both of whom will miss the remainder of the season.
LSU will be the second FBS school McNeese has faced. The Cowboys lost to Missouri 50-6 on Sept. 11