LSU @ TCU preview

Despite losing a school-record nine players to the NFL draft, No. 13 Louisiana State has national title aspirations as it opens the season with an intriguing non-conference clash against No. 20 Texas Christian on Saturday in Arlington, Texas. The game marks the fifth Cowboys Classic. LSU and TCU have each appeared once and come away victorious.

The Tigers, who lost a ton of defensive talent but return their key offensive pieces, get to measure themselves in preparation for a brutal schedule that features Georgia and Florida from the SEC East. Horned Frogs coach Gary Patterson has yet to announce a starting quarterback for the game. It will be either Trevone Boykin or Casey Pachall, who started the first four games last season before leaving the team as a result of a drunk driving arrest.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN LINE: LSU -4

ABOUT LOUISIANA STATE (2012: 10-3): Quarterback Zach Mettenberger, running back Jeremy Hill (12 TDs in 2012) and wideouts Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. form the core of a potentially explosive offense. Mettenberger threw for 2,609 yards last season but only had 120 in the Chick-fil-A Bowl game loss to Clemson. Coaches want him to use his strong arm to attack downfield more this year.

ABOUT TEXAS CHRISTIAN (2012: 7-6): The Horned Frogs’ defense is one of the best in the Big 12. If Pachall (10 touchdowns, one interception before his arrest) wins the job and picks up where he left off, TCU could contend for a conference title. Running back Waymon James (1.556 career rushing yards) returns after missing most of last season with a knee injury.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Horned Frogs DE Devonte Fields, an All-American candidate, is suspended for the first two games.

2. The Tigers ranked 11th in the SEC in passing last year, throwing 12 touchdown passes in 13 contests.

3. Horned Frogs CB Jason Verrett had 63 tackles, six interceptions and 16 pass breakups last season.

PREDICTION: LSU 27, TCU 20