LSU hosts UCLA in first Louisiana game at Tiger Stadium
- UCLA will play its first game in Louisiana against No. 16 LSU at Tiger Stadium.
- LSU seeks a third straight victory to maintain its AP Top 25 ranking, while UCLA aims to recover from a loss to Indiana.
- The outcome of the game could hinge on LSU's passing attack against UCLA's struggling secondary.
On Saturday, No. 16 LSU will host UCLA at Tiger Stadium, marking the Bruins' first game in Louisiana. LSU, currently with a record of 2-1, is looking to secure its third consecutive victory to maintain its position in the AP Top 25 Poll. The Tigers are coming off a close win against South Carolina, where freshman running back Caden Durham made headlines with two rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, UCLA, with a record of 1-1, is aiming to bounce back after a heavy loss to Indiana. The matchup features a key battle between LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and the UCLA secondary, which has struggled against the pass this season. Nussmeier has been impressive, throwing for 895 yards and 10 touchdowns in just three games. The Bruins' defense will need to step up to contain LSU's potent passing attack, especially since they have shown strength against the run. Historically, UCLA leads the series 1-0, having defeated LSU in their only previous meeting in 2021. However, LSU has a strong home advantage, winning 11 straight games at Tiger Stadium and 16 consecutive games against nonconference opponents. The Bruins have had mixed results in SEC stadiums, with a record of 3-5-2 since 1968. As both teams have changed coaches since their last encounter, this game presents an opportunity for both to establish their current identities. With the stakes high for LSU to avoid a drop in rankings and for UCLA to recover from their recent defeat, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest.