Sep. 19, 2024 12:31 PM EST

No. 16 Lsu Plays Host To Ucla's First Game In Louisiana

By The Associated Press
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) rolls out of the pocket during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.) Artie Walker Jr., ASSOCIATED PRESS
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) rolls out of the pocket during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
LSU running back Josh Williams (18) celebrates his 2-yard rushing touchdown with offensive lineman Garrett Dellinger (72) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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UCLA (1-1) at No. 16 LSU (2-1), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)

BetMGM College Football Odds: LSU by 24 1/2.

Series record: UCLA leads 1-0.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

LSU seeks a third straight victory and will need it to avoid plummeting in the AP Top 25 Poll. UCLA looks to rebound from a lopsided loss to Indiana last week.

KEY MATCHUP

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier vs. the UCLA secondary. Nussmeier has passed for 895 yards and 10 TDs in three games. UCLA's defense has struggled against the pass, allowing 267 yards through the air per game. With the Bruins looking stout against the run early this season, Saturday's matchup could hinge on UCLA's ability to defend the Tigers' prolific passing attack.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

UCLA: LB Kain Medrano had three tackles for loss last week against Indiana and led the Bruins with nine total tackles in the game.

LSU: RB Caden Durham rushed for 98 yards and two TDs in a 36-33 victory at South Carolina last week and became the first LSU true freshman with two TDs rushing in an SEC game since Leonard Fournette against Florida in 2014.

FACTS & FIGURES

UCLA will play its first game in the state of Louisiana ... The Bruins defeated LSU, 38-27, in the teams' only meeting three seasons ago at Rose Bowl Stadium on Sept. 4, 2021. Both teams have changed coaches since then. ... The Bruins are 3-5-2 when playing in SEC stadiums since 1968. ... LSU has won 11 straight in Tiger Stadium. ... LSU has won 16 straight and 65 of its last 66 home games against nonconference opponents. ... LSU WR Kyren Lacy has caught 17 passes for 222 yards and five TDs this season.

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