LSU Tigers Game Preview: New Mexico State Aggies

This week the No. 17 LSU Tigers take on the New Mexico State Aggies for only the second all-time meeting between the schools. (Please note – going forward, Death Valley Voice will feature game previews beginning every Thursday, prior to that weekend’s game.)

Date: 9/27/2014
Kickoff Time: 6:30 pm CT
Venue: Tiger Stadium – Baton Rouge, LA
Series Record: LSU leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: September 28, 1996 – LSU 63, New Mexico State 7
Radio: LSU Sports Radio Network; Internet Stream via LSU GeauxZone
TV: SEC Network

Latest Line: LSU by 42.5

The LSU Tigers (3-1, 0-1 SEC) take the field once again this Saturday night at Tiger Stadium, the fourth consecutive home night game, to take on the New Mexico State Aggies of the Sun Belt Conference. The Aggies enter the contest with a 2-2 record, including 1-0 in Sun Belt play. The Tigers last faced the Aggies in 1996 during the Gerry DiNardo era, and routed the Aggies 63-7. This is the final out-of-conference game for LSU this season.

Keys to the game for LSU:

The Tigers are looking to rebound after last week’s upset loss to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. This is the type of game that LSU should win handily; in fact, LSU is 9-0 against Sun Belt Conference foes all-time during Coach Les Miles’ tenure at LSU.

The Tigers need to use this game to correct several problems before heading into the teeth of their SEC schedule next week on the road at Auburn. Namely, the Bayou Bengals are looking for improvement with line play, as both the offensive and defensive lines had major issues last week, and for improvement in quarterback play.

Anthony Jennings will start at quarterback, and he had a rough go of it last week, completing only 50% of his passes. Brandon Harris took over late in the game and threw for two touchdowns in a late LSU rally that fell short. Miles stated this week that Harris would see more playing time going forward.

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If the Tigers can get the needed improvement on the offensive line, look for Miles and Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron to attempt to establish the running game, which has been LSU’s bread and butter over the years. Initially, though, look for the Tigers to air it out a bit, so as to force the opposing defense to back off. Defenses have consistently been stacking the box against LSU, making it extremely difficult to establish the running game. Airing it out successfully should open things up somewhat in the running department. Improved play from center Elliott Porter and right guard Ethan Pocic is paramount.

Improvement from the defensive front and linebackers is key. LSU boasts one of the most talented secondaries in the nation; however, the defensive backs are going to get burned more frequently if the LSU front can’t sustain pressure on the opposing quarterback. Miles indicated that freshman Davon Godchaux will likely start in place of the injured Quentin Thomas. It’s also possible that redshirt freshman Lewis Neal will crack the lineup.

Looking at the linebackers for LSU, Miles said this week that Kendell Beckwith will see the field more.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

LSU enters the game averaging 36 points per game, 192 rushing yards per game, and 245.8 passing yards per game. The talent is there, and the Tigers should have little difficulty in posting similar, if not better numbers against an out-manned, OOC opponent. On defense, even after allowing Mississippi State to score 34 points, LSU is 11th in total defense, allowing 14.5 points per game.

New Mexico State primarily runs a spread offense led by quarterback Tyler Rogers. Rogers can hurt opponents on his read option ability. The Aggies currently average 30 points per game, 167 rushing yards per game, and 266.8 passing yards per game. Their wins this season have come against Cal Poly and Georgia State; losses against UTEP and New Mexico. On defense, the Aggies are strong on the edges, and led by defensive end Jay Eakins. New Mexico State is 98th in total defense, allowing 30.3 points per game.

Prediction:

Look for LSU to start off quickly on offense. Instead of the typical vanilla drives that consistently feature the Power-I formation and running it up-the-middle, expect to see more spread formations that feature the passing game. Brandon Harris will have a big game, and Anthony Jennings will find success as well. The Tigers desperately need to establish some semblance of a passing game if they are to see success in SEC play. The defense will also show improvement.

LSU wins a rout.

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