LSU Tigers vs New Mexico State Aggies: Featured Matchup

The 17th-ranked LSU Tigers close out their out-of-conference schedule on the year this Saturday when they square off with the New Mexico State Aggies at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers enter the game at 3-1, 0-1 SEC, and the Aggies are 2-2, 1-0 Sun Belt Conference.

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Kickoff for the game is 6:30 pm CT and will be televised on the SEC Network. This is the fourth consecutive home night game for LSU, and is the final tuneup before SEC play begins in earnest next week when the Tigers visit Auburn. The Bayou Bengals will be looking to correct several problematic areas against the Aggies, including issues on offense.

Our featured matchup for this week pits the LSU offense against the New Mexico State defense.

Sep 6, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) runs for a touchdown against the Sam Houston State Bearkats during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It would appear that LSU has a quarterback controversy on its hands entering this game. On one hand, Anthony Jennings is coming off an erratic performance in last Saturday’s loss to Mississippi State. On the other, Brandon Harris is seemingly the fan favorite at the moment, after leading LSU in a furious comeback in which the Tigers were a hail mary pass away from winning.

During the week, LSU Coach Les Miles stated in not so many words that Jennings would be the starter this weekend. On Wednesday during the SEC teleconference. Miles stated, “We will play them in a like fashion that we have in the past.” He further said, “I would also say Brandon Harris will get a little bit more playing time.” So, there you have it – both quarterbacks will play; it’s just not clear how much each will play. In either case, LSU needs to have consistent play from whomever is taking the snaps going forward.

In order to get better quarterback play, the offensive line needs to perform better. Pass protection needs to improve markedly, no matter who is behind center. Based on play thus far, Harris appears to be better and quicker in his decision-making, as compared with Jennings.

Both quarterbacks can make plays with their feet; however, LSU needs to establish a better and more potent passing attack. Look for LSU to work on this aspect of the offense this weekend. During Miles’ Wednesday night radio show, he hinted at this. The Tigers have some talented receives in Travin Dural, Malachi Dupre, John Diarse, and Trey Quinn. They need to see the ball more often. The tight ends have underperformed thus far; it’s difficult to say how they would factor into the passing game currently.

Sep 13, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a touchdown past Louisiana Monroe Warhawks safety Mitch Lane (7) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Louisiana Monroe 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The running game needs to improve as well. The offensive line has been inconsistent at best in opening running lanes for LSU’s talented stable of backs. It appears at this stage that the Tigers need to establish the pass to open up the run, the opposite of how it’s usually done. Leonard Fournette needs to get more carries.

Fournette was LSU’s leading rusher against Mississippi State with 38 yards on 7 carries; however, no carries in the second half. Clearly he needs more touches. Additionally, the backs need to featured more in the short-passing game. Freshman Darrel Williams was on the receiving of two nicely executed screen passes last week, which is a good sign.

Overall on offense, the Tigers are averaging 438 yards/game, good for 62nd in the nation. This includes 245.8 passing yards/game (58th in the nation), and 192 rushing yards/game (46th nationally). Typically, we would expect to those numbers the other way around. Heading into SEC play next week, these numbers need to improve. The Tigers are scoring 36 points/game (41st nationally). It is difficult to gauge LSU’s offense, given its struggles against better competition.

In looking at the New Mexico State defense, the Aggies are allowing 423 total yards/game (89th nationally), including 123.3 passing yards/game (6th best nationally), and 299.3 rushing yards/game, which ranks them last in the nation. Regarding the low passing yard numbers for the Aggies, their games thus far have been wins against Cal Poly and Georgia State; losses against UTEP and New Mexico. LSU is more than capable of putting up those types of numbers in both categories. The Aggies are allowing 30.3 points/game (97th nationally).

Look for LSU to start out quickly on offense tomorrow, using the pass to open up the run. Harris should see at least half of the snaps, as the coaching staff needs to evaluate what it has going forward, and how it will dictate playing time between Harris and Jennings. Things won’t get any easier as the calendar turns to October.

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