LSU returns to the field on Dec. 30, seeking to win nine games for the sixth straight year. They’ll meet Notre Dame in the Music City Bowl, facing a Fighting Irish team that fell from the top 10 to unranked after a heartbreaking loss to Florida State at the midway point of the season.

As we get ready for kickoff, let’s take a look at some of the significant statistics that will come into play on the field in Nashville, Tenn.

The good

  • 22. LSU’s defense will have some opportunities to create takeaways against Notre Dame. Starting quarterback Everett Golson will supposedly be splitting time with backup Malik Zaire, but when Golson does play he’s a turnover-prone player, with 22 giveaways this season (14 interceptions, nation-high eight fumbles).
  • 211.8. The Irish were stout against the run early in the year, but started to fall apart later in the year. In their final six games, in which they went 1-5, the Irish allowed 211.8 yards per game on the ground. LSU’s ground game should be able to prosper against a defense that seems to wear down under pressure.
  • 2. LSU and Notre Dame have met twice in bowl games, with the Tigers winning both. No one has forgotten the thumping JaMarcus Russell and LSU put on Brady Quinn and Notre Dame back in the 2007 Sugar Bowl, but LSU also topped Notre Dame in the Independence Bowl 10 years prior. The teams are 5-5 against each other all time.

The bad

  • 4. LSU doesn’t throw it much, passing on about 31 percent of their offensive snaps, but they’ll have to beware against the Irish. Notre Dame intercepts about 4 percent of opponents’ pass attempts, which ranks them No. 18 in the country.
  • 14. The Fighting Irish had an interception in 14 straight games dating back to last year, a streak that was broken in their regular season finale. If the Tigers fall behind early and have to throw, this will be a major concern.
  • 52.1. Notre Dame has been solid defending the red zone all season, giving up a touchdown on just 52.1 percent of opponents’ possessions that make it inside the 20-yard line and allowing a score 81.2 percent of the time. The touchdown percentage could present an issue for LSU with the problems they had in the kicking game down the stretch.