The Matchup: New Mexico State (2-2) at No. 17 LSU (3-1)
The Venue: Tiger Stadium
The Kick: 7:30 PM ET
TV: SEC Network

Series record: 1-0, LSU

Last meeting: Back in 1996, No. 17 LSU pounded the visiting New Mexico State Aggies, 63-7, powered by a rushing attack led by Rondell Mealey and Kevin Faulk.

Coaches: Les Miles (126-46 overall, 98-25 at LSU), Doug Martin (33-65 overall, 4-12 at NMSU)

Last game (LSU): The Tigers were outplayed in all facets of the game by Mississippi State, but had a furious comeback late that fell short and lost 34-29.

Last game (New Mexico State): The Aggies lost a nail-biter to New Mexico, 38-35, on a last-minute touchdown pass.

LSU wins if: They show up and execute. LSU does not lose to out-of-conference opponents under Les Miles, and he’ll have them ready to play after their loss last week.

New Mexico State wins if: They play the game of their lives.

What it means if LSU wins: Any LSU win would be business as usual, but a convincing pounding would show that they are determined to fix the issues that Mississippi State exposed.

What it means if New Mexico State wins: The sky is falling in Baton Rouge. A loss by LSU would be one of the worst in program history.