Using ESPN’s FPI (Football Power Index) as a guide, LSU has a 98.4 percent chance to beat Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday.

LSU LOOKS TO AVOID A TRAP AGAINST IN-STATE FOE

These early season tests against non-Power 5 teams (and even non-FBS teams) can sometimes sneak up on a big-time program like LSU. Against an FCS team last week, LSU showed that they weren’t sleeping on their opponent, jumping out to a quick lead and keeping their foot on the gas pedal. Louisiana-Monroe might not be a pushover, but they’re certainly not in LSU’s class, especially when you compare their FPI ratings.

LSU still has questions in the passing game, and they might not find answers after Travin Dural suffered a minor injury in a car crash. Les Miles says he’ll play, but the Tigers might be better served letting Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris get more work in with the team’s other receivers. John Diarse, Trey Quinn and Malachi Dupre have combined for nine catches, three more than Dural has on his own. The Tigers offense can’t rely on Dural alone forever.

The backfield seems to have sorted itself out as a three-headed monster lead by Kenny Hilliard, but getting Terrence Magee going wouldn’t be a bad thing. The senior has been ineffective and underused so far, and the Tigers could use his lightning to complete their power game.

The defense looked like it had plenty of fangs against Sam Houston after clamping down on Wisconsin late. The only question mark remains at defensive tackle. Marquedius Bain, Greg Gilmore and Frank Herron all sat out the Wisconsin game, and all played limited snaps against Sam Houston. With Quentin Thomas playing through a biceps tear, LSU could use some depth at the position.