Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s matchup between LSU and Sun Belt Conference opponent New Mexico State in Baton Rouge.

When: Saturday, Sept. 27
Where: Tiger Stadium; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Current Line: LSU (-44.5)

Game Buzz: The Tigers are coming off of a 34-29 loss at home to Mississippi State a week ago in which very few fans hung around to see the Tigers mount a late comeback. LSU can’t do anything to gain ground in the SEC West in this one, but they have personnel and scheme issues that were exposed a week ago to work out all over the field.

SATURDAY DOWN SOUTH PREVIEWS

LSU TIGERS

Players to watch: 

  • QB Anthony Jennings
  • QB Brandon Harris
  • RB Kenny Hilliard
  • WR Malachi Dupre
  • WR Trey Quinn
  • C Elliott Porter
  • LT La’el Collins
  • DT Davon Godchaux
  • DT Lewis Neal
  • LB Kendell Beckwith
  • LB Kwon Alexander

Keys for LSU: 

  • See what the quarterbacks can do. Brandon Harris didn’t get into the game against Mississippi State until the waning moments of the fourth quarter, and he nearly completed a wild comeback. Les Miles has promised more playing time for Harris, while Anthony Jennings will remain the starter. How each of them performs today could play a large part in determining not just who will start when the Tigers go on the road to Auburn next week, but who will be at the helm the rest of the season.
  • Establish the running game. LSU’s per-carry average has dipped in each of the last three weeks, with a supposed team strength starting to look like a potential issue. There isn’t one specific problem that stands out above others, but it partly stems from a weak passing game and teams packing the box against the Tigers. The Aggies will likely attempt just that today, but with one of the worst rush defenses in the nation (No. 126 of 128) it may not matter. The offensive line, which hasn’t been stellar despite pre-season hype, will have to open holes, while the running back corps will need to be patient in waiting for them to open up.
  • Play fundamental defense. LSU was gouged a week ago, giving up big plays on the ground and through the air. The Tigers will have to get back to plugging holes, keeping their man in front of them and wrapping up against New Mexico State. If LSU can do that, this game shouldn’t be a problem.

Tigers’ glaring weakness to watch: Defensive tackle depth is an issue for the Tigers, even more so this week than it has been all season. Quentin Thomas will miss this game, and possibly the next, with an arm injury. Sophomore Lewis Neal will move inside and rotate with Davon Godchaux and Christian LaCouture at tackle. It remains to be seen if any of the redshirt freshmen – Frank Herron, Greg Gilmore and Marquedius Bain — will see the field.

Most interesting part of this game: The obvious answer is how the quarterback situation will shake out. Miles has promised playing time for Harris before, only to see him ride the bench for much of the game. Will he actually get a fair share of the snaps, or will Jennings continue to dominate playing time?

NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES

Players to watch: 

  • QB Tyler Rogers
  • RB Larry Rose III
  • RB Xavier Hall
  • WR Teldrick Morgan
  • WR Joseph Matthews
  • DE Jay Eakins
  • LB Rodney Butler
  • LB Derek Ibekwe
  • LB Noah Brown

Keys for New Mexico State: 

  • Hold onto the ball. The Aggies have moved and scored the ball well, averaging 430 yards and 30.3 points per game. They’ve had an issue giving the ball away, though. Tyler Rogers has thrown 6 interceptions, and the Aggies have put the pall on the ground twice via fumble. Giving LSU any extra possessions today would spell a quick ending for NMSU.
  • Spread the field. One thing coach Doug Martin likes to do is move the ball. The Aggies are throwing about 40 times per game, and they’ll need to move the ball through the air to stand a chance against LSU.

Aggies’ glaring weakness to watch: New Mexico State’s run defense is one of the very worst in the country. LSU should be determined to establish their ground game after struggling the last two weeks. If the Aggies can’t find some way to slow it down, this game could get out of hand quickly.

Most interesting part of this game: Can the Aggies keep this competitive by jumping on LSU early? The Tigers might lack focus coming off of their loss last week, and if they’re not sharp from the jump NMSU needs to take full advantage.