LSU has been away from the gridiron for more than a month, and they wrap up their 2014 campaign with a Music City Bowl date with Notre Dame on December 30. The Fighting Irish stumbled to the finish line this season, losing five of six games down the stretch to finish at 7-5.

Who are the Notre Dame players LSU fans should be most worried about?

  • QBs Everett Golson and Malik Zaire: Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has said that both quarterbacks will play and hasn’t announced a starter yet, so LSU needs to be ready for both. Golson was supposed to be a Heisman contender this year, but struggled in the latter half of the season and finished with 22 turnovers on the year. Zaire hasn’t had much game action, but led two scoring drives late against Southern California after taking over for Golson.
  • WR William Fuller: Notre Dame’s sophomore was the star of the offense in 2014, leading the team with 71 catches, 1,037 yards and 14 touchdowns. LSU has a big corner to throw at the 6-foot-1 Fuller with Jalen Collins, but Fuller has proven himself capable of handling physical defenses this season.
  • CB Cole Luke: Notre Dame’s top cornerback will have his hands full trying to defend LSU’s taller receivers. Luke has registered four interceptions this season, but he’ll be likely dealing with top LSU receiver Travin Dural for much of the game, and listed at 5-foot-11, he’ll be giving up 3 inches to the deep threat.
  • LB Jaylon Smith: The Fighting Irish’s top linebacker led the team in tackles with 102 on the season, also picking up 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Playing in the middle, Smith is about the same size as LSU star running back Leonard Fournette, and he’ll be key in slowing down the Tigers’ ground attack.