No. 4 LSU aims to stay sharp vs. struggling Northwestern St.
Northwestern State (0-2) at No. 4 LSU (2-0), Saturday at 7:30 EDT (SEC Network).
Line: No Line.
Series record: LSU leads 11-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
LSU likely will need to rest a number of starters after a physical victory at Texas a week earlier, but will need to win comfortably to keep from slipping in the poll. Northwestern State of the FCS needs to stay healthy and rebuild confidence after a 33-7 loss to Division II Midwestern State.
KEY MATCHUP
Northwestern State’s defensive front will have to improve considerably against LSU’s offensive line to give the Demons a chance to be competitive against the Tigers‘ up-tempo, spread offense. The Demon defense has allowed an average of 367 yards and has totaled three sacks through two games. LSU is averaging 410.5 yards passing and 112 yards rushing per game.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Northwestern State: QB Shelton Eppler leads the FCS with 35.5 completions per game and has averaged 309 yards of offense, both running and throwing, per game.
LSU: QB Joe Burrow is beginning to draw some Heisman hype after completing 54 of 66 passes for 749 yards and nine TDs through his first two games this season.
FACTS & FIGURES
LSU coach Ed Orgeron and defensive line coach Bill Johnson both played for Northwestern State. … The Demons have lost twice to an Orgeron-coached team, both times when the current LSU coach was in charge at Mississippi. … Northwestern State has allowed 37.5 points per game, starting with a 42-20 loss to UT Martin. … Northwestern State and LSU last met in 2011, when the Tigers won 49-3 en route to an unbeaten regular season and a berth in the BCS national championship game against Alabama. … LSU’s top three WRs — Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. — have combined for 34 receptions for 572 yards and 9 TDs this season. Jefferson leads the SEC in yards per game with 125. … LSU freshman K Cade York has made the first five field goals of his college career, all from 30 or more yards, including two from 40-plus yards.
