LSU Tigers vs. UL-Monroe Warhawks Complete Game Preview

LSU's welcome-back party in Tiger Stadium went spectacularly against Sam Houston State on Saturday night. 

The Tigers destroyed the Bearkats 56-0. The game featured three touchdowns from receiver Travin Dural and debut scores from true freshmen Leonard Fournette, Darrel Williams, Brandon Harris and Malachi Dupre. 

The shutout of Sam Houston State was LSU's first since 2010. The opponent, UL-Monroe, just happens to be the Tigers' next foe. 

The Warhawks are 2-0 and have already beaten a power-five conference team this season in Wake Forest. But defeating one of the SEC's juggernauts is completely different than defeating a cellar dweller ACC team. 

LSU is looking to move to 3-0 before welcoming its first SEC opponent, Mississippi State, to Tiger Stadium. Here is a preview for this week's matchup. 

What You Need to Know

Time: 6:00 p.m. CT 

Place: Tiger Stadium; Baton Rouge, Louisiana

TV: ESPNU

Radio: LSU Sports Radio Network, Warhawk Radio Network 

Spread: LSU by 28, via Oddsshark.com 

LSU Keys to Victory

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

LSU running back Kenny Hilliard

Run The Football

ULM has a strong front seven. The Warhawks rank first in the Sun Belt in run defense, allowing only 57.5 yards per game.  

Despite the impressive statistics, the massive LSU offensive line should still be able to open holes with ease. Expect Fournette, Williams, Kenny Hilliard and Terrence Magee to combine for at least 200 yards rushing. 

Establishing an effective running game early can set the tone for another dominant victory. 

Prevent Turnovers

LSU only has one turnover on the season, which was a Travis Dickson fumble against Wisconsin. The Tigers' spotless performance against Sam Houston State put the Bearkats in poor starting field position throughout the game. 

The Tigers' efficient ball-handling has been impressive. Expect the offense to continue this trend against ULM. 

ULM Keys to Victory

USA TODAY Sports

ULM quarterback Pete Thomas

Be Unpredictable

ULM quarterback Pete Thomas has had a phenomenal start to the season. Thomas has thrown for 573 yards, two touchdowns and only one interception through two games. 

That interception count can easily increase against LSU's secondary. The Tigers already have four on the season.

Defensive coordinator John Chavis is superb at creating turnovers by generating pressure. The Warhawks will need to move Thomas around on rollouts and quarterback draws. If he is a sitting duck, the Tigers will feast on him. 

Don't Allow Explosive Plays

LSU receiver Travin Dural already has four touchdowns on only six receptions. Dural is averaging 48.5 yards per reception. 

That is ridiculous. 

Dural has developed a cohesive relationship with starting quarterback Anthony Jennings. The best way of stopping that is putting pressure on Jennings.

The bad news for ULM is John Diarse, Malachi Dupre and Trey Quinn have all shown potential for big plays as well. The Warhawks secondary must be prepared for all of LSU's weapons.  

LSU Players to Watch

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

LSU running back Darrel Williams

Darrel Williams 

LSU gave Williams 14 carries against Sam Houston State. He was impressive, rushing for 65 yards and one touchdown. 

Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron used Williams as a running back and fullback. Terrence Magee, Kenny Hilliard and Fournette are still ahead on the depth chart, according to The Advocate, but the true freshman can find himself getting more touches if continues to run the ball with power.

Jamal Adams 

LSU safety Jamal Adams has been earning more snaps due to his elite instincts and athleticism. The 5-star true freshman looks like the next Eric Reid when he is on the field. 

Adams has been spectacular on special teams as well. Keep an eye for No. 33 on kickoff and punt teams as he is consistently around the football. 

ULM Players to Watch

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

ULM running back Centarius Donald scored a touchdown against Arkansas in 2012.

Centarius Donald

Running back Centarius Donald has finally gotten his chance to be the bell cow of the ULM offense. Donald has delivered thus far, with 228 yards and three touchdowns.

LSU's run defense only allowed 50 yards against Sam Houston State. Donald must try his best to get as many yards as he can to make second and third down more favorable. 

Donald has scored on the road against SEC West opposition. He reached paydirt in the Warhawks' upset of Arkansas in 2012. 

Kenzee Jackson

ULM receiver Kenzee Jackson has nearly half as many receptions as he did all of last season. Jackson's six receptions in each of the Warhawks' close victories were critical.

The senior must now find ways to get open against LSU's talented stable of cornerbacks. If he doesn't, it could be a long night for the Warhawks offense.

What They Are Saying

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

LSU head coach Les Miles

LSU head coach Les Miles was not a fan of Fournette's Heisman pose after scoring his first career touchdown against Sam Houston State. He chewed the highly touted freshman on the sideline and continued his disdain for the matter after the game. 

"

Miles: (on Heisman pose) I'm not for that. He needs to realize things like that happen w/ a well designed play & effort from teammates.

— Andrew Alexander (@TheOtherAA) September 7, 2014"

LSU center Ethan Pocic suffered a minor injury against Sam Houston State that kept him out for the remainder of the game. Miles said Pocic will be available this Saturday, per LSU Sports Information. 

Pocic started the first two games of the season in place of the suspended Elliott Porter. Miles announced Porter is now back and will start on Saturday, per Shea Dixon of Geaux247.com. 

Miles emphasized ULM is a gifted, unbeaten team at his weekly Monday press conference. 

"

Miles on Louisiana-Monroe: "They're athletic, very capable. Look back not too long ago they beat an Arkansas team nationally ranked." #LSU

— Ross Dellenger (@DellengerAdv) September 8, 2014"

ULM has been winning games in thrilling fashion this season, defeating both Wake Forest and Idaho by only seven points. Head coach Todd Berry said wins such as those are arduous, per Tabby Soignier of The News Star:

"

It is tough to continue to get up and know you’re going to have to play great, and so we found a way tonight, we found a way last week and we can build off those things. We’ve got to play at a high energy level. That’s the only way you win anymore in college football.

"

Prediction

USA TODAY Sports

ULM has proved capable of winning close games. The Warhawks have won their last five games decided by one possession or less. 

Unfortunately for ULM, Saturday's game against LSU will not be close. 

The Tigers have too much talent across the board. Brandon Harris throws for two touchdowns as LSU head coach Les Miles gets his final tuneup before their first SEC game against Mississippi State. 

Prediction: LSU 48, UL-Monroe 10

Stats, rankings and additional information provided by CFBStats.com and LSU Sports Information. Recruiting information provided by 247Sports. Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow me on Twitter @CarterthePower.