New Mexico State Aggies vs. LSU Tigers: Complete Game Preview
LSU's loss to Mississippi State on Saturday was arguably the most embarrassing defeat in the Les Miles era.
The Tigers fell to the Bulldogs 34-29, but the final score does not tell the entire story. A late comeback led by quarterback Brandon Harris made the scoreline respectable. LSU's defense allowed 570 yards, which is the most under Miles' leadership. The offense did not score a touchdown until the fourth quarter.
Next Saturday's tilt against New Mexico State will be LSU's last non-conference cupcake opponent of the season. The Aggies have dropped their last two against New Mexico and UTEP after starting the season 2-0.
Here is a preview of this week's matchup.
What You Need to Know
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
Place: Tiger Stadium; Baton Rouge, Louisiana
TV: SEC Network
Spread: LSU by 43; via Oddsshark.com
LSU Keys to Victory
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Stop the Run
LSU's run defense was tough to watch against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs were able to do whatever they wanted, as the tallied 302 yards on the ground.
New Mexico State is only averaging three yards per rush. An inspired Tigers front should suffocate the Aggies rushing attack.
Keep Running the Ball
LSU had to abandon the running game against Mississippi State because they fell behind early. Running backs Leonard Fournette, Kenny Hilliard, Terrence Magee and Darrel Williams combined for only 20 carries.
The Tigers are better when their running backs are carrying the ball. Quarterbacks Anthony Jennings and Harris combined for 13 carries, which is too many for LSU's style of offense.
The offensive line should have no problem moving New Mexico State around. Expect a big game on the ground from the Bayou Bengals.
New Mexico State Keys to Victory
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Start Fast
The Aggies are slow starters. Opponents have outscored them 31-14 in the first quarter this season.
Falling behind early forces offenses to become one-dimensional. Defensive coordinator John Chavis is superb at taking advantage of teams he knows will pass.
LSU's secondary will feast on the opportunity to face quarterback Tyler Rogers, who has thrown six interceptions this season. Rogers must have run support and a close scoreline early to have any chance at winning this game.
Avoid Big Plays Defensively
LSU receivers Travin Dural and Malachi Dupre both eclipsed 100 yards receiving against Mississippi State. The duo combined for three catches that went for 30 yards or more.
The Aggies cannot allow explosive plays down field if they want to keep the game close. New Mexico State would be smart to play soft coverage and force Jennings and Harris to throw intermediate routes for the entire game.
LSU Players to Watch
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Brandon Harris
LSU's quarterback controversy became more complicated after Harris' fantastic ending against Mississippi State. He was 6-of-9 for 140 yards and two touchdowns. The freshman rushed for the ball twice for 19 yards as well.
Jennings got up slowly after a couple of bone-crushing hits in the fourth quarter. His status as the starting quarterback for Saturday's game against New Mexico State remains unclear.
Harris may not start, but expect him to take at least half of the snaps.
Elliott Porter
LSU center Elliott Porter was whipped consistently by the interior of Mississippi State's defensive line. In his two starts this season, Porter has played below average.
The Tigers thought they were getting an upgrade when Porter replaced Ethan Pocic, who has since worked in at right guard. The Tigers must find a cohesive unit soon if they want to have a dominant running game against SEC caliber teams.
Do not be surprised if LSU looks at some new options across the offensive line against the Aggies.
Kendell Beckwith
LSU middle linebacker D.J. Welter struggled against Mississippi State. Welter made six tackles while his backup, Kendell Beckwith, finished with the same amount on fewer snaps.
The middle of LSU's defense was shredded by the Bulldogs. Beckwith is the future at the middle linebacker spot, so he deserves more snaps if Welter's play continues to be average.
Miles said at his weekly Monday press conference that Beckwith's snaps will increase.
"Miles expects Kendell Beckwith to play "a lot more" this week
— James Moran (@SmartestMoran) September 22, 2014"
"Miles: Kendell Beckwith is on the cusp of playing a significant role on our defense
— James Moran (@SmartestMoran) September 22, 2014"
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New Mexico State Players to Watch
4 of 6Teldrick Morgan
New Mexico State's best offensive weapon is wide receiver Teldrick Morgan. The redshirt sophomore is averaging 116 yards and a touchdown per game.
Morgan must help out his quarterback Rogers, who is already facing an uphill battle against LSU's defense. But getting open against the Tigers' secondary is easier said than done.
Rodney Butler
Linebacker Rodney Butler has been New Mexico State's most productive defensive player. Butler leads the team in tackles with 47 and has one interception return for 40 yards.
Butler has the tough task of stopping LSU's power running game. He will get a heavy dose of Fournette and the rest of the Tigers' stable of backs.
What They Are Saying
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LSU head coach Les Miles was undoubtedly impressed by Harris' performance.
"Les: "I enjoyed Brandon Harris coming into the game." He "gave us a tremendous lift."
— Robert Stewart (@TigerRagRobert) September 22, 2014"
"Les: Brandon Harris "earned some more playing time, without question," as well as "more consideration." #LSU
— Robert Stewart (@TigerRagRobert) September 22, 2014"
Jennings injured himself after suffering tough blows from Mississippi State defenders in the fourth quarter. Jennings is now healthy according to Miles.
"Meanwhile, Anthony Jennings is at full strength and will practice today. #LSU
— Patrick Clay (@patrickclayTV) September 22, 2014"
New Mexio State lost a rivalry game last week against New Mexico by three points. Despite the defeat, Aggies head coach Doug Martin was pleased with his team's effort.
“I’m really proud of the guys and the way we battled today,” said Aggie head coach Doug Martin, per KDBC.com. “It was a hard fought game on both sides and things just didn’t end the way we would have liked."
Prediction
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New Mexico State stands no chance.
The Aggies are the worst team on LSU's schedule. The Tigers' other two non-power five opponents, Sam Houston State and UL-Monroe, were defeated by a combined score of 87-0. It should be considered a minor victory for the Aggies if they find a way to score.
LSU will look to have more clarity at quarterback, but that is unlikely against such a weak opponent. The No. 1 goal for Miles will be to get out of the game healthy.
Offensively, expect Miles to give Fournette at least 15 touches. Defensively, LSU will respond from last week's beatdown with an inspired performance.
Tigers win big.
Score: LSU 45 - New Mexico State 3
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