LSU Football: 10 Bold Predictions for LSU's Week 2 Matchup

LSU took care of business in Week 1, leaving Cowboys Stadium with an impressive 40-27 win over then No. 3-ranked Oregon.

Now heading into Week 2, the No. 2-ranked Tigers can breathe easier as they get a matchup with FCS opponent Northwestern State.

The Demons opened their season with a 24-23 win over Delta State. They are certainly a step back from Oregon, but still should not be taken lightly.

For LSU, they appear to be rolling on all cylinders right now, despite a number of crucial suspensions. The Tigers will again look to put that behind them as they take the field Saturday night at Tiger Stadium

With that said, let's preview this upcoming game and provide 10 bold predictions bound to happen as LSU takes on Northwestern State.

1. Jarrett Lee Passes for More Than 200 Yards

Jarrett Lee did just enough to lead the Tigers to that big victory over Oregon, but his numbers were not impressive by any means.

The senior quarterback completed 10-of-22 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Expect Lee to improve on those numbers in this matchup.

LSU has traditionally been known for being a run-first offense, so we can expect the Tigers to establish the run early and often. But, when Lee gets his chances to throw the ball, he will take advantage of them.

Look for Lee to throw for over 200 yards and two touchdowns. 

Jordan who?

2. LSU's Defense Will Not Allow an Offensive Touchdown

LSU is and has always been known for being a defensive-minded program. We saw names like Patrick Peterson, Kelvin Sheppard and Drake Nevis star in this defense last year, and now, a new core is leading the way in Baton Rouge.

The most impressive stat line from LSU's win over Oregon wasn't the rushing game, it was that they forced four turnovers and held the top offense in the country to just 27 points.

Look for LSU's defense to be dominant in this contest against Northwestern State.

Even if this game turns into a blowout quickly, which it very well could, LSU's second- and third-stringers should be able to hold Northwestern State scoreless throughout.

3. Morris Claiborne Will Get His First Interception of the Season

Mo Claiborne is a preseason All-American candidate and could very well be the top cornerback in the country this year.

He was in lockdown mode in the Tigers' Week 1 victory over Oregon, but in this game, expect Claiborne to come up with his first interception of the season.

LSU's defense plays an aggressive style and that will mean plenty of aired throws for Brad Henderson, a former junior college standout. Claiborne is a ball hawk and will be on the receiving end of one of those throws.

4. Tyrann Mathieu Will Return a Punt for a Touchdown

Tyrann Mathieu is responsible for lining up opposite of Mo Claiborne, but he also has a ton of value in the Tigers' return game.

Mathieu did not get loose against Oregon's special teams, but he did have a fumble return for a touchdown, which came as a huge momentum change in the game.

Mathieu's longest return against Oregon was just 15 yards. Expect that number to be greater in this contest and result in six points on the board.

5. LSU Will Score More Than 50 Points

If the Tigers put up 40 points against the No. 3-ranked team in the country, what would make us think that they couldn't top that number against an FCS school?

The worst team that LSU faced last year was Louisiana-Monroe. The score of that game: 51-0.

LSU should dominate the line of scrimmage in this game, and don't be surprised to see the backups in the game as soon as midway through the third quarter.

As mentioned earlier, LSU is known as being a defensive-minded football team. After this one, perhaps people will begin to view them as a more "complete team."

6. LSU Will Punt the Ball Less Than Four Times

Have I mentioned that this game should be one-sided?

Look for LSU to dominant the run game and therefore, dominate the time of possession.

Freshman punter Brad Wing had six punts for 248 yards in LSU's win against Oregon. Don't expect that number to be anywhere near that high against Northwestern State.

In fact, Wing might not even need to show up for this one.

7. Both Spencer Ware and Michael Ford Will Top the 100-Yard Rushing Mark

The Tigers' running-back duo of Spencer Ware and Michael Ford were brilliant against Oregon.

Ware carried the ball 26 times for 99 yards and Ford 14 times for 96 yards. They came oh-so-close to both eclipsing the 100-yard mark, but that shouldn't be a problem in Week 2.

Ware is the starter for this team, but Ford has proven he can play a big role in this offense as well. 

LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner were supposed to be the top backfield in the country this year.

Ware and Ford look like they could have something to say about that.

8. Rueben Randle Will Not Score a Touchdown

LSU's passing game was nothing to write home about last week as Rueben Randle had the lone receiving touchdown in the game. But that touchdown was the only reception of the game for Randle.

With Russell Shepard still suspended, Randle is clearly the top receiver in the Tigers' offense, but we could see this game get out of hand early and the Tigers' go to the run throughout the second half.

Randle should get several scores throughout the year, but don't count on it in this game.

9. LSU Will Score a Defensive Touchdown

The Tigers scored a defensive touchdown in Week 1 of the season, and they will do it again in Week 2 of the season.

In Week 1, Tyrann Mathieu had a fumble recovery for a touchdown. In Week 2, look for LSU to return an interception for a touchdown.

Northwestern State has never seen a pass rush like LSU's and that can only lead to one thing....turnovers.

10. 52-3

52-3....That is the bold prediction for the final score of this football game.

Never said it was going to be pretty.