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The LSU Tigers will host Central Michigan on Saturday night in their final chance to right the ship. This is their final matchup before they kick off their SEC slate next week against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. LSU is 1-1 on the year now after a ho-hum 34-7 win against FCS opponent McNeese State last week. CMU, meanwhile, stands at 1-1 as well.
Where To Watch
Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: SEC Network
Stream: ESPN app
Betting Odds
Spread: LSU -19 / CMU +19
Moneyline: LSU -1200 / CMU +19
Total: 61
Preview and Prediction
Things have been better in Baton Rouge. After a mediocre 2020, a lot of promises were made about LSU getting back to the level fans expect. Two games in, they haven’t shown much to make people believe they are any better.
LSU was outclassed by UCLA, and last week, the offensive line still had trouble getting push against McNeese. That’s not something that should ever be said about LSU, but that is where we are.
The bottom line is, they do not look like a well-coached team. Central Michigan, on the other hand, is a well-coached team, led by none other than Jim McElwain.
McElwain’s QB is Jacob Sirmon, the former blue-chip recruit who started his career at Washington. CMU will also rely on RB Lew Nichols III, who’s currently second in the MAC in rush yards.
It was tough to judge whether or not LSU’s run defense had improved vs McNeese last week. The LSU front seven was able to beat McNeese with sheer force. If the LSU defense comes out on Saturday as they did against UCLA, CMU will find some yards on the ground.
LSU should win this game. They’re a 19-point favorite at home against a MAC team. Max Johnson and the offense need to be better, the receivers need to catch the ball, and the OL needs to finally get some push.
LSU will be fine this weekend even if all that doesn’t come together, but they need to improve, or the Tigers will be in trouble come SEC play.