Game Preview: LSU Hosts McNeese Saturday Night At Tiger Stadium

No. 11 LSU returns to Tiger Stadium on Saturday night for its final non-conference game of the season against in-state opponent McNeese.

The Tigers are coming off their most complete performance of the season, a dominant 35-6 victory over Texas A&M that improved Lane Kiffin's team to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in SEC play.

McNeese enters the matchup at 2-3 after snapping a two-game losing streak with a 27-24 victory over East Texas A&M last weekend. The Cowboys rushed for 210 yards in the win, led by Omiri Wiggins' 116 yards and a 74-yard touchdown.

For LSU, Saturday presents an opportunity to take care of business, get healthy and develop some of its younger players before returning to SEC play next week at Kentucky.

Game Information

Who: No. 11 LSU (3-1, 1-1 SEC) vs. McNeese (2-3, 1-2 Southland)
When: Saturday, October 3
Time: 6:45 p.m. CT
Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, La.
TV: SEC Network

Series History

LSU leads the all-time series against McNeese, 2-0.

The Tigers won the first meeting 32-10 in 2010 before beating the Cowboys 34-7 in 2021.

The teams were also scheduled to play in 2015, but the game was canceled after a lengthy weather delay in Tiger Stadium.

Betting Information

Spread: LSU -53.5
Over/Under: 60.5

What To Watch For

1. How Much Will Sam Leavitt Play?

One of the biggest questions Saturday will be how Lane Kiffin handles quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Leavitt played through a hamstring issue against Texas A&M but still delivered one of his best performances of the season, completing 17-of-23 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns.

With LSU entering Saturday as a massive favorite and a road trip to Kentucky coming next week, there is little reason to push Leavitt if his hamstring isn't 100 percent.

That could create an extended opportunity for backup Landen Clark, who has flashed as a runner in limited action this season. Kiffin said this week that he has "full faith" in Clark if LSU needs him.

Whether Clark starts or simply gets significant second-half work, Saturday could be his best opportunity yet to show what he can do running the entire offense.

2. LSU's Depth Gets Put To The Test

Injuries have piled up quickly for the Tigers.

Whit Weeks suffered a fractured fibula against Texas A&M and underwent surgery this week, while Charles Ross II suffered a season-ending ACL injury. LSU is also without Trey'Dez Green, Dashawn Spears, Phillip Wright III and Gabriel Reliford.

That makes Saturday an important evaluation game for LSU's younger players and backups.

Davhon Keys will have an increased role at linebacker with Weeks sidelined, while players throughout the defensive front and secondary could see additional snaps if LSU can build an early lead.

It's also another opportunity for young players like Deuce Geralds to continue building momentum before LSU gets back into the SEC grind.

3. Can LSU Get The Young Offensive Playmakers Involved?

Saturday should provide Kiffin with an opportunity to spread the ball around and get some of LSU's younger offensive weapons meaningful touches.

Harlem Berry took advantage of his opportunity against Texas A&M, rushing seven times for 58 yards after receiving only five carries over LSU's first three games.

Kiffin praised Berry's progress this week while making it clear that the competition at running back remains open.

With LSU heavily favored, Berry and other young offensive players could get their largest workloads of the season against McNeese.

The Tigers would also like to build on an offensive performance that produced 506 total yards against Texas A&M and continue developing depth before the schedule gets significantly tougher.

Saturday isn't about surviving a close game. It's about taking control early, staying healthy and getting valuable reps for players LSU may need later in the season.

Kickoff from Tiger Stadium is set for 6:45 p.m. CT on SEC Network.