LSU Aims for Complete Performance Against South Alabama Ahead of Bye Week

LSU Prepares for South Alabama, Focusing on Playing to Their Standard

As LSU gears up to face South Alabama, the Tigers are not underestimating their opponent. With just one game left before a much-needed bye week, the team has emphasized playing to its “standard,” a goal head coach Brian Kelly believes they haven’t fully achieved for all four quarters of a game.

“We’re playing at home, and we’ve been strong at home,” Kelly said on Thursday. “Home games mean a lot to our fans, our community, and our state. It’s less about winning and more about playing to our level and standard. We haven’t played a full game of the football we’re capable of. This week, it’s about playing four quarters in front of our fans, family, and executing at that high level.”

Offensively, LSU aims to maintain the fast start they showed against UCLA and avoid any second-half letdowns. On defense, the focus is on limiting explosive plays and improving third-down efficiency to gain confidence heading into their bye week and preparation for Ole Miss.

This LSU team has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to string together a complete performance. The players are well aware of this. Freshman defensive tackle Ahmad Breaux said, “We have to do what we do, but better. Every week, we’re striving for perfection. This week’s opponent isn’t South Alabama; it’s us.”

### Game Preview Highlights:
– Injury report
– Betting line details
– Key matchups
– Predictions from the staff

**Betting Line:**
LSU enters the matchup as 21.5-point favorites over South Alabama, with the over/under set at 65.5 points. Despite being 0-4 against the spread this season, expectations are high for a high-scoring game based on Vegas odds.

**Series History:**
This game marks the first-ever meeting between LSU and South Alabama. Historically, LSU holds a 37-2 record against Sun Belt Conference teams. Their last win came in 2023 against Georgia State, where quarterback Jayden Daniels tied an SEC record with eight touchdowns in a 56-14 victory.

The game against South Alabama will be LSU’s final non-conference matchup of the regular season. The Tigers have an impressive 17-game winning streak against non-conference teams at Tiger Stadium, having won 66 of their last 67 such games.

**Injury Report:**
Wide receiver Chris Hilton is expected to make his 2024 debut after being held out last week. Cornerback Zy Alexander remains questionable due to a concussion. If Alexander cannot play, expect increased snaps for Ashton Stamps, JK Johnson, and possibly PJ Woodland or Jyaire Brown. LSU may also move Javien Toviano back to corner if needed.

One significant test will be how the Tigers adjust without linebacker Harold Perkins, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The defense will need to step up against a South Alabama offense that has been prolific in the early part of the 2024 season.

**Keys to the Game:**

1. **Start Fast, Put the Game Away Early:**
LSU needs to avoid the trend of slow starts that have plagued them this season. The Tigers have allowed opponents to hang around due to inconsistent play, particularly in the first half. With Garrett Nussmeier leading the offense, the Tigers need to capitalize in the red zone and establish a dominant lead by halftime. Scoring 21-35 points in the first half should be achievable if the offense clicks.

“South Alabama is a good football team, and we’re aware of that,” Kelly said. “It’s important for us to get off to a good start. That’s been a point of emphasis every week.”

2. **Limit Explosive Plays from South Alabama:**
South Alabama’s offense has been explosive, averaging eight big plays per game. LSU’s defense has struggled at times with giving up big plays, so the focus will be on limiting these and preventing quick scores. If LSU can reduce South Alabama’s explosive plays to three or four and avoid allowing touchdowns on those, they can give themselves a chance to bend without breaking.

How the defense operates without Harold Perkins will be key, as the front seven will need to step up and create opportunities to control the game.

3. **Stay Healthy:**
Injuries have been a major concern for LSU, with three key players already out for the season, including Harold Perkins, John Emery, and Jacobian Guillory. With the bye week on the horizon, LSU must avoid any further significant injuries and come out of this game in good shape heading into their matchup with Ole Miss.

**Predictions:**

– **Glen’s Prediction:**
LSU wins 45-23. I expect LSU to cover the spread, as the offense should have little trouble moving the ball efficiently against South Alabama. With Chris Hilton back, Nussmeier has a full complement of weapons. The defense might give up a few explosive plays but should still control the game. The key is for LSU to jump out early and maintain a comfortable lead.

– **Sonny’s Prediction:**
LSU wins 44-17. LSU put together its best half of football in the second half against UCLA and should string together a more complete performance against South Alabama. The run game will ignite the offense, and Nussmeier will have another 300-yard game. Defensively, LSU will simplify things and hold South Alabama in check, allowing the Tigers to dominate heading into the bye week.

For LSU, this game is about execution, consistency, and finishing strong as they prepare for the tough SEC schedule ahead.