Keys to the Game: LSU vs. Louisiana Tech

LSU WILL WIN IF…

LIMIT MISTAKES: LSU enters this game heavily favored against the in-state opponent, and rightfully so. The Tigers outman their Conference-USA counterpart at virtually every position, so the key to making sure this doesn’t evoke memories of Troy will to limit turnovers and control the pace of the game. It should be as simple as using their superior size and athleticism to overwhelm the Bulldogs, especially up front. The offensive line needs to get a push up front, the defensive secondary needs to prevent Tech from going over the top and the team as a whole needs to win the turnover battle for this game to go as planned.

STAY IN THE PRESENT: After an emotional win against Auburn on Saturday, it would be easy for the Tigers to overlook Louisiana Tech this week and view it as a chance to rest. It also wouldn’t be difficult to start looking forward to Southeastern Conference opponents like Ole Miss, Florida and Georgia coming down the pike. But LSU has to take the Bulldogs seriously to avoid having all the success that came in Auburn wash away in the span of a few hours. As LSU learned last season, it can’t afford to take a week off against anybody.

LOUISIANA TECH WILL WIN IF…

BEAT LSU’S SECONDARY: Louisiana Tech has made a name for its self with its explosive offense since Sonny Dykes took over as head coach in 2010. That hasn’t changed much under current head coach Skip Holtz, and once again the Bulldogs look dangerous on offense, averaging 44 points in their first two games. Quarterback J’Mar Smith enters the game with a 65.2 percent passing clip with 589 yards and four touchdowns to his name already. If the Bulldogs are going to pull of the upset, it will have to be through the air.

STOP THE RUN: The only way Louisiana Tech will be able to keep LSU off the board will be by stacking the box and preventing Nick Brossette and company from controlling the game and the tempo. Forcing Joe Burrow to throw the ball and make a mistake, as rare as they have been through three games, is the Bulldogs only chance of staying in the game long enough to let its high-powered offense facilitate an upset. That being said, if the Bulldogs stop the run, it will be up to the secondary to make big plays and force turnovers.