The Preview: LSU Football Hosts Nicholls State in Week 2 Matchup

Brian Kelly and Co. look to bounce back in Week 2, take on an in-state foe at home.

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; LSU Tigers tight end Mason Taylor (86) carries the ball against Southern California Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II (21) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers will take on the Nicholls State Colonels on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium with kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+.

With new LED lights, one of the largest video screens in college football, new ribbon boards and new sound system, Tiger Stadium will be unveiled to fans for the first time on Saturday. The improvements have all been added to enhance the fan experience and will create an atmosphere in Tiger Stadium unlike anything seen since it first opened in 1924.

“When you look up at these massive boards, and it has all the information, all the bells and whistles, ribbon boards that are constantly feeding you information, it definitely helps for the game experience,” said head coach Brian Kelly.

In his second career start for the Tigers, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier posted a formidable performance against Southern Cal, going 30-of-39 passing for 308 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. 

LSU was led by sixth-year senior John Emery Jr. in the running game, rushing for 10 carries and 61 yards against the Trojans. However, Kelly announced some heartbreaking news as the Tigers will be without Emery moving forward after suffering a knee injury in a non-contact drill in Tuesday’s practice.

“We are just sick about John,” Kelly said. “You think about this and wonder how can this be fair to him. He’s overcome so many obstacles. It’s just so disappointing. We feel so bad for him and his family. John has overcome so much and I’m so proud of what he’s accomplished at LSU, getting his degree. He’s going to be successful in life and we will see what the future holds for him.”

Junior receiver Kyren Lacy was a force to be reckoned with in the first half, catching seven passes for 94 yards and a score, while tight end Mason Taylor and receiver Aaron Anderson were key contributors as well with seven catches for 62 yards and five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown, respectively.

Defensively, linebacker Harold Perkins led the team in tackles with eight, while redshirt sophomore Jordan Allen, safety Major Burns and linebacker Whit Weeks all finished with six tackles each. Defensive end Saivion Jones posted one of his best outings in a Tiger uniform, making his presence felt with each snap, finishing with five tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, one pass break up and one forced fumble.

“We expect our team to be a better football team this week,” Kelly said. “(We need to be) more consistent and attack Nicholls based on what they have shown us. They have a good defense, they are well-coached. It’s a team that knows how to win. They win a lot of football games. We are going to have to execute our offense and what we do. We need to be balanced, run the football and throw the ball down the field.”

Nicholls enters Death Valley on the heels of a season-opening defeat to in-state opponent Louisiana Tech. The Colonels forced five turnovers on defense and posted 200 yards of total offense in the 25-17 loss in Ruston.

The Colonels are led by junior quarterback Pat McQuaide, who went 10-for-26 for 138 yards and a touchdown on Saturday. Senior Collin Guggenheim led the team in rushing with 18 carries for 79 yards, while junior Quincy Brown led the team in receiving with four catches for 70 yards.

“We have to play with a sense of urgency for four quarters,” Kelly said. “We have to finish games. We have to execute at a higher level and be much more disciplined. I am excited to get the paged turned and get our team playing to win.”

*Via LSU Release*

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LSU Inching Towards No. 1 Recruiting Class in America

Nick Saban Calls LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier a "Sleeper" Ahead of 2024 Season

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