LSU Tigers

No. 11 LSU enters tuneup vs. SE Louisiana with urgency

Published Sep. 6, 2018 12:27 p.m. ET

SE Louisiana (0-1) at No. 11 LSU (1-0), 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2).

Line: No line.

Series record: LSU leads 1-0.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

After shooting up the rankings from 25th to 11th following its surprising rout of Miami, the Tigers cannot afford anything less than a convincing victory if they don't want to backslide again. At the same time, the Tigers will need to take advantage of an opportunity to evaluate reserves and keep starters rested and healthy as possible heading into their Southeastern Conference opener at Auburn. Southeastern can establish itself as a potential contender in the Southland Conference, if not the entire second-tier Football Championship Subdivision, with a competitive showing.

KEY MATCHUP

Southeastern's defense, which allowed 554 yards to Louisiana-Monroe, against a young and reshuffled LSU offensive line that controlled the line of scrimmage better than expected during a 33-17 victory over the Hurricanes last week. If the Lions cannot create push in the trenches or pressure with blitzes and stunts, the Tigers are bound to move the ball at will.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Southeastern Louisiana: QB Chason Virgil completed 28 of 39 passes for 358 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in his Lions debut last week.

LSU: RB Nick Brossette, a senior, rushed for 125 yards and two TDs vs. Miami to mark the beginning of his first stint as the Tigers' No. 1 tailback.

FACTS & FIGURES

Southeastern Louisiana is in Hammond, just 47 miles from Baton Rouge, making the Lions the closest opponent, geographically speaking, the Tigers have ever played. ... While Southeastern has not played against LSU since losing 48-7 in 1949, the Lions last played in Tiger Stadium in 2005 against Tulane, which had been displaced from New Orleans that season by Hurricane Katrina. The Lions lost that game 28-21. ... LSU has won 12 straight home openers. ... LSU coach Ed Orgeron is 16-6 since taking over the Tigers four games into the 2016 season. ... LSU, which held Miami to 83 yards rushing yards, has held opponents to fewer than 100 yards on the ground 11 times in 26 games under defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. LSU has gone 11-0 in those games.