Death Valley Awaits: LSU vs. Louisiana Tech After Primetime Road Win

BATON ROUGE – No. 3 LSU returns to Tiger Stadium on Saturday night riding the momentum of a signature season-opening victory. The Tigers welcome in-state opponent Louisiana Tech for their home debut, with kickoff scheduled for 6:32 p.m. CT on ESPN+/SEC Network+ and the LSU Sports Radio Network.

LSU enters at 1-0 after knocking off No. 4 Clemson in a primetime thriller last weekend. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s unit made an immediate statement, shutting out Clemson in the second half and limiting the Tigers to just 31 rushing yards. Linebacker Harold Perkins anchored the effort with five tackles, two quarterback hurries and a sack, while transfer cornerback Mansoor Delane shined in his LSU debut, finishing with two tackles, two pass breakups, and a momentum-swinging interception. Sophomore corner PJ Woodland added five tackles and a pass breakup, while linebacker West Weeks contributed five stops of his own.

“It didn’t happen overnight,” head coach Brian Kelly said of his defense’s performance. “It started in January. It’s the discipline in our program. Our guys bought in, trusted the process, and it showed on the field.”

On offense, fifth-year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier directed the attack with poise, completing 28-of-38 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown. Wideout Aaron Anderson led all receivers with six catches for 99 yards, while freshman running back Caden Durham powered the ground game with 74 yards and a score on 17 carries. Tight end Trey’Dez Green delivered the decisive blow, hauling in the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“He’s an electric playmaker,” Kelly said of Anderson. “He would tell you there’s more to work on, but when the lights come on, he’s a different dude. I love the maturity and growth he’s showing.”

Louisiana Tech enters with confidence following a win over Southeastern. Quarterback Trey Kukuk threw for 130 yards and a touchdown, while running back Clay Thevenin added 61 yards and a score on just six carries. Tight end Eli Finley paced the receiving corps with four catches for 59 yards, and Omiri Wiggins hauled in the lone touchdown grab.

Defensively, the Bulldogs boast an active front seven. Linebacker Kolbe Fields recorded a game-high 13 tackles and a sack, while Sifa Leota followed with 12 stops and a pass breakup. Defensive lineman Mekhi Mason rounded out the effort with nine tackles, two sacks, and a PBU.

“It’s a nameless, faceless opponent every single week,” Weeks said of LSU’s approach. “Whether it’s the No. 1 team in the country or anyone else, our mindset is 1-0.”

For Kelly, the early signs point to a team growing in confidence and identity. As the Tigers return to the Cathedral of College Football, Death Valley is set to roar Saturday night with a group that is feeding off discipline, preparation, and belief.