McNeese State’s major claim to fame last year was coming within one Ameer Abdullah run away from shocking the world with a win over Nebraska. Even with the loss, the Cowboys had a nice 6-5 season with a terrific rushing offense and one of the best defenses in the FCS. That was good, but giving LSU a fight would be even better. The Tigers have the SEC opener at Mississippi State next week with Auburn to follow.

LSU vs. McNeese State Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 5
Game Time: 7:30 ET
Network: SEC Network

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Why You Need To Care

How will LSU look offensively? Will the passing game start to come around after all the problems and issues last season? The Tigers are going to be able to run on everyone, and the defense should be just as strong after an underappreciated season, but they can’t make any real noise in the SEC West race if the quarterbacks don’t improve. This is the game to test everything out.

The Cowboys bring back 17 starters and should be right in the mix for the Southland Conference race all season long. Daniel Sams is a good-looking all-around quarterback for a running game loaded with options. At the very least, this is a good offense for LSU to practice up against to deal with Dak Prescott and the Mississippi State attack coming up next.

Why McNeese State Will Win

Ranked 23rd in the country to start the season, the talent is there to be in the playoff mix. Loaded with veterans, the Cowboys aren’t going to be fazed by the big-time setting – they weren’t intimidated by Nebraska last year in the opener. The defense that allowed just 113 rushing yards per game has to deal with a whole other animal with the LSU offensive line, and Leonard Fournette carrying the mail, but it’s going to be more than just a speed bump. This defense can play.

Why LSU Will Win

McNeese State has to run the ball to be effective – even with Sams under center – but that’s going to be next to impossible for that to happen against a Tiger defensive front returning a brilliant tackle pair in Christian LaCouture and Davon Godchaux along with a ton of depth. The Cowboys aren’t going to have any luck up the middle, and the passing game that sputtered so often last year isn’t going to be consistent enough. Basically, the offense isn’t going to move.

Player Who Matters

Brandon Harris is getting the call at quarterback over Anthony Jennings, but that doesn’t mean both LSU options won’t play. Harris has the size, the smarts in the classroom, and the all-around ability, but he needs more time and more experience. Jennings is more than just a nice backup option, but Harris is the type who could go to a whole other level once he becomes more consistent. This is the game to start making that happen.

What’s Going To Happen?

Don’t expect Nebraska Part 2. LSU’s defense will clamp down from the start, and even though it’ll take a little while, the offense will crush and kill in the second quarter. Harris will look great.

LSU vs. McNeese State Prediction

Last, but certainly not least, the LSU vs. McNeese State prediction …

Final Score: LSU 41, McNeese State 7