LSU Tigers at UCLA Bruins 9/4/21 - NCAA Football Picks & Predictions

After a dominate unbeaten year leading to a National Title the LSU Tigers were brought back to farther finishing 5-5 in 2020. The offense posted good numbers last season with 32 points on over 400 yards per game. The QB spot was up for grabs but it appears Max Johnson will be given the keys due to his play to close out the year and progress this offseason. Kayshon Boutte led the Tigers in 2020 with 5 scores and over 700 yards and will be back in 2021 as the primary target in the passing game.

The LSU defense went from one of the best in the nation to barely good enough to stop anyone. After the LSU DC left town the defense struggled all year. The Tigers have talent all over the field but were unable to find the ways for them to be successful. Several key pieces including Eli Ricks and Derek Singelrary Jr are expected to step in to huge roles to lead the LSU defense back to promise.

UCLA has already begun their season with a huge 44-10 blow out win over Hawaii. Dorian Thompson-Robinson led the Bruins offense like a well oiled machine throwing for 130 yards and 1 touchdown, while adding 16 more yards on the ground on 3 carries. Running backs Zach Charbonnet and Brittain Brown carried the UCLA offense combining for 184 yards on 19 carries for 4 touchdowns.

The Bruins defense looked great for the full 60 minutes holding Hawaii to just 3 points in the first half before giving up a garbage time touchdown in the second half. Mo Osling III led the way for the UCLA defense with 5 tackles, while a host of Bruins defenders chipped in with 4 tackles. The UCLA defense also won the turnover battles with 2 interceptions in the game.