Written by Steven Miller

The long awaited game which was first announced in 2014 is finally upon us. LSU vs. UCLA in The Rose Bowl Stadium will be the first game of the 2021 season for LSU, coming off back to back historical seasons.

Many in college football are asking “Which LSU Team will we see in 2021?”

LSU is coming off the worst season in the history of the program, finishing (5-5) with many opt
outs & players who left for the NFL. However, LSU returns 23-players from
2020 that had a start which insiders think should bode well for the Tigers
to rebound this year. Max Johnson (QB) takes over the leadership role on the
offense after finishing off 2020 Season with back to back wins against Florida
& Ole Miss.

The Big Question mark for LSU this season is going to be the
O-Line & if can they stay healthy all season to keep Johnson clean to guide this
offense. LSU’s backfield is loaded with experienced backs, Tyrion Davis-
Price/John Emery are the most experienced of the stable, but Armoni
Goodwin, Corey Kiner, and Josh Williams all saw action last year and pushing
for more PT this year. The WR group is just as experienced, single game
receiving yard WR Kayshon Boutte will be the go-to guy outside followed by
Jaray Jenkins, Devonta Lee & newcomers who are coming on like
gangbusters, Brian Thomas Jr. & Malik Nabers.

On defense, there is only one way for LSU to go in 2021 & it’s UP! A
healthy Derek Stingley Jr. will lead the secondary opposite of Eli Ricks
should be a huge boost for starters. The DL is thought to have a great year
with Freshman Impact players & reports have been off the charts so far in

Linebacker play will be another question as transfers like “Bug” Strong
& Mike Jones look to make a big impact this season. Damon Clark & Micah
Baskerville are the two Sr.s that the group can look to for leadership. Safety Play
must also be improved upon & they’ll look to Jay Ward, as he’s made the
transition to safety quite well. Major Burns & Sage Ryan are two freshman that
look to see action on the field as well.

LSU is (22-4) All-Time vs the PAC-12, and last played a PAC-12 program was in
2012 at home vs the Washington Huskies, winning (41-3). LSU’s last trip to the Pacific
Time Zone was the 2009 Season Opener against those same Washington Huskies &
a 31-23 win. UCLA opens the season in Week 0 against Hawaii & I’m sure a
very large audience from Louisiana will be tuned in to see what the Bruins bring
to the table this season. LSU is favored by 4-points currently on most sites, so
this should be a great barometric test for both programs. UCLA under Chip Kelly
has never won a Non-Conf. game in his 3-yr. tenure
Tiger Fans are anxious to see which brand of football we’ll get this season.