LSU vs. McNeese: Three Major Players to Watch for

Fresh off an emphatic conference win, LSU is set to face its conveniently placed last nonconference opponent of the season. While it’s unfortunate that the injuries keep mounting for the Tigers, some players could benefit from the chance to showcase their skills. We chose three players to watch for LSU vs. McNeese on Saturday. Whether it’s a bigger role or establishing reliability, we expect the players to show clear motivation this weekend.

Elon transfer Landen Clark has fought his way back into the primary backup role at quarterback after temporarily falling to third string in Spring camp. He had a solid year as a starter before transferring to LSU, passing for over 2,000 yards as a freshman. When considering the offensive minds that recruited him to LSU, it should come as no surprise that Clark is also an impressive ball carrier.

Clark has broken off some impressive runs in limited action this season, even scoring two rushing touchdowns in last week’s contest. But we think he has significantly more to offer as a passer than what he’s shown at LSU. The staff hasn’t needed him to pass much to this point in the season. Frankly, this game likely won’t truly require him to air it out much. But we expect Lane Kiffin to call a game that asks Clark to run a balanced offense.

Despite his relatively small six-foot frame, Clark has a strong arm and can make any throw on the field. Ideally, he’ll have a chance to push the ball downfield against the Cowboys in case the offense needs him to do it later in a bigger game. Sam Leavitt has been hobbled lately with a hamstring issue. Ideally, Leavitt can rest for most of this game before a brutal SEC stretch of the schedule. Either way, we know that Clark is one play away from playing significant snaps considering Leavitt’s playing style.

Unfortunately, LSU’s win last week came at a cost as star linebacker Whit Weeks went down with a fractured fibula. Weeks’s absence is an undeniable blow to the defense, but this defense is better equipped to overcome such a loss than most. Junior linebacker Davhon Keys finished fourth in the SEC in total tackles in 2025 with 88. He would’ve been a returning starter had LSU not added TJ Dottery from the portal.

Keys has demonstrated the ability to read and react quickly in the run game. He’s best as a downhill defender filling gaps. But he’s also made plays as a pass defender, as evidenced by a pick-six in the Texas Bowl against Baylor. Meaningful snaps won’t be anything new to Keys, but we expect the relegated playing time to propel him to an inspired performance.

Linebacker could be the deepest position group on the team. Even with backup Charles Ross out for the season, LSU has more intriguing backups like Tylen Singleton and Zach Weeks. Singleton’s play stood out against the Aggies.

One year ago, a highly touted freshman running back was starting to steal the show in the backfield for LSU while the hometown fans clamored for more touches. Harlem Berry moved a short distance up I-10 from New Orleans to Baton Rouge after high school, bringing hope to the fanbase for an explosive running game. Most assumed that he would take the next step as an emerging star in 2026.

Since that time, the Tigers have added a new coach and new running backs. Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones is now the starter, and he makes it apparent why that’s the case with every carry. Surprisingly to most, UCF transfer Stacy Gage’s north/south style of running earned him the backup spot. With such a stark contrast in Berry’s expectations and his actual role this year, he could’ve easily gotten down on himself.

Instead, he’s continued to work, and his carries have multiplied. Berry has clawed his way back into a contributing role, and that’s a compelling development for the offense. The Tigers have run the ball well. But they can run it even better with backs who complement each other to force defenses to adjust to the style of each one. Jones is a physical, one-cut back, while Berry’s ability to change directions is rare. The different variations of speed, elusiveness, acceleration, and instincts are challenging on the fly. A confident Berry is a difference maker, and we look forward to seeing his impact for LSU vs. McNeese St.

Main Photo: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images