If LSU Wins or Loses against McNeese

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The LSU Tigers enter Saturday’s matchup with McNeese in a much different position than they were just one week ago.

After suffering a disappointing loss to Ole Miss, LSU responded by dominating No. 23 Texas A&M 35-6 and moving to 3-1 on the season. Now, the Tigers have their final non-conference game of the regular season against McNeese at Tiger Stadium.

On paper, this should be a game LSU controls. But the Tigers have more to gain than simply adding another win.

If LSU Wins:

A win would give LSU a 4-1 record heading into the heart of its SEC schedule and allow the Tigers to enter the next stretch of the season with momentum.

The biggest thing to watch may be how LSU handles the game from a health standpoint. Head coach Lane Kiffin indicated Monday that he would be extremely cautious with quarterback Sam Leavitt, who dealt with a hamstring issue against Texas A&M.

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks also suffered a fractured fibula, who Kiffin said will be out for a while.

That makes Saturday an opportunity for the Tigers to build depth and potentially get younger players meaningful snaps.

It could also provide another chance for LSU’s offense to build confidence. Leavitt had his best passing performance of the season against Texas A&M, completing 17 of 23 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns.

If LSU Loses:

A loss would obviously change the conversation around LSU considerably.

McNeese is entering the game at 2-3, making this a matchup where LSU is expected to control the game heavily.

If the Tigers were to struggle or lose, questions would immediately return about whether the Texas A&M victory was actually a turnaround or simply one strong performance.

It would also erase much of the momentum LSU created with its dominant victory over the Aggies.

For Kiffin, the goal should be more than simply getting through Saturday. LSU needs to continue developing its identity, especially with another SEC stretch waiting on the other side.

The Tigers have already shown they can respond to adversity this season. Against McNeese, they have an opportunity to show they can handle expectations as well.

Whatever happens Saturday, the result should provide another look at where this LSU team stands heading into the next phase of the season.

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