Most people wouldn’t assume that Louisiana-Monroe will be much of a challenge for LSU, but Tigers coach Les Miles thinks differently, and he has proof.
How to watch ULM vs. LSU: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Can the Warhawks pull the upset in the battle for Louisiana?
Chris Graythen
Miles on #ULM: Todd Berry's doing a great job there. They're athletic and very capable. They beat Arkansas not long ago. #LSU
— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) September 8, 2014 Maybe that's just shade thrown toward LSU's neighbor to the North, since Arkansas wasn't exactly a power in 2012, but Miles does have a point — ULM is no slouch. The Warhawks beat Wake Forest in their opener, and did so in the most Louisiana way possible.
Wake up Monroe! It's Gameday! pic.twitter.com/6kUciEqacF
— WarhawksEquipment (@WarhawksEquipme) August 28, 2014 That performance was followed up by a less-than-impressive win over Idaho, but still, ULM is 2-0 with a win against a major conference team. That’s a more formidable opponent than most of LSU’s fellow SEC teams will be playing for their cupcake games. Plus, in a state bragging rights game, things could potentially get interesting. Let’s take a look at the matchup.
How to witness
TV: 7 pm ET, ESPNU
Radio: LSU Sports Radio Network, Warhawk Radio Network (K-104 in Monroe)
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: LSU is 2-0 and ranked 10th in the AP Poll and ninth in the Coaches Poll. ULM is unranked in both polls.
Vegas: LSU opened as a 28-point favorite and is now a 31-point favorite. The over/under is 49.5.
Weather forecast: High of 85 and a low of 71 with a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms.
Two things at stake
LSU looked good in the second half of its win over Wisconsin, and the Tigers blew out Sam Houston State the following week. However, they still need to convince everyone that they’re really a contender for the playoff. A blowout win over ULM could ease some concerns.
The Warhawks don’t have much to lose in this game, but in order to prove they’re one of the best smaller conference teams, they have to keep this one close. Beating an ACC team is nice, but Wake Forest will probably be the worst team in that conference this year. Keeping it close with LSU will get them much more respect.
One big matchup
While it was great against Sam Houston State, LSU’s offense was shaky at times against Wisconsin. It’s still young, and the Warhawks can exploit that. If ULM comes up with a couple of turnovers early and makes the most of it on offense, then the Tigers will be on their heels all game.
ULM isn’t going to win this game if it becomes a shootout. The Warhawks can score, but they can’t keep up against this LSU defense. They’ll need their own defense to step up like it did against Wake Forest — and do the opposite of what it did against Idaho — if they want to have a shot.
Further reading
Read And The Valley Shook for more on LSU and Underdog Dynasty for more on ULM.
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