UCLA football (1-1, 0-1 Big Ten) is entering its second nonconference matchup of the season, heading south to take on No. 16 LSU (2-1, 1-0 SEC) on Saturday. The Bruins will compete in Tiger Stadium – otherwise dubbed “Death Valley” for its unfriendly conditions and rowdy crowds – for the first time in program history. Here is this week’s scouting report from contributor Noah Massey – who is wondering how this matchup would go down if it was actually played in Death Valley.

LSU’s Offense:
Offensive Scheme: Spread
Run-pass percentage: 42% run, 58% pass
Strength: Distributing the ball
Weakness: Rushing
X-factor: QB Garrett Nussmeier

Garrett Nussmeier waited for his opportunity for three seasons.

After settling for backup signal-caller duties since his freshman year and limited game time, Nussmeier has finally secured his starting role under center for the Tigers.

And he’s thriving. Tied for second in the nation, Nussmeier has tossed 10 touchdown passes to only two interceptions while accumulating 895 yards through the air over the season’s first three games.

However, it is nearly impossible for him to live up to the success of LSU’s 2023 offense – one that produced three first-round NFL picks and the highest-scoring offense in all of college football.

Rather than passing primarily to one or two players – as was the case last season with eventual first-rounders Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. – Nussmeier has spurred his offensive figures by effectively spreading the ball across the gridiron. Thus far, no LSU pass-catcher has had north of 100 receiving yards in a game, while five Tigers have at least eight receptions on the season.

The largest difference between Nussmeier and his Heisman-winning predecessor Jayden Daniels is the former’s ability in the ground game. Nussmeier has negative rushing yards in 2024, a far cry from Daniels’ team-leading 1,134 last season on 8.4 yards per rush.

No LSU running back has managed to produce a significant portion of Daniels’ figures so far this season. Coach Brian Kelly has instead opted to split carries between multiple running backs with varying levels of success, as the team averages just four yards per rush while ranking 111th in rushing yards per game.

One bright spot in the run game was running back Caden Durham, who appeared to break out with an 11-carry, 98-yard performance against South Carolina, making him a possible candidate to take the lead role among the committee of backs.

After losing three first-round picks, LSU’s offense may not be the nation’s best – but is certainly a formidable unit that has managed at least 20 points in each game this season.

LSU’s Defense:
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Strength: Defensive Ends
Weakness: Big plays
X-factor: DE Bradyn Swinson

Despite boasting the nation’s highest-scoring offense last season, LSU barely sniffed the College Football Playoff due to its defensive woes.

In the Tigers’ three losses in 2023 – all against ranked opponents – the team allowed about 47 points per game, offsetting noteworthy offensive production.

To combat defensive adversity, LSU hired defensive coordinator Blake Baker – fresh off a successful stint in the same role at Missouri that was capped off by a 14-3 victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Baker was hailed for his aggressive defensive approach, which finished ninth in the nation in sack rate but was consequently prone to offensive chunk plays.

Baker’s risky defense was on full display against South Carolina after racking up five sacks – including three by defensive end Bradyn Swinson – while also allowing chunk running plays of 66 and 75 yards. South Carolina amassed 33 points as LSU’s defense fell to 94th in scoring defense.

Between Swinson and fellow defensive end Sai’vion Jones – both of whom have three sacks this season – Baker’s aggressive defense will create pressure on redshirt senior quarterback Ethan Garbers and UCLA’s offensive line but could simultaneously provide chances to find holes in the defense and gain significant yardage, as South Carolina managed to do.