By Milton Manningham, LSU Football Contributor
No. 16 LSU secured a decisive 34-17 victory over UCLA, thanks to Garrett Nussmeier‘s 352-yard, three-touchdown performance. The Tigers outscored UCLA 17-0 in the second half, with standout plays from freshman running back Caden Durham and tight end Mason Taylor, who became LSU’s most prolific receiving tight end.
However, the victory was dampened by the loss of linebacker Harold Perkins, who suffered a right knee injury in the fourth quarter. Perkins, a preseason All-American, was helped off the field and later walked gingerly to the locker room, leaving a question mark over his availability for the upcoming SEC stretch.
LSU’s defense struggled in the first half, allowing UCLA to keep pace with two touchdown drives, but they tightened up after halftime. Defensive end Bradyn Swinson added two sacks, one of which caused a crucial fumble, helping LSU pull ahead.
Despite a valiant effort from UCLA’s Ethan Garbers, who passed for 281 yards, the Bruins couldn’t overcome LSU’s second-half surge. The Tigers improved to 3-1 and will now prepare for their final non-conference game against South Alabama before entering a tough SEC schedule.
