Louisiana Tech vs. LSU Picks and Prediction, Saturday, September 6, 2025
A battle of Bayou State teams takes place Saturday night, and we are boiling up some Louisiana Tech vs. LSU predictions for your pleasure. The Bulldogs (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) blanked SE Louisiana, 24-0, at home last weekend as -14.5 favorites. The 3rd-ranked Tigers (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) edged out No. 4 Clemson, 17-10, as +5.5 underdogs. on the road last week. The fury of Tiger Stadium hits a head with the 7:30 EST kickoff and when it comes to college football selections, our College Football predictions are stellar.
Defense leads Louisiana Tech to victory
While the Bulldogs offense was able to put some points on the board in the team’s season opener, the defense was what carried the team across the finish line. The Bulldogs keep things in-state before they open conference play next weekend.
The Louisiana Tech defense picked up where they left off at the Joe, by keeping their opponents scoreless. They shutout Kennesaw State to close out the regular season last year. The Bulldogs were able to hold SE Louisiana to 373 total yards, and they forced three turnovers from them. They also got a big boost from Kam Franklin, who recovered a fumble in the third quarter and returned 80 yards to the house. Linebacker Mekhi Mason was all over the field, recording 9 tackles, 2 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss while also defending a pass, earning him CUSA Defensive Player of the Week. Kolbe Fields recorded a team-high 13 tackles in the win.
On offense, the Bulldogs did not impress much, if at all. They had a total of 262 yards, had 14 first downs and were just 3-10 on third down conversions. JUCO transfer Trey Kukuk went 14-19 on pass attempts but had just 130 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 48 yards on 16 carries. Eli Finley and Omiri Wiggins each caught four passes while six others had one reception. The running game produced 133 yards on the ground, led by Clay Thevenin’s 61 yards, with a touchdown.
“We know the challenge will get greater this week,” said head coach Sonny Cumbie at his Tuesday press conference. “It’s an exciting opportunity for our football team.”
Game notes
- Louisiana Tech has won 12 straight season openers when they’ve been at home and three straight overall.
- Punter/kickoff specialist John Hoyet Chance was named the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week.
- Last week’s win was the team’s first shutout at home since they blanked Middle Tennessee in 1996.
Sign Up for StatSalt News Alerts, Get Free Picks and Discounts
Subscribe Now
LSU puts nation on notice with big road win
Faced with a big test right out of the gate, LSU was able to set a tone for the season by going into No. 4 Clemson and wrestling away a hard-fought victory. In the process, they jumped from No. 9 to No. 3 overall in the AP Top 25.
The Tigers’ defense stood tall against one of the more highly regarded quarterbacks in the country. They bent a bit against the pass but loaded up versus the run and did not allow Clemson to ever get going on the ground, holding them to just 31 yards. LSU held Clemson to 13 first downs, kept them to 3-10 on third down chances and recorded one interception thanks to Mansoor Delane, who also had two pass deflections. Both PJ Woodland and Harold Perkins Jr. had five tackles and a sack apiece.
“I’m glad that the game got put on our shoulders and we were able to get it done,” said LSU linebacker Whit Weeks, via ESPN.com.
The LSU offense took a while to get things rolling last week. They had just three points at halftime but punched in one touchdown in the third and fourth quarter to back the defense shutting down Clemson. Fifth-year senior Grant Nussmeier went 28-38 for 230 yards and connected on a key 8-yard touchdown pass to Trey’Dez Green in the fourth quarter. Aaron Anderson was the top target, catching six passes for 99 yards. The Tigers also ran for 108 yards, with Caden Durham leading the way with 74 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The offensive line allowed only one sack on the day.
Game notes
- LSU is the highest of the 10-ranked SEC teams in the AP Top 25.
- With the win last week, the Tigers halted a five-game losing streak in season openers.
- LSU had 12 players earn their first start in uniform against Clemson.
- Zavion Thomas became the first LSU player to have a run, pass and catch since Jayden Daniels completed the feat in January of 2023.
Louisiana Tech vs. LSU Pick
Spread Pick for Louisiana Tech vs. LSU
- Louisiana Tech +37.5 (4 units)
Asking a team that scored just 17 points last week to cover a 37.5-point spread is quite a stretch but warranted given the matchup. Of course, it would stand to reason that the Tigers are facing a lesser defense than they did versus No. 3 Clemson. However, the Bulldogs showed last week that they are fueled up on that side of the ball. Where the issues might lie for the visitors is in their depth on defense. They are also going to need to find a way to move the ball upfield and rushing the ball might not be an option for them here. I expect a better effort from Kukuk, now that he’s had a taste of life at this level. He will be pressured a lot more this time around, but that should help him make quicker decisions. LSU is 3-0 SU in the last three meetings between these two, but Louisiana Tech is 2-1 ATS.
Take the Bulldogs getting the points.
Over/Under Pick for Louisiana Tech vs. LSU
- Over 51.5 (4 units)
While both teams leaned heavily on their defenses to earn their first wins of the season, I’m looking for both sides to break out the offense in this one. With the in-state rivalry factor, both sides are going to look to go big and that should benefit both offenses. The Bulldogs have some questions still, but they also didn’t lay it all on the line in a game they seemed very comfortable in. Kukuk is a dual threat which should open things up more once he gets the pass established. LSU was facing a very strong Clemson defense last week but eventually found their way into the end zone. The heat of that matchup, especially on the road, made it tough for them to get going early, but this team has some veteran presence leading them in Nussmeier, so expect a big uptick in scoring from the hosts. The over is 2-1 in the last three games between the programs.
Take the over.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $150
