New Mexico State-LSU Preview Capsule

The Associated Press

NEW MEXICO ST. (2-2) at No. 17 LSU (3-1), 7:30 p.m. (SEC Network)

Line: LSU by 43.

Series Record: LSU leads 1-0.

WHAT’S AT STAKE

LSU aims to rebound from a stunning home loss to Mississippi State and remain firmly in the Top 25 before its first SEC road test at Auburn on Oct. 4. New Mexico State aims for a confidence-building performance — and perhaps a landmark victory for its program — before returning to Sun Belt Conference play.

KEY MATCHUP

If New Mexico State struggles to stop the run, as it has much of this young season, the game could tip quickly in LSU’s favor. The Aggies have given up 299.2 yards per game rushing, while LSU has gained an average of 192 yards on the ground.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New Mexico State: WR Teldrick Morgan is averaging better than 100 yards receiving, totaling 464 yards and four TDs through four games.

LSU: WR Malachi Dupre, one of the top recruits at receiver coming out of Louisiana, looks increasingly effective as he heads into what will be only the fourth game of his college career (after sitting out the season opener). He caught touchdowns of 31 and 30 yards against Mississippi State last week.

FACTS & FIGURES

The only other time these teams met was in 1996, a 63-7 LSU victory. The Tigers were also ranked 17th in that game. … New Mexico State coach Doug Martin is in his second season. The Aggies went 2-10 in 2013. … LSU is 35-0 all-time against current members of the Sun Belt Conference . The Tigers have won 48 straight nonconference regular season games. … Aggies starting QB Tyler Rodgers is a sophomore transfer from Western Arizona. He has passed for 1,056 yards and nine TDs against six interceptions. … LSU backup QB Brandon Harris has completed 11 of 16 passes for 216 yards, three TDs and an interception while rushing for 72 yards and a TD. He could see more playing time this week after leading a pair of touchdown drives in the final minutes against Mississippi State last week.