LSU Tigers
LSU Tigers After losing 2 of their last 3 games the 5-2 LSU Tigers are heavy favorites at home against the 2-5 Tulane Green Wave in Baton Rouge. Odds makers have the Bayou Bengals at -25 at Tiger Stadium with the total sitting at 55.

With perhaps the biggest game remaining on their schedule looming a week away against no. 2 Alabama, the 15th-ranked Tigers will be trying to avoid a letdown against Tulane.

"They're pressing, if you will, maybe trying too hard," LSU coach Les Miles said. "Frankly, we have to let them know that the play call is plenty. The exceptional play is, after you have done your assignment and ripped through your gap, held your area responsibly and then, pursue the play and allow your teammate to make some great plays."

The Tigers have given up 103 points in their two losses, with a soft run defense the primary culprit. LSU has yielded more than 450 rushing yards and six TDs on the ground in the defeats.

With
Tulane's leading rusher, Andre Anderson out with a season-ending shoulder injury, LSU may have caught a break. Despite finishing with only 12 yards on three carries before getting hurt in last Saturday's 42-17 loss to Rice, the junior ranks eighth in the nation with 864 rushing yards and has run for seven touchdowns. With 25 receptions for 202 yards and one TD, he's also Tulane's second leading receiver.

Tulane coach Bob Toledo says freshman Nate Austin will replace Anderson. Austin finished with five catches for 73 yards and 25 yards rushing on 13 carries against Rice.

"He's a big, strong physical back," said Toledo. "He runs with a lot of power."

The Tigers have won 16 straight games against the Green Wave and lead the all-time series 67-22-7.

This week should not be any different. The Tigers are coming off some tough losses against good teams. If they don't suffer a letdown, this one will be one they can gain some momentum with. Take LSU at home a give the points.