GAMETHREAD: LSU Tigers vs. SLI Bulldogs, 6:30pm, Cox Sports + GeauxZone

First, as is required by LSU Blogging Code, a clarification on state law.

Act 45 of the 1995 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, Section III, Subsections C and D [PDF Link]

C. The use of the two-letter University of Louisiana abbreviation, “UL,” and/or the

phrase “U of L” are prohibited by the university or any of its affiliated organizations

(alumni associations, development foundations, bookstores, etc.). For academic,

public relations, athletic, as well as other purposes not specified, the use of the

University of Louisiana abbreviation must always include the abbreviation for the

municipal location of the institution. For example, ULR is appropriate for University

of Louisiana at Rayne.

D. All uses of the name “University of Louisiana” must be followed by the word “at”

and the institution’s geographic location. No typographic variations within the name

are permitted. The word “at” must be no less than 50% and the geographic location

must not exceed 100% nor be less than 80% of the University of Louisiana name.

Any institutional use of “University of Louisiana” without the “at” and geographic

location is prohibited.

Now that that is settled....

It's been a long time since LSU faced an in-state opponent in a Top Ten (at least in one poll) matchup, and the challenge being put up by the Cajuns (7-1, CBI Composite #17 rank) tonight will be the toughest the Tigers will face until conference play starts a month from now. This a series rife with history, bench-clearing brawls, and shady towing companies. LSU leads all time with a 49-23 mark and a 2-0 streak since the rivalry was restarted last season.

LSU will put it's trust in Cody Glenn, the JR former starter who is fresh off a road victory at Southeastern last week and is looking to regain a weekend role.

The Cajuns are going with Jr. RHP Greg Milhorn (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 7.1 IP, 1 BB, 5 SO), who appears to be their Saturday starter. His lone win is a 6 IP appearance against Eastern Illinois on opening weekend. The Cajuns played a doubleheader at Southern Miss last Saturday in which he pitched a scoreless 1 and 1/3 in a closing, but not saving situation. The Cajuns bullpen is off to a good start with a staff ERA of 2.64. ULL (272/384/419) is a higher slugging team than LSU (289/394/396) and they have scored slightly more runs in the young season (52 to LSU's 50). The Cajuns are fielding just a bit better than LSU (which, shockingly, is mostly caused by Alex Bregman's odd 2-error Sunday.) At the plate, watch for LF/DH Caleb Adams, LF/P Ryan Wilson, SS Blake Trahan and CF Seth Harrison. Schedule-wise, credit should be given for sweeping Southern Miss on the road, but those Eagles are not the perennial Top 25 team you're used to seeing.

There are also a few familiar faces for both teams tonight as ULL may start former Tiger Evan Powell in RF and have former Tiger Carson Baranik in their bullpen (though he is part of their weekend starting rotation and not likely to play). Meanwhile, LSU has former Cajuns pitcher Henri Faucheux in the bullpen and St. Thomas Moore grad Andrew Stevenson in the outfield.

It's all on the line tonight. The undefeated season, The SEC's biggest OOC win, The Streak, and braggin' rights over those silly Cajuns who can't seem to stick with a name.

Game is on Cox Sports TV and live video is available in the GeauxZone

PITCHING MATCHUP

LSU – Jr. LHP Cody Glenn (1-0, 1.50 ERA, 6.0 IP, 1 BB, 3 SO)

ULL – Jr. RHP Greg Milhorn (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 7.1 IP, 1 BB, 5 SO)