Junior tight end Mason Taylor was extremely productive with six catches for 58 yards and a score, while sophomore Aaron Anderson continued to shine with five catches for 96 yards.

“What’s exceptional about him is his yards after the catch,” Kelly said of Taylor. “He’s got a great relationship with Nussmeier. He’s done a lot of things for us that sometimes don’t even get noticed.”

LSU defensive end Bradyn Swinson was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year after posting his best performance as a Tiger with seven pressures, five tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble. Swinson, who spoke to the media on Tuesday, credits his coaching staff for the progress he’s seen on the defensive line.

“Bo Davis and Coach Peoples,” Swinson said. “They build the mindset. They help us take the steps to where we want to be.”

The Tigers expect to get redshirt junior receiver Chris Hilton back from injury, but in a limited capacity, according to Coach Kelly. The Zachary native has 415 yards on 22 catches with three touchdowns in his LSU career.

UCLA is led by senior quarterback Ethan Garbers, who has racked up 409 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions through three weeks. Garbers also leads the team in rushing with 68 yards on 14 carries. Rico Flores Jr. leads the Bruins in receiving with 133 yards on just five receptions, along with a touchdown.

LSU enters the UCLA game averaging 33.3 points and 406.7 total yards per game (104.3 rushing, 302.3 passing). Nussmeier leads the SEC and ranks second in the nation in touchdown passes with 10, while wide receiver Kyren Lacy leads the league in TD receptions with five. Mason Taylor became LSU’s all-time leader for career receptions by a tight end with 91 after hauling in six passes for 58 yards against the Gamecocks.

“I think you have to look at it from that perspective,” Kelly said. “Their work has been so good and they know they’ve prepared so well, their concern is that they haven’t played what they want to play. They were still able to overcome so many mistakes against a really good football team. That’s really built a lot of confidence in the group this week.”

LSU will wear its alternate uniforms on Saturday, featuring gold helmets, purple jerseys and gold pants. “SEC Nation,” the SEC Network’s live pregame show, will also return to Baton Rouge for the first time since October 2022. The live show will be broadcast from the Quad.