LSU football: Max Johnson excited to play UCLA in the Rose Bowl

LSU football opens the season against UCLA on Sept. 4 at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles. The Tigers suffered an early setback when Myles Brennan suffered an arm injury on Aug. 2, leaving a hole on the depth chart. Presumed starter Max Johnson talked Monday about the UCLA game and the Rose Bowl.

“Yeah, I’m excited about it,” Johnson said during a Monday press conference. “I think just putting all our focus towards UCLA is going to be big for us. It was a good getting to compete with our defense. I think we’re all just looking forward to going over to UCLA and looking forward to this upcoming game.”

For Johnson, a California native, it is more than just a game. It is an opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream of playing in the Rose Bowl.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the Rose Bowl,” said Johnson. “I think just growing up, it’s kind of an incredible place to play. I’ve even played in it on NCAA, which is kind of cool, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’m looking forward to competing. I’m looking forward to playing with my team. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

He continued: “To be honest, it really doesn’t change how we’re preparing for the game. It doesn’t change our mindset. It doesn’t change anything about what we’re doing. I think it’s just traveling there and playing the game, just overall looking forward to it.”

2021 LSU outlook

LSU is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2020 campaign. The team will look to get back to its 2019 national championship form under Orgeron and a new group of stars.

With injuries, the door has opened for Max Johnson to emerge as the offensive leader in the season opener at the Rose Bowl. Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery Jr. headline a deep running back room which runs behind a veteran offensive line. Kayshon Boutte and Brian Thomas Jr. are part of the wide receiver core which hopes to fill the gap left by Ja’Marr Chase.

The front seven complements a talented secondary on defense. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is the star of the show, looking to duplicate his 2019 season which featured six interceptions. Eli Ricks emerged as a second corner last season, and the team adds Georgia transfer Major Burns and Clemson transfer Mike Jones to the starting lineup, too.

UCLA scouting report

UCLA has struggled under former NFL coach Chip Kelly. The Bruins have not finished with a winning record in three seasons under Kelly, who finds himself on the hotseat.

The offense returns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and adds Michigan transfer Zach Charbonnet to the backfield. UCLA returns six of its top seven receivers and adds Texas A&M transfer Kam Brown this season.

The defense brings in transfers from Notre Dame, USC and Alabama to complement the returning players. Leading tackling Caleb Johnson returns after posting 44 tackles and six sacks with one interception last year. Defensive back Mo Osling looks to build on an impressive year with another big performance this season.