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Ed Orgeron is coming off a 6-2 record in 2016. Getty

LSU, ranked No. 13 in the nation, takes on unranked BYU Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans in the Tigers' season opener.

Ed Orgeron, who once was the interim head coach at USC, had the interim tag taken away from him last year as he fully takes over for longtime LSU head coach Les Miles, who compiled an 111-34 record in Baton Rouge. Orgeron went 6-2 as the interim head coach and will look to build off the two big wins that ended the 2016 season, when the Tigers earned victories over then-No. 22 Texas A&M and then-No. 15 Louisville.

On Saturday night, LSU will be without star outside linebacker Arden Key due to shoulder problems. Key will be replaced by either Ray Thornton, K'Lavon Chaisson or Andre Anthony, according to Orgeron.

The Tigers' offense remains a key talking point this season after the unit lost running back Leonard Fournette and wide receiver Malachi Dupre to the NFL. Fifth-year senior Danny Etling was named the starting quarterback, with freshman Myles Brennan serving as the top backup.

BYU could present some big challenges despite the Tigers essentially having home-field advantage in New Orleans. Orgeron said he won't be taking the Cougars lightly.

"Their record was 9-4 last year," he said. "They won eight out of their last nine games. The four losses were by a combined eight total points. This is a good football team. They know how to win."

BYU is coming off a home win over Portland State, 20-6, in Provo, Utah. Quarterback Tanner Mangum completed 16 of his 27 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown, while running back Squally Canada rushed for a career-high 90 yards on 13 carries. The Cougars' defense held Portland State to just 220 total yards.

The Cougars' defense will look to contain LSU running back Derrius Guice, who led the SEC with 1,387 rushing yards in 2016. Guice, a Heisman Trophy candidate, figures to be new offensive coordinator Matt Canada's main weapon. LSU also boasts one of the best offensive lineman in the nation in Will Clapp.

Start Time: 9:30 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Line: LSU by 14.5 points

Over/Under: 48 points

Prediction: LSU over BYU, 24-14