LSU has only one more roadblock ahead of their matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide and are looking to gain a measure of revenge after last year’s road trip to Starkville ended in a beatdown by the Bulldogs. This go-around, LSU is playing host and is riding a wave of momentum after a huge upset over Georgia.
Without further ado, let’s get going with the preview!
Last Time Out:
The last time the Tigers took the field, they brought it to the Georgia Bulldogs and came away with a huge 36-16 win in a packed Tiger Stadium. Meanwhile, Mississippi State had last weekend off and are coming off of a 23-9 win over the Auburn Tigers.
Last Meeting:
The last time these two teams met up, the Bulldogs of Mississippi State were dominant with a 37-7 win in Stark Vegas. While the series has been a little more interesting in recent years, the Tigers completely dominate the overall series 73-35-3 and has won all but two since the year 2000.
Storylines to Watch:
Definition of a Trap Game
This is a trap game and there’s several reasons why I think that way. They’re coming off of a huge win over one of the top-ranked teams in the country, they’re headed into a bye week before the big one against Alabama.
However, Ed Orgeron immediately transitioned from the big W to this game against Mississippi State. There’s not a doubt in my mind that this team is focused on getting a measure of revenge, but the Bulldogs are going to make this an interesting ballgame.
Tough Defensive Line
Speaking of the Bulldogs, their defensive line has been one of the best in the conference despite what the record may show. They’re tied for fourth along with LSU in the SEC in sacks with 17 and are the second best run defense in the conference, allowing an average of 115.33 yards per game.
With Montez Sweat leading the way for this defensive line, Nick Brossette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire will have a tall task in front of them and that could wind up being the key to this ballgame.
Stopping Fitzgerald
After the first few weeks of the season, the Bulldogs senior quarterback didn’t look like the beast that he did last season. Under Joe Moorhead, it seemed like he had regressed but when they faced off against Auburn, it looked like the Fitzgerald of old, rushing for almost 200 yards in a 23-9 win over the Plainsmen.
If he can do that against the front seven that the Tigers have, it’s going to be a long night and the Bulldogs offense will control the pace.
LSU Will Win If:
The Tigers can get the win if they can bring the pressure to Nick Fitzgerald. The offensive line has been vulnerable from time to time this season, allowing 11 sacks in six games. Once again, Devin White and Jacob Phillips are going to be crucial on the defensive side of the ball especially from this aspect of the ballgame.
Mississippi State Will Win If:
The Bulldogs can get a huge win over the Tigers if the front seven can shut down the run game. The passing game for LSU hasn’t been the best
-Clint Domingue