Welcome everyone to the latest edition of the LSU previews! This week, we look at their matchup against Mizzou.
Last Week: LSU lost to Auburn in a tough game by the score of 18-13 and fired head coach Les Miles the next day. Mizzou on the other hand shutout Delaware State last weekend by the score of 79-0.
Last Meeting: The last time these two teams faced, it was in the 1978 Liberty Bowl and Mizzou was able to take down LSU 20-15. This was the only time these two faced off.
What to Watch For:
The “O Era” Begins: What a wild week it’s been if you’re an LSU fan. On Saturday, you lose to Auburn on a play that was originally a touchdown, but was reversed because they couldn’t get off a snap. The next day, Les Miles and Cam Cameron are fired and Coach Orgeron is thrust into the role of an interim head coach. Thankfully, Coach O has experience as a head coach and that could help out the Tigers as they transition away from the old guard. Also, the practices aren’t super long so the players will be feeling refreshed come Saturday when they return to Death Valley.
Mizzou’s High Powered Offense: The Tigers from Missouri have undergone a shift more toward a passing game and it’s worked to some success as they lead the league four weeks in with 2,278 of total offense and over 1,500 yards of which is through the air. Drew Lock, who came in toward the end of last season looks to be not going through a sophomore slump, having only thrown three interceptions so far this season all of which came in the game against Georgia. If LSU can bring the pressure to Lock, the Tigers will be having a good time on Saturday.
Is Fournette Ready to Go? LSU might be without their top back on Saturday if the rumors swirling around are true. Towards the end of last week’s game, it seemed like Leonard Fournette had gotten hurt again in an eerily similar fashion to the Wisconsin game. He did return shortly after, but hasn’t practiced this week. LSU will have to rely on their other backs like Guice and Williams to carry the bulk of the load.
LSU Will Win If:
The Bayou Bengals can start the Coach O era with a bang if LSU’s defense can get to Lock. With how the front seven has performed as of late, especially in the case of Arden Key, the momentum for LSU might change.
Mizzou Will Win If:
Mizzou doesn’t have much of a chance of winning this game, but if they can get pressure on Danny Etling defensively, the sky is the limit for this team. Also, if they can have a balanced performance offensively, they could actually win this game and sour the LSU fans even more.
-Clint Domingue