Welcome everyone to the latest edition of the LSU preview where I break down every game on the Tigers schedule! This week, we look at their matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels.
Last Week: After a week off due to the Florida debacle, the Tigers bounced back with a second half surge taking down Southern Miss by the score of 45-10. Ole Miss wasn’t so lucky as they lost another tough game against Arkansas 34-30.
Last Meeting: The last time these two teams faced off, the Rebels came away with the win in Oxford in convincing fashion 38-17. LSU does lead the overall series 59-41-4, but the Rebels have two of the last three matchups.
What to Watch For:
The Return of the Buga: After being out for a few weeks, the Tigers star running back looks ready to make his return to the field against Ole Miss. Based off of what was seen during practice, the junior running back will be back to his old self against one of the worst run defenses in the conference allowing 212 yards on the ground on average. He might be used sparingly to make sure he doesn’t get reinjured just before the game against Alabama in two weeks.
Can the LSU D Shut Down the Swag? Chad Kelly has looked like the best quarterback in the SEC at times, but when it comes to this team finishing games that’s where he falters. Look at the games against Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida State. They came out of the gate fast, but as the game progressed, the Rebs fell apart and lost games. This isn’t solely on Kelly, but the passing game hasn’t gotten much done as of late with only four touchdowns in the last three games coming through the air. LSU has the tendency to bring the pressure against the quarterback and if the Rebels offensive line can’t step up, it’ll be a long day for the senior QB.
The Tigers Will Win If:
Coach O can get a win over his old team on Saturday night if they can do what they’ve done the last two games. Yes, you have Fournette back, but what LSU has done the last two games by opening up the run game by using the passing game to their advantage gives the Tigers the edge.
Ole Miss Will Win If:
The Rebels can come away with a win in Death Valley if they can play all four quarters around the same level. The performances that the Rebels have had in big games this year shows that they need to improve on that aspect of their game.
-Clint Domingue