WHAT TO WATCH:
LSU: LSU has a record of 5-2, losing to #1 Mississippi St. and #5 Auburn. LSU lost to Mississippi St. 34-29, in a game that Mississippi St. gained national attention. If it weren't for these two losses, LSU would easily be a top 5 team. One thing that LSU possesses is the ability to score. This season, the LSU Tigers has scored at least 28 points in all but ONE game. Look for the LSU to really try to put up points against the Rebels, especially since they have the home field advantage. The Tigers rank 30th in rushing, yet they are 98th in passing. The rushing attack is led by a two headed monster (Leonard Fournette and Kenny Hillard). Fournette and Hillard have combined to score 13 TD's and almost 900 yards. If they want to defeat the Rebels, they MUST make sure that they get the running game going. Ole Miss is simply absolutely NOTHING to mess around with on defense. Ole Miss only gives up an average of 10 points a game! That is not alot compared to the 35 points that the Tigers average per game.
In order for LSU to be successful, they must find unconventional ways to move the ball up and down the field. LSU does have two quarterbacks (Sophomore Anthony Jennings and Freshman Brandon Harris) that have the ability to run and throw the ball. Look for a number of quarterback draws and options. Both of these quarterbacks have over a 50% completion rate. They will have to be on their A-games to give LSU a chance.
Ole Miss: After coming off yet another sound win against Tennessee, Ole Miss seems to be on a roll like no other team. With a defense that ranks 1st in points against, and a offense that averages 282 passing yards a game, it's no wonder why they are ranked #3.
The offense begins and ends with quarterback Bo Wallace. Wallace has been able to throw for 1899 yards and 17TDs. Wallace been able to give throw to many targets such as Laquon Treadwell, and Vince Sanders, and Cody Core. All three of these receivers have 4 touchdowns. In order to win, Ole Miss must make sure that they are being able to move the ball with their passing game. Look for Ole Miss to try and run the ball. The running game is led by back Jaylen Walton. Walton has been able to rush for nearly 400 yards and 4TD's. If Ole Miss can rush the ball, they will be dynamic and tough to stop.
While their offense may be very solid, their defense has been the key to their success. The most points they have allowed this season is 20. In addition, they gave 20 points to a Texas A&M team that averages 364 passing yards per game. The defense has been able to take on team after team, and take away their strengths.
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X-FACTOR
LSU: Anthony Jennings
If LSU wants to have a chance to win, they MUST have good quarterback play. They will need to have a balanced attack if they want to keep the game close. LSU starter Anthony Jennings will have to play well, getting the ball out quickly and making the accurate throws. He will not have to do it alone. He will have the rushing attack behind him, and he will have the help of quarterback Brandon Harris. Since Jennings is the quarterback on the field for majority of the time, he will determine how much the ball moves.
Ole Miss: The Defense
In this game, it will be very important for the defense to make an impact early. It will be a night, nationally televised game. Louisiana State will be hosting the number 3 team in the country AT HOME. Look for LSU to feed off of the crowd, especially on their first offensive possession. If Ole Miss is able to for LSU to become one dimensional, they can psychologically take the crowd out of the game.
PREDICTION:
Ole Miss: 24-21