Game Preview: LSU at Ole Miss

LSU at Ole Miss
LSU at Ole Miss

The biggest SEC game of the weekend takes place in Oxford, where unbeaten LSU visits unbeaten Ole Miss.

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7:30 p.m. ET — ABC

LSU improved to 2–0 by defeating Louisiana Tech 45–14, while Ole Miss moved to 2–0 with a 41–9 victory over Charlotte.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was exceptionally efficient against Charlotte, completing 23 of 26 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Kewan Lacy added two rushing touchdowns as the Rebels scored on five of their first six first-half possessions.

Now comes a completely different test.

LSU possesses the defensive athletes to challenge Ole Miss at every level, while the Tigers’ offense has shown enough explosiveness to turn mistakes into touchdowns quickly. Ole Miss must protect the football and avoid allowing LSU to generate easy scoring opportunities.

The Rebels’ home field could be significant. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium should be electric for a prime-time matchup carrying major early implications for the SEC race.

LSU’s priority should be making Ole Miss earn every possession. Limiting explosive plays and forcing the Rebels to sustain long drives would allow the Tigers’ defensive depth to become increasingly important.

For Ole Miss, offensive balance is essential. If LSU can make the Rebels one-dimensional, the Tigers can unleash their pass rush. Establishing Lacy and the running game would help keep LSU from dictating the matchup.

This has all the ingredients of a classic: two unbeaten teams, offensive firepower, a prime-time crowd and significant SEC consequences.

Expect the game to remain undecided late. LSU’s defensive talent ultimately provides the narrow difference.

Prediction: LSU 31, Ole Miss 28