LSU Week Eight Preview: Ole Miss
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
After a high-scoring shootout in Gainesville where LSU (5-2) defeated Florida 45-35, the Tigers will return home to face Ole Miss (7-0) before their annual bye week before the Alabama game. Ole Miss is currently ranked No. 7 in the country and is leading the SEC West with a 3-0 conference record.
Ole Miss @ LSU Game Information:
Current Records: Ole Miss (7-0) @ LSU (5-2)
Date/Time: October 22nd @ 2:30 p.m. CT
Where: Tiger Stadium; Baton Rouge, LA
Where to Watch: CBS (Commentators: Play-By-Play Brad Nessler, Analyst Gary Danielson, Reporter Jenny Dell)
Spread: LSU (-2.0)
Ole Miss vs. LSU Series History:
LSU leads the all-time series against Ole Miss, 64-41-4. The Rebels won last year’s matchup, 31-17, in Oxford. The last time the two teams met in Baton Rouge was in 2020 where the Tigers took down Ole Miss, 53-48, in a high-scoring shootout.
Previewing LSU Heading Into Week Eight:
LSU’s offense flexed their muscle in week seven in a 45-35 win on the road against Florida. Jayden Daniels had his best game yet in the purple and gold as he found the end zone six times. Daniels threw for 349 passing yards and three touchdowns.
He also added 44 yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns on the ground. Not only was Daniels effective on Saturday, but the running game was able to get going behind a LSU offensive line that continues to grow week in and week out. The Tigers rushing attack could be getting Armoni Goodwin back this week as he has been absent the past three games, due to a hamstring injury.
The Tigers running game combined for 179 total rushing yards. Josh Williams led the backfield with 14 carries for 106 yards. The offense started off fast as they scored a touchdown in their first six offensive possessions.
The highlight for LSU’s offense was the emergence of Kayshon Boutte having his best game of the year so far. Boutte was able to haul in six receptions on 115 yards as he was able to gain momentum after scoring against Tennessee in the final minutes of the game.
The LSU defense continues to remain a concern for the Tigers as they allowed Florida to start off hot in this game on the offensive side. Too many big plays and missed tackles were given up against a talented quarterback in Anthony Richardson.
The test for LSU’s defense will only get tougher this week as Ole Miss has been able to gash opponents with their one-two punch in the backfield with Quinshon Judkins and Zach Evans.
Scouting LSU’s Opponent: Ole Miss
Ole Miss has started off their 2022 season on the right note as they sit at 7-0 and ranked seventh in the AP Top 25 Poll. The Rebels are coming off a 48-34 win at home against Auburn. The offense was able to continue their dominance on the ground against a struggling Auburn defense.
The Rebels offense picked up 578 total yards of offense (130 passing yards and 448 rushing yards). Ole Miss was able to do whatever they wanted on Saturday, especially with their ground game. Quinshon Judkins was the leading rusher for Ole Miss as he had 25 carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
Judkins will not be the only running back that the LSU defense will have to worry about as Zach Evans had 21 carries for 136 yards and a touchdown. Jaxson Dart also had an impact more in the rushing attack than in the passing game. Dart added 115 yards on 14 carries.
LSU’s defensive line will be battle tested against an Ole Miss rushing attack that is averaging 271.4 rushing yards per game. The Rebels have also shown that they can score as they average 40.9 points per game.
Ole Miss’s defense is coming off a struggling defensive performance against Auburn where they gave up 441 total yards of offense. Missed tackles has been an issue that has dated back to the Vanderbilt game. The Rebel defenders have been allowing running backs get extra yards after contact.
Prediction for Ole Miss @ LSU:
It will be a battle of the running games in this year’s version of the Magnolia Bowl between Ole Miss and LSU. The Tigers have had success getting their rushing attack going in SEC play, especially in the Mississippi State and Florida game.
The defenses have been having the same inconsistencies as of late with too many missed tackles and allowing big plays. Ole Miss’s defense has been able to force turnovers to be able to win games, especially in their matchup against Kentucky.
Two talented offenses will flex their muscles in this matchup as Daniels will look to continue to continue his hot streak from the Florida game. This game will come down to the final possession and the Tigers will be looking for revenge after Ole Miss dominated them in last year’s matchup.
Prediction: Ole Miss 31, LSU 34
-Tyler Eschette - Olde City Sports Network/ Sports Scramble, CFB C2C (College Football, Coast 2 Coast)
*Photo Credit- USA Today Sports*