LSU Week 3 preview: Mississippi State
LSU (1-1) will open up SEC play as they will welcome Mississippi State (2-0) to Tiger Stadium. The Tigers were able to get into the win column with an impressive 65-17 showing against Southern. Mississippi State went on the road to Tucson, Arizona and picked up the 39-17 victory over Arizona. Both teams will be looking to start off SEC play 1-0 in this primetime matchup.
Mississippi State @ LSU Game Information:
Current Records: Mississippi State (2-0) @ LSU (1-1)
Date/Time: September 17th @ 5 p.m. CT
Where: Tiger Stadium; Baton Rouge, LA
Where to Watch: ESPN (Commentators: Play-By-Play Joe Tessitore, Analyst Greg McElroy, Reporter Katie George)
Spread: Mississippi State (-2.5)
Mississippi State vs. LSU Series History:
LSU leads the all-time series over Mississippi State, 76-36-3. Last year, LSU took the win in Starkville, 28-25. The last time that the two teams met in Tiger Stadium, the Bulldogs took the victory, 44-34.
Previewing LSU Heading into Week Three:
LSU was able to get on the right foot against the Southern Jaguars in their season opener on Saturday night. The offense put up a historic 37 points in the first quarter and because of that was able to rest most of their starters after the first quarter.
Jayden Daniels showed once again what he was capable of going 10/11 for 137 yards and three touchdowns. Daniels also picked up a touchdown on the ground with a 18 yard rush. LSU’s offensive line was able to show some strides in week two, but the competition on the defensive side will step up when the Tigers take on Mississippi State.
The offensive line play helped the running game for the purple and the gold become more active in the game against Southern. Armoni Goodwin was the Tigers leading rusher as he had 12 carries for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Noah Cain had 10 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.
The running game will get a key piece back as John Emery will be active for this weekend’s game. Emery missed the first two games of the season, due to serving a suspension. Emery hasn’t seen the field since the 2020 season and will look to serve a key role in the Tiger backfield.
Kayshon Boutte got more involved in week two as he hauled in five receptions for 42 yards. Three different LSU receivers scored a touchdown against Southern: Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas and Jack Bech.
LSU’s Defense Faces An Uphill Battle Against the Air-Raid Attack
On the defensive side for the Tigers, B.J. Ojulari sat out for the Southern game as he was dealing with a nagging injury that he suffered against Florida State. It is expected that Ojulari will be on the field against the Bulldogs this weekend.
The Tiger defense saw improvement this past weekend as they were able to force five Southern turnovers and the special teams unit blocked a punt that led to a safety. The special teams unit looked improvement and the defense continued to show growth.
LSU’s defense will have a difficult game plan to prepare for with Mike Leach’s air raid attack. The Tigers will have to show multiple looks and not make the same mistake they did in 2020 when they solely ran man coverage throughout the entire game.
Scouting LSU’s Opponent: Mississippi State
Mississippi State is one of the most underrated teams in the nation heading into this weekend’s matchup against LSU. They are one of the most veteran teams in the SEC (eight returners on the offensive side and defensive side of the ball). Mississippi State has started off their season strong with wins over Memphis and Arizona.
The Bulldogs air raid attack is led by junior quarterback Will Rogers. Rogers has 763 yards and nine touchdowns on the year. Mississippi State’s offense is averaging 44.0 PPG and 486. 5 total yards of offense. Mike Leach’s offense is averaging 385.0 passing yards per game.
What Mississippi State has done well so far in the 2022 season is control the time of possession on offense. The Bulldogs are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation in time of possession at 39:04. State’s offense has many ways to beat you through the air with their veteran receivers in Jaden Walley, Rara Thomas, Austin Williams and Jamire Calvin.
Mississippi State is also stout on the defensive side of the ball. Zack Arnett’s defensive unit brought back their entire starting defensive line from last year. The Bulldogs are also strong at the linebacker position with Jett Johnson, Nathaniel Watson and Tyrus Wheat.
Mississippi State’s defense has talent on the front levels in their defense and will be able to test LSU’s offensive line that is filled with some holes.
Prediction for LSU’s SEC Opener vs. Mississippi State:
This is a big swing game for both teams as they will be trying to start off SEC play on the right note. SEC conference games always come down to who can win the battle at the line of scrimmage and this matchup will be no different.
LSU’s offensive line made a change in Week Two against Southern when they moved Charles Turner into the starting five. The other key movements made was Garrett Dellinger moving to left guard and Miles Frazier shifting to right tackle. The LSU offensive line will have to hold their own if the Tigers want to come out of this matchup 1-0 in the conference.
Mississippi State was able to tear LSU’s secondary up in their last matchup in Tiger Stadium. If the Tigers won’t be able to show new looks on the defensive side and be able to make open field tackles then it will be a long night for the Tiger defense.
Expect this game to be a back-and-forth game. Both of these offense are capable of striking at any time. The key for LSU will be able to get their running game going and keeping Mississippi State’s offense off the field.
Prediction: LSU 27, Mississippi State, 24
Photo credits - 24/7 Sports & And the Valley Shook
Tyler Eschette - Sports Scramble/ Olde City Sports Network
