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Remember what a wild ride the 2014 Mississippi State vs. LSU game turned out to be?
Well, this time around the matchup will feature a pair of new defensive coordinators trying to limit the scoring in a game that saw 63 points on the scoreboard last September.
As one of only three in-conference games for the SEC this week, fans of most of the league’s teams will again have their eyes on this SEC West showdown in anticipation of another close contest.
While we wait for Saturday, let’s take a look at what each team will bring to the field on its coaching staffs this season, and just what their line of thinking might be for this game:
Head Coaches
Les Miles, LSU: Thanks to inclement weather in Baton Rogue last week, Miles will have an “official” start to his 11th season as LSU coach on the road in Starkville. He carries a 103-29 record at LSU into the game, with nine wins over Mississippi State in 10 tries. That single loss came at home last season, meaning that he will be attempting to remain unbeaten at Davis-Wade Stadium.
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State Now in his seventh season with the Bulldogs, Mullen has accumulated an impressive 47-31 overall record at Mississippi State. However, his results against LSU have been less than spectacular, with a 1-5 record against the Tigers. Mullen did collect his first career win against LSU in 2014 with a 34-29 win at Tiger Stadium, so perhaps he has turned his fortunes in the series.
Offense staffs
LSU coordinator: Cam Cameron (QB)
His staff: Frank Wilson (RB), Jeff Grimes (OL), Tony Ball (WR), Steve Ensminger (TE)
When LSU has the ball: Leonard Fournette only touched the ball seven times in last season’s loss to the Bulldogs. Expect that to change this time around. The Tigers likely will attempt to control the pace of play with the run game, as well as dial up high-percentage pass attempts to build the confidence of QB Brandon Harris.
Mississippi State co-coordinators: John Hevesy (OL) and Billy Gonzales (WR)
Their staff: Brian Johnson (QB), Greg Knox (RB/ST), Scott Sallach (TE)
When Mississippi State has the ball: The Bulldogs piled up 570 yards of total offense in last season’s win over the Tigers, so they will likely attempt to use as much of that game plan as possible, in spite of the Tigers change at defensive coordinator. Establishing the run (302 yards on 49 carries last season) will again be the key to success.
Defense staffs
LSU coordinator: Kevin Steele
His staff: Ed Orgeron (DL), Bradley Dale Peveto (LB/ST), Corey Raymond (DB)
When Mississippi State has the ball: The emphasis for Kevin Steele, who is in his first season as the LSU defensive coordinator, has to be on stopping QB Dak Prescott from running the football. He has topped 100 rushing yards in his last two games against the Tigers.
Mississippi State coordinator: Manny Diaz (LB)
His staff: Tony Hughes (S), Deshea Townsend (CB), David Turner (DL)
When LSU has the ball: Manny Diaz, who has returned to Starkville for a second stint as the Bulldogs defensive coordinator, will be charged with making the Tigers rely on QB Brandon Harris and their passing game. Of course, that involves consistently stopping RB Leonard Fournette, which is far easier said than done.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
