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Opponent analysis: LSU to face SEC’s most high-powered offense at Ole Miss
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In a proud southern tradition dating all the way back to 1894, the LSU Tigers take on the Ole Miss Rebels Saturday afternoon in Oxford. This game may not mean as much as some in their storied pasts, but there’s still plenty on the line.
The Rebels (7-3, 4-2 in the SEC) and the Tigers (7-2, 4-2 in the SEC) square off at 3:30 p.m. (ET) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on CBS. LSU has gotten the better of it lately, winning four of the past five and 10 of 13 meetings between the two teams. The Tigers hold a 9-7-1 edge in Oxford and lead the all-time series by a margin of 59-40-4. As if this rivalry needed any more incentive, the Magnolia Bowl trophy was introduced in 2008, awarded to the winner every year since.
Both teams are looking to bounce back from losses. Ole Miss had a bye week to try to get over a heartbreaking 53-52 overtime loss to Arkansas. LSU has lost its past two games, including last week’s 31-14 loss to the Razorbacks, after opening the season with seven consecutive victories.
It’s just the third time in 11 seasons under coach Les Miles that the Tigers have lost back-to-back games. LSU hasn’t suffered a three-game skid since 1999.
The two teams enter Saturday’s game tied with Arkansas for second place in the highly competitive SEC West.
The Rebels rely on a high-powered offense. Best in the SEC and 12th nationally, Ole Miss is scoring 40.7 points per game. They need to score 36 points to break the school’s single-season scoring record of 442 points set in 2003 with QB Eli Manning under center.
The Rebels also lead the SEC in total offense (526.6 yards per game), passing offense (348.8 ypg) and first downs (266).
Though sputtering as of late, the Tigers still have the SEC’s top rushing attack (253 ypg) and the nation’s leading rusher in Leonard Fournette (1,474 yards, 163.8 ypg, 17 TDs). He is two touchdowns shy of the school single-season record set in 2001 by LaBrandon Toefield.
As a whole, the Tigers offense is fourth in the SEC in points scored (33.6 per game) and sixth in total yards (419.3 ypg).
Saturday’s game sets up to be another classic in the long list of great ones throughout its 103-year history.
OLE MISS REBELS, A CLOSER LOOK
Best offensive player, QB Chad Kelly — The junior is on pace to break nearly all the single-season passing records in Ole Miss history. Kelly has thrown for 3,224 yards and 23 touchdowns in 10 games this season. He has completed 237 passes in 361 attempts with 12 interceptions. He will be a handful for the Tigers secondary to handle. The combination of Kelly and WR Laquon Treadwell (68 receptions, 1,002 yards, 7 TDs) is among the best in the nation.
Best defensive player, LB Denzel Nkemdiche — The senior leader on the Ole Miss defense is tops on the team in tackles with 53, including 36 unassisted. Nkemdiche has recorded 6.5 tackles for losses this season, including 0.5 sacks. He will anchor a defense with intentions of keeping Fournette in check. Accomplish that feat and the Rebels have an excellent chance to come out on top Saturday.
Best special teams player, PK Gary Wunderlich — The team leader in scoring, Wunderlich has been successful on 15-of-18 field goal attempts. In addition, he is a perfect 47-for-47 in PAT kick attempts as well. Wunderlich is eight points shy of reaching the 100-point mark for the season.
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
