LSU is set to open the 2020 season with a matchup against Mississippi State in Tiger Stadium Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Both teams will look very different from last season as both feature new players.
Here’s 10 things to watch in the matchup:
Myles Brennan’s play: The junior is set to start his first game since joining the Tigers in 2017 and does so with an offense that is replacing several offensive linemen receivers.
Mississippi State’s offense: The Bulldogs will have a new offense under new head coach Mike Leach. LSU head coach Ed Orgeron said the Tigers watched film of the Leach’s last team, Washington State, to get an idea of what the Bulldogs might run Saturday.
Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill: Hill is one of the SEC’d top returning ball carriers. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry while rushing fro 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019.
LSU’s offensive line: The Tigers lost nearly their entire offensive line to the NFL last season only returning tackle Austin Deculus. Orgeron said he’s confident in the players set to start Saturday including graduate transfer Liam Shanahan who will start at center.
Jabril Cox: The linebacker who transferred from North Dakota State has drawn praise from Orgeron who throughout camp said Cox was at times the best defensive player on the field. Cox is set to start at linebacker and has the ability to play safety if neccessary.
How LSU uses it’s defensive linemen: The Tigers are switching to 4-3 defense under new coordinator Bo Pelini. Orgeron said this defense will be more of an aggressive style and allow defensive linemen to to pressure opposing offenses
LSU’s running backs: Orgeron said a strength of this team will be the running back position as the Tigers have three ball carriers who could start.
True freshman tight end Arik Gilbert: The Gatorade player of year has impressed during fall camp and has drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s elite receivers.
LSU’s receiving corps: LSU’s top returning receivers is Terrace Marshall who caught 12 touchdown passes last season. With the departure of Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and tight end Thad Moss, LSU lost a combined for 242 catches from 2019.
The crowd noise: LSU will be able to host 25,000 fans for its season opener. Tiger Stadium is known for its harsh atmosphere and it will be interesting to see if those fans are able to create that atmosphere.
