LSU and Ole Miss will meet for the 115th time Saturday night, but few of those meetings have carried the emotional weight of this one.
LSU coverage brough to you by Rouses Markets
Lane Kiffin is returning to Oxford for the first time since his controversial departure from Ole Miss last November. Kiffin spent six seasons with the Rebels, leading the program through the most successful stretch in its history before leaving for LSU.
Now, the seventh-ranked Tigers and eighth-ranked Rebels meet in a Top 10 showdown — the first time these two schools have both been ranked in the Top 10 since 1962.
With Kiffin's return, two undefeated teams and plenty of storylines surrounding the game, here are five things to watch Saturday night:
1. Who controls their emotions?
This is the obvious question.
LSU defensive end Princewill Umanmielen, who transferred from Ole Miss to LSU, was served court papers this week as part of the Rebels' lawsuit seeking payment of a revenue-sharing buyout.
Umanmielen has insisted he's treating Saturday like any other game.
That's easy to say during the week.
Once the game begins, the emotion inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium figures to be impossible to ignore.
Both Kiffin and Ole Miss coach Pete Golding have emphasized the importance of preparation and execution. But this game will test how well both teams can block out the noise and focus on football.
2. Can Ole Miss eliminate the coverage busts?
Ole Miss has struggled in the secondary through the first two games, ranking 106th nationally in pass defense.
Communication problems have led to several coverage breakdowns and big plays.
The Rebels hope to get a boost Saturday with the return of safety Sharif Denson and cornerback Antonio Kite.
Kite suffered an injury in the season opener against Louisville, when Ole Miss gave up 307 passing yards. He was a third-team All-SEC preseason selection by Athlon.
Denson, a transfer from Florida, brings three years of SEC experience and 17 career starts. Saturday will be his season debut.
That experience could be especially important against an LSU offense that has shown the ability to create explosive plays.
3. Can LSU contain Trinidad Chambliss?
LSU's defensive speed has been one of the biggest strengths of the Tigers through the first two games.
That speed will be tested by Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss.
Last season, LSU couldn't sack Chambliss despite recording eight quarterback hurries. He repeatedly escaped pressure and finished with 71 rushing yards.
This year, LSU is ranked first nationally with 12 sacks through two games.
Chambliss, meanwhile, has been sacked just once.
Ole Miss needs to establish its running game to keep LSU from consistently attacking Chambliss with pressure. The Rebels currently rank 97th nationally in rushing offense, averaging 4.29 yards per carry.
If LSU can force Ole Miss into obvious passing situations, the Tigers' pass rush could become a major factor.
4. Can LSU finish drives in the red zone?
LSU has scored 96 points through two games, but the Tigers have left points on the field inside the 20-yard line.
LSU has scored touchdowns on nine of 14 red-zone trips, a 64-percent touchdown rate.
That won't necessarily be good enough against an Ole Miss team that has been perfect in the red zone.
The Rebels have scored touchdowns on all seven of their trips inside the 20.
LSU's defense has been outstanding through the first two games, but the Tigers may need to turn their offensive opportunities into touchdowns instead of settling for field goals or coming away empty-handed.
5. Will the kicking game decide it?
This could come down to a field goal.
Ole Miss has one of the nation's most accomplished kickers in Lucas Carneiro, who has already connected on a 57-yarder this season. He made a program-record 31 field goals last season and was a first-team All-SEC selection.
LSU's Scott Starzyk also has plenty of experience. The transfer from Arkansas is 18-of-23 on field-goal attempts in his career, with a long of 53 yards.
In a game expected to be decided by a handful of plays, neither team's kicking game can be overlooked.
The quarterback question
And then there's Sam Leavitt.
The LSU quarterback was initially listed as doubtful for the game, creating one of the biggest surprises of the week. But Leavitt practiced Thursday and was upgraded to questionable on the latest SEC availability report.
Leavitt has been one of the nation's most productive dual-threat quarterbacks through two games and signs point to him playing against the Rebels
Prediction
LSU has the better roster, but Ole Miss has the home-field advantage and a quarterback in Trinidad Chambliss who presents a significant challenge with his ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket.
Still, I expect LSU's defense and overall roster depth to make the difference.
LSU 30, Ole Miss 24.
