LSU and Ole Miss meet for the 113th time in Oxford, Mississippi, on Saturday at 2:30 PM. And we also know these two schools will continue to meet on an annual basis through at least the 2029 season.
This is the first time these two schools will meet when they are both undefeated since 1959. LSU was ranked number one that year and 7-0, while the Rebels were 6-0. The Tigers won 7-3 as Billy Cannon ran a punt back 89 yards for a touchdown for the game’s only touchdown, and the legendary play helped Cannon win the Heisman Trophy.
A lot is on the line in this game as both teams want to prove they are contenders for an SEC championship and a berth in the 12-team college football playoff.
Here’s what to look for in this SEC showdown.
Trinidad Chambliss to be tested by the Tigers' defense
Chambliss has been a great story for Ole Miss as he’s stepped up for the injured Austin Simmons and has been great. Chambliss put up big numbers against Arkansas and Tulane, but now he’s facing possibly one of the best defenses in the country. How will the Division II transfer fare?
LSU’s defense struggled last year against the dual-threat quarterback. I think Alabama’s Jalen Milroe just scored another touchdown at Tiger Stadium. Let’s see if the new personnel on LSU’s defense, plus a healthy and confident Harold Perkins, can make it a long Saturday for Chambliss.
Will LSU be able to run the football?
If there’s a game for LSU’s run game to break out, this would be it.
Ole Miss is last in the SEC in rush defense, allowing 190 yards a game. Tulane ran for 178 yards against them last week.
LSU’s leading rusher, Caden Durham, will be a game-time decision with a sprained ankle.
Any changes at RT for LSU
LSU’s running game has struggled in part because the Tigers continue to struggle in run blocking. Center Braelin Moore is LSU’s best offensive lineman, but right tackle Weston Davis is the weakest link at this point. His Pro Football Focus grades have been low.
LSU will not have DJ Chester for the first half of this game because he committed a targeting penalty in the second half of the Southeastern Louisiana game.
Chester played right tackle in the second half against the Lions before he was ejected. Also, LSU remains high on true freshman Carius Curne.
LSU to face three former Tigers
Three players on this Ole Miss team played for the Tigers last season.
Safety Sage Ryan, running back Logan Diggs, and Da’Shawn Womack.
Earlier this week, Rebels coach Lane Kiffin called Ryan a really savvy player. Ryan never lived up to the expectations at LSU after coming out of Lafayette Christian Academy as one of the top defensive backs in the country.
He was moved around in LSU’s secondary, so that didn’t help. Ryan played safety for LSU last season, and the Tigers have certainly upgraded that position with transfer portal additions Tamarcus Cooley and AJ Haulcy.
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Womack was a big-time recruit LSU got out of the Baltimore area. But Womack struggled to find playing time at LSU, and so far this season for the Rebels, he has 10 tackles and three quarterback hurries.
In 2023, Diggs was LSU’s second-leading rusher, but the former Rummel standout transferred to Ole Miss after the season.
He missed of 2024 because of a torn ACL injury. This year, he’s carried the ball 13 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
Is LSU’s defense for real?
LSU ranks 17th in the country in total defense and ranked ninth in scoring defense.
But the jury is still out on if this is a Top 10 defense in the country, because of the opponents the Tigers have played.
Ole Miss looks to be the best offense LSU has faced to this point, and Kiffin is one of the best play-callers in college football.
LSU has lost defensive end Gabe Reliford for the season with a torn rotator cuff, but what makes this defense so good is the depth it possesses; they can absorb injuries like this one.
I think LSU is the more talented team, and I like LSU to win 27-21.