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LSU and Ole Miss have turned their rivalry up to 11 with their off-the-field antics this week.
Those antics include LSU listing quarterback Sam Leavitt as "doubtful" on the injury report and Ole Miss serving a former player, current LSU defensive lineman Princewill Umanmielen, with a lawsuit as he left practice.
One former Tiger says it's all fair game.
"They're just trying to hype the game up," former LSU running back Michael Ford said.
Ford believes it's all just gamesmanship on the part of both schools, but he warns the off-field shenanigans could impact on-field performance if the Tigers or the Rebels allow them to break their focus.
"Coaches tell you that all the time: if you let outside noise, it'll break up the team chemistry," Ford said, adding that one simple action could help both LSU's and Ole Miss's players say focused. "The best thing I'll say is (to) turn your phone off."
However, Ford says Umanmielen may need a little more help to stay on task after Ole Miss served him with that lawsuit.
"Now, that situation is tougher," Ford said. "You need a great supporting cast, people that will keep your head focused and keep you focused."
Despite the off-field goings-on, LSU remains a two-and-a-half point favorite over Ole Miss.
