LSU scored just 13 points against Western Kentucky last Saturday. The Hilltoppers are ranked 88th in total defense.
This Saturday is a much tougher test for a Tigers' offense that is limping to the finish line.
Oklahoma has one of the best defenses in the country.
The Sooners rank 11th in total defense, allowing 281 yards per game.
Sixth in scoring defense, allowing 14 points a game.
Opponents are only converting 30% of the time on 3rd down, ranking ninth nationally.
And Oklahoma is ranked third in rush defense, allowing just 81 yards a game.
Last week, the Sooners held the nation’s second-leading rusher, Ahmad Hardy, to 57 yards on the ground in Oklahoma’s 17-6 win over Missouri.
“They are very stout in the run game as you saw with the leading rush team in Missouri and their back was held to 57 yards or so after coming off a 300-yard game and they are pretty stingy when it comes to their defensive front, they are pretty nasty on the back end as well when it comes to contesting passes,” said LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson at a Monday press conference.
Wilson also provided the media with a lengthy injury report.
Two offensive linemen who started against Western Kentucky are considered doubtful to play against the Sooners. Center Braelin Moore has a foot injury, while tackle Ory Williams has an ankle injury.
Tyree Adams continues to recover from ankle surgery. Wilson said there’s a chance he will play against Oklahoma, but there is a better chance he’ll be ready for a bowl game.
Also, it doesn’t sound like quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will return for the regular season finale.
But Wilson said he anticipates Whit Weeks, Caden Durham, Aaron Anderson, and Mansoor Delane will play this Saturday.
The 9-2 Sooners are playing for a berth in the College Football Playoff, while the Tigers are playing for pride.
“What’s your legacy, how do you want this team to be remembered, and 8-4 is a lot better than 7-5,” Wilson said. “For us, it’s about self-reflection, it’s about how we want to be remembered, it’s about going on the road, playing a Top 10 team, who will be favorite to beat you.”
Lane Kiffin speaks again
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin held his weekly press conference on Monday as the 10-1 Rebels get ready to play Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl on Friday.
An announcement on Kiffin’s future with Ole Miss is expected Saturday, as LSU and Florida have made a run at hiring Kiffin as their new head coach.
Kiffin said at the beginning of the presser, he was not going to answer questions about the coaching vacancies.
He said the players are focused on this Friday’s game, despite the speculation. Kiffin was asked about staying on as the head coach of Ole Miss during the Rebels run through the postseason.
“Very important, I’ve never thought of anything different than that,” said Kiffin.