LSU looks to improve on its season record when they take on Ole Miss Saturday night. The game will be played in Death Valley at 8:00 pm in front of what will be a loud and hungry crowd vying for a much-needed win. Tigers head coach Ed Oregeron is coaching for his job the rest of the season. If his team can get this win, his job security will only continue to rise. LSU has a 2-0 record with Orgeron filling in. Those wins have been over Missouri and Southern Miss. In both of those games, the Tigers have set the tone offensively with areas of improvement on the defensive side of the ball. The Rebels are sitting at 3-3 with a chance to slightly redeem their hopes for a bowl game if they can get a win.
Keys to the game for LSU:
1. Leonard Fournette is expected to play- Fournette has been sidelined the past two games with an ankle injury that he suffered on September 24 in a loss at Auburn. The junior running back is hoping to make a return this Saturday in what could be a much-needed game for Fournette. If he shows that he is healthy again, he could lead the Tigers to a key victory.
2. Danny Etling will show more of his magic- Etling has proven to be the better starting quarterback for the Tigers since taking over. He came in for Brandon Harris in Week 2 against Jacksonville State, and has had the starting job ever since. If he can continue to heave the ball, this offense could come alive and upset a few ranked teams on their way to a great finish.
3. The offense will capitalize on big plays- The Tigers offense has shown to not prove their worth after gaining huge yardage on pass and rush plays so far. LSU has proven to open up the offense more with new coaching changes, and it has resulted in efficiency for the team.
Keys to the game for Ole Miss:
1. Chad Kelly will have a significant impact- Kelly hasn’t shown his magic this season that he proved last year. He had Alabama right where he wanted them and couldn’t finish them off. Although he has been in a slump this season, Kelly has shown he can be one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. If he has a good game, the Rebels could leave with a proving win.
2. The Rebels offense has to get over Arkansas. Ole Miss had a not-so-good game against the Razorbacks last weekend. Heading into Baton Rouge, they are on a slump and could use a quick turnaround. For their offense to spark, Kelly and the rest of the leaders have to step up and play Rebels football. Otherwise, LSU will move up in the polls while the Rebels falter out.
3. Play calling has to be worthwhile. The Rebels have a tendency to make the big plays early on but struggle with the basics later in the game. They need consistency from beginning to end in their approach.
For both teams, this game has a significant impact on their season. Whichever team gets the win will be one game closer to a bowl game, and a chance to play a highly-contested team after November. In LSU’s case, the Tigers need to win out to have a shot at the SEC Championship. Ole Miss has squandered their hopes of making it to Atlanta.
