Crazy and unpredictable outcomes have often happened when LSU and Ole Miss meet on the gridiron. Heading into this game, it was clear LSU had the superior team with respect to both talent and depth. Ole Miss came into the game statistically one of the worst defensive teams not only in the SEC but in the nation. LSU was ranked near the bottom of the SEC and nation in many important offensive categories so the real questions that needed to be answered was could LSU’s offense take advantage of this juicy matchup and would LSU’s defense be able to slow down the Ole Miss offense.
The answer didn’t take long and it was a resounding YES for the Bayou Bengals! Joe Burrow had his best game as a Tiger QB passing for 292 yards and 3 passing TD’s. He also rushed for 96 yards and added a rushing TD. Those numbers were the 6th best of all time for a LSU QB- not bad for a kid from Ohio who has only been on LSU’s campus for 3 months. As if those numbers weren’t impressive enough, Burrow did this behind LSU’s fifth different offensive line combo of the year and remember, they have only played five games so far. Donavaughn Campbell was forced into the lineup and held up which is amazing considering he was practicing at defensive tackle just a few weeks ago. If that sounds familiar, Chasen Hines who is now starting at guard in place of the injured Brumfield also switched from D line to O line a few weeks ago due to the mounting injuries on the offensive line. James Gregg, LSU’s O line coach, is more than earning his salary this season. LSU’s starting center Lloyd Cushenberry III was injured against Ole Miss so now its time for true freshman Cole Smith to play against a stout D in the Swamp. Hopefully, Charles will return to the starting lineup at left tackle to bring experience and stability to this now patchwork unit that somehow has been able to hold up. Asking a true freshman center to play against the Gators is a lot to ask for and one has to wonder when the injuries along the offensive line will expose and limit LSU’s offense. Shame on Miles and Ogeron, who was Miles’ former recruiting coordinator, for not properly recruiting the offensive line position a few years ago which has led to this almost crisis at the most critical positions on the football field in the SEC- the Offensive Line.
LSU’s offensive game plan was again stellar. Ensminger called another balanced game and continued to dial up plays for LSU’s talented skill position players. Sullivan and Jefferson have emerged over the past few weeks as LSU’s most dependable receivers. They both run precise routes and are showing an ability to make the catch in traffic. Ja’Marr Chase and Terrance Marshall showed glimpses as to why they will become future stars for LSU. Dee Anderson, Racy McMath, Jonathan Giles and Derrick Dillon also saw action at receiver. True to their word, LSU is utilizing the depth and talent they have in the receiving corps and almost all seem to be developing and improving under the tutelage of WR Coach Jerry Sullivan. That said, how in the world did Jonathan Giles earn the No. 7? He rarely makes plays as a receiver and his most consistent attribute as a punt returner is his ability and consistent desire to fair catch. LSU needs to find a punt returner who is explosive and willing to make plays in the return the game. They tried freshman Jontre Kirkland a few times against Ole Miss and he looks the part so hopefully he can continue to progress and show good ball security while still providing LSU the chance to make explosive plays in the return game. Ensminger and Ogeron are also rotating running backs as often as possible. Brossette and Edwards-Helaire are clearly LSU’s bell cows. They run hard and offer up different styles which is important with the condition of LSU’s offensive line. LSU is trying to find ways to get freshman Chris Curry and even Lanard Fournette the ball not only to get them experience but also to provide occasional breaks to Brossette and Edwards-Helaire. Imagine if LSU had its typical stable of future NFL RB’s!?! Note to Ogeron- you need to sign at least 2 stud running backs in the next class.
The defense did a tremendous job holding down the vaunted Ole Miss passing attack a week after showing leaky coverage against LA Tech. DBU was on full display and more than held up against arguably the best collection of wide receivers in college football. Dave Aranda’s unit was ready from the opening drive. Greedy Williams, Kristian Fulton and Grant Delpit were dominant in coverage and run support. Grant Delpit is becoming the next star safety at LSU. He is showing tremendous instincts and the ability to affect the game at all 3 levels on defense. At times he makes plays reminiscent of those made by Eric Reid, Jamal Adams and Tyrann Mathieu. Delpit is a true sophomore so LSU will have him for the 2019 season but Tiger fans better enjoy and appreciate what they have in this future NFL player. The D line and LB play was good throughout most of the game although at times they did get gashed for long runs when Ole Miss was able to get into a rhythm and run fast tempo offense.
Had LSU not committed 2 turnovers in the Red Zone, the game would have been even more lopsided.
Ole Miss was a team that was poorly coached on defense and some of the play calls made by Ole Miss during the game were head scratchers. Luke’s decision to kick a field goal when they got down to the 1 yard line on 4TH down with only a few seconds left on the clock in the first half and already down 28-3 was bizarre. Ole Miss DB’s were continually out of position and Ole Miss committed a whopping 17 penalties for 167 yards which is the highest by an LSU opponent since 1937. As many of you all know, I have often ridiculed the hiring process LSU used to land Ogeron. Didn’t think it was possible but Ole Miss outdid LSU by hiring Matt Luke to replace Hugh Freeze. That hire is a colossal failure and will only get worse over time. Luke’s team is in disarray. Not sure Ole Miss will be able to get to 6 wins this season and if things continue to spiral out of control, the only thing that will buy Matt Luke more time in Oxford is the fact that he was a former Ole Miss player; he inherited a mess from Hugh Freeze; and not many will want to go lead a dumpster fire. I do predict that when Ole Miss does can Luke, they will target Frank Wilson who was LSU’s former RB coach and recruiting coordinator and is currently the head coach at the University of Texas San Antonio and doing good things there.
LSU secured an easy 45-16 win in this year’s Magnolia Bowl and next they face the Florida Gators in the Swamp for the second straight year (thanks for nothing Joe Alleva!) Dan Mullen and Florida won a hard fought game against Mississippi State in Starkville this past week. Mullen has always done a good job of playing physical football against LSU when he was at Mississippi State and his offensive play calling and schemes have given LSU’s defense problems even when Aranda has been at LSU.
This game has all the making of a low-scoring, old fashioned slugfest where whoever wins the kick game and turnover battle will likely win the game. I say the first team to 17 wins and don’t be surprised if there is defensive TD in this game.
Hopefully LSU is not looking ahead to a potential top 4 matchup with UGA in 2 weeks in Tiger Stadium. The task at hand in Gainesville will be a difficult one.
Hopefully Florida is still feeling the effects of a tough, physical matchup against the Bulldogs and is less than 100% for the game. Hopefully Felipe Franks plays like he typical does. Hopefully the refs will call a good game and not partake in much home cooking.
Hopefully the LSU offensive line is able to gel this week as they will start their 6th starting lineup in as many weeks.
Hopefully Joe Burrow not only manages the game with his arm but also utilizes his legs in a smart manner when the opportunities present themselves.
Something tells me Cole Tracy and Zack Von Rosenberg will have a lot to do with the outcome of Saturday’s game and for Tiger fans, that should be a good thing.
Geaux Tigers!