LSU vs. Ole Miss has plenty of storylines. From Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss for LSU in the middle of the playoffs, to LSU recruiting pros, to Sam Leavitt potentially not playing, and more. This game has a lot of different storylines going on. None of them is bigger than Kiffin’s return to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
LSU vs. Ole Miss Preview
The Kiffin Boos Await
Just a year ago, Kiffin had Ole Miss with a regular season record of 11-1 and competing for a championship. Before the playoffs, he accepted a job offer from LSU and was rejected by the Ole Miss athletic director, who would have allowed him to coach in the playoffs. Players, coaches, and much of the whole Ole Miss community felt betrayed by Kiffin’s decision.
Now deeply unpopular with much of the Ole Miss community, he will be heading into a hostile environment filled with boos. Both teams are 2-0, and both have a high-powered offense that can put up points in a hurry. LSU will be looking to win for Kiffin and silence the hostile crowd, while Ole Miss will be playing with something to prove after how Kiffin’s departure unfolded.
Game of the Year Candidate
LSU vs. Ole Miss is set up to be one for the ages; college football fans across the country will be tuned in. It will be an intense game from start to finish, with both teams wanting to prove a point. This is a potential game of the year matchup and will hopefully live up to the hype.
Kiffin’s departure isn’t the only reason that this game has attracted so much attention. His approach to recruiting and building his team has caused plenty of discussion around the college football world. His reported efforts to bring professional players back to college have drawn criticism from some fans, while others view it as an example of how the college football game is changing.
The big questions for LSU vs. Ole Miss are: if starting quarterback Leavitt doesn’t play, can LSU still win? Leavitt has been listed as doubtful to play, which could hurt LSU in the game. Will junior quarterback Landen Clark be ready to lead the Tigers out on the field?
If the Tigers can establish the run game early, then Clark may not have to do as much. The Rebels’ defense may be aggressive in pressuring him to make him uncomfortable. We’ve also seen backup quarterbacks have breakout games in the biggest matchups. LSU entered the season with one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country; now they may have to try and win with one that isn’t as experienced in the biggest game of the season. If you are a football fan in general, you’re going to want to tune in from start to finish.
Trinidad Chambliss is looking to put on a show against his former head coach. If you follow college football, you probably know that Chambliss was initially ruled ineligible to play this season. He took his case to court and was granted an extra year of eligibility by the judge. With his extra year, Chambliss is looking to help bring Ole Miss a championship after the Rebels came up short against Miami in the semifinals last season.
Chambliss is off to a hot start with 561 yards and five touchdowns through the first two games. Ole Miss also beat No. 24 Louisville in a shootout with a score of 41-38. Chambliss looks like a player on a mission this season, and another big performance against LSU could help the Rebels continue their strong start.
One key matchup to watch is the battle between the running backs. These are two high-level backs who can make huge plays at any given time. Kewan Lacy has 30 carries for 148 yards and three touchdowns, while Dillon Jones has 41 carries for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Jones will likely have a heavier workload with Leavitt potentially out. This could be a huge battle between the two backs, and whichever one can outplay the other could give his team a better opportunity to win.
LSU vs. Ole Miss: Keys to Victory
There are a couple of things that will determine who wins this big matchup. The team that establishes the run early and stays consistent could put itself in a strong position. For LSU, it will come down to weather Clark can have a big game and surprise the football world. Another determining factor will be which defense can get more stops against these high-powered offenses. Whichever team can check off more of these will be in good shape at the end of the game.
Whether you are a fan of LSU or Ole Miss, or just a fan of football itself, this is a must-watch game. Will LSU be able to win with a backup quarterback in a hostile environment? Will Ole Miss show up and give Kiffin a loss in his return to Oxford?
The anticipation for LSU vs Ole Miss is on a different level. College football is all about storylines, and this matchup has a ton of them. If you don’t watch this game, it could be one you regret missing. This is the type of game that is set up to have you on the edge of your seat for the entirety of the game. So sit down and enjoy a game that could end up as an instant classic.
Main Image: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
