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LSU-Ole Miss Matchups
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LSU WLB Perry Riley
Season stats: 77 tackles (33 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 2 pass breakups, 1 QB hurry
Every member of the Tigers defense will have an eye on Ole Miss’ Wildcat scheme, but the linebackers figure to play the biggest role if LSU hopes to contain Dexter McCluster’s speed and Brandon Bolden’s power. That puts Riley in the spotlight because the Rebels will likely try to rotate away from Harry Coleman’s side and away from the middle where Kelvin Sheppard operates. If Riley can hold his ground and stay near the ball like he usually does, he should have a big night, and that would bode well for LSU.
Ole Miss RB Brandon Bolden
Season stats: 111-569 rushing, 4 TDs; 19-204 receiving, 1 TD
For a second straight week, a running back from Baton Rouge gets a shot to inflict damage against the LSU defense. The difference is Bolden has a lot more firepower around him. While Dexter McCluster handles the misdirection and Wildcat snaps, Bolden is the power back, cut from a similar mold as Charles Scott. In short-yardage situations, Ole Miss turns to the 5-foot-11, 220-pound workhorse and he could find room to run if LSU’s defense focuses too much on McCluster.
MATCHUPS
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QUARTERBACKS
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RUNNING BACKS
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OFFENSIVE LINE
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RECEIVERS
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TIGHT ENDS
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DEFENSIVE LINE
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LINEBACKERS
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DEFENSIVE BACKS
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KICKERS
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KICK RETURNERS
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INTANGIBLES
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COACHING
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PREDICTION
This one hinges on whether LSU can bounce back from a sub-par outing last week and if Ole Miss can deliver a second straight strong performance for the first time this season. With a potential invitation to the Capital One Bowl on the line, both teams should have plenty of motivation. The Rebels hold edges in several areas, most notably their defense has had a much better season than the Tigers’ offense. It should be a struggle for LSU to produce points and that’s not a good sign against an Ole Miss offense that seems to be getting revved up behind McCluster and quarterback Jevan Snead. The Tigers will hold the Rebels in check, but not enough to make up for a tough offensive day.
Ole Miss 24, LSU 14
Randy Rosetta
