Tiger Predictions: No Bama Hangover For LSU as Tigers Win Big In Oxford
It's a good season for LSU when one of the problems the team will need to overcome is how to not lose focus after the biggest regular season win for the program in nearly a decade.
Ranked No. 1 in every poll for the first time all season, the Tigers are moving on to Ole Miss, a team that is playing very hard and very motivated after a 4-6 start to the season.
LSU coach Ed Orgeron thinks the Rebels have had this game circled on their schedule all season. That can be a dangerous combination for an LSU team trying to remain perfect in 2019.
Here's how we think the game Saturday goes down.
Score Prediction: LSU 45, Ole Miss 24
This one doesn't feel like it will be particularly close as Ole Miss scoring early but not being able to keep up with the LSU offensive pace seems to be a likely scenario.
Joe Burrow and the LSU passing offense should have no problem carving up a Rebel secondary that is dead last in the SEC against the pass. There is one issue LSU will have to overcome and that will be with the probable scenario that tackles Austin Deculus, Saahdiq Charles and Dare Rosenthal won't be available Saturday.
The reshuffling of the o-line this weekend seems like the only chance Ole Miss will have as the Rebel defense will need to attack Adrian Magee and Badara Traore on the outside and apply pressure on Burrow. Magee has been great at left guard but hasn't taken many snaps at tackle this season so a rusty start isn't inconceivable.
Even so, Burrow has been tremendous under pressure, having the best passer rating in the country at 148.4 when under pressure. If Ole Miss does bring pressure early, attacking the Rebels in the middle with the run game and Clyde Edwards-Helaire seems like a logical move.
Edwards-Helaire is enjoying a breakout month, rushing for 426 yards and six touchdowns in the last four games while adding an additional 143 yards through the air with a score.
It's just hard to imagine LSU receivers Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall not going nuts this week against the Ole Miss secondary. If Burrow is given time, the three should be in for another big day at the office.
The Rebel strength lies in the running game on offense, as Ole Miss averages 247 rushing yards per game, good for 14th best in the nation. The LSU defense, on the other hand, is one of the best in the country, ranking No. 13 in the country, allowing 100 rush yards per game.
Alabama running back Najee Harris had a field day against the Tiger defense, particularly in the second half, rushing for 146 yards for the Tide last weekend.
This week, it means stopping dual threat freshman quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, who has 777 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2019. Nose tackle Tyler Shelvin and defensive end Glen Logan both went out for short stints against Alabama but were ultimately able to return.
Shelvin has been a huge part of the run defense for the Tigers and will be needed once again against Plumlee and senior running back Scottie Phillips.
With the lofty goals that this LSU team has, the team has the veteran leadership and talent to not let last week's accomplishment affect them on the field. It's hard to imagine an upset Saturday in Oxford.
