GAME PREVIEW: Mississippi State at LSU

A week off for Mississippi State meant they got to see how dominant LSU was versus Georgia. This has been a surprise season so far for the Tigers, with how well they’ve been playing on offense. While the numbers aren’t eye popping for quarterback Joe Burrow, the passing game for LSU has been more effective than in recent years which opens up running lanes for the always dangerous Tiger run game.

When and Where: 6:00 pm; Baton Rouge, LA; Tiger Stadium

How to Watch: ESPN/WatchESPN

Match-up to Watch For: The Mississippi State defensive line vs LSU offensive line. This match-up will be a huge focus in this one. Can the Bulldogs defensive line get enough pressure on quarterback Joe Burrow and will they be able to get in the backfield and stop running back Nick Brossette? It will be the most challenging match-up for the Bulldog defensive line thus far, with how well rounded the Tigers offense has become this season.

Keys to Victory for Mississippi State: 

• The inconsistent Bulldogs offense will have to be able to effectively throw the ball on 3rd downs if they’re wanting to walk into Death Valley and shock the Tigers.
• Someone in the run game other than Nick Fitzgerald will need to step up and find the running lanes against a very tough and physical LSU defense.
• The defense will have to force a turnover at some point in this game to help the offense out.

Keys to Victory for LSU:

• LSU’s defense will need to keep Mississippi State behind the chains and force Nick Fitzgerald to beat them with his arm, something he hasn’t shown he’s been able to do.
• Pound the ball against Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat. Tire them out early and it could be a cake walk for the Tigers on homecoming.
• Keep the crowd energized. Death Valley at night is as intimidating as it gets, can the Tigers keep this homecoming crowd energized throughout the game and make it incredibly difficult for a young Mississippi State offensive line.

Final Analysis/Prediction: It’s going to be very challenging for Mississippi State to walk into Tiger Stadium, at night, and beat a team that has so much momentum heading into this game. While the Tigers very well could be looking ahead to the Alabama game on November 3rd, it’s hard to see them losing this game on homecoming. Joe Burrow manages the game like he has so far this season, Nick Brossette runs the ball well enough for LSU to come out with a close win. LSU 23, Mississippi State 13