LSU will be back on the field Saturday to take on Mississippi State, eager for the chance to get things back on track following a difficult loss to Kentucky in Lexington.
This Mississippi State defense does not match up well against the LSU offense. State features some very talented players at every level, but they have not yet been able to put it all together for a full game.
Right now, State ranks 13th in total defense in the SEC and in the mid-90s nationally. They are pretty solid against the run,
ranking in the middle of the SEC at 8th in rushing defense and 46th nationally.
The passing defense is truly where LSU can take advantage. State currently has one of the worst passing defenses in the conference and the country, ranking 15th in the SEC and 125th nationally.
LSU still features one of the most productive passing attacks, not only in the SEC but also in the nation. Despite the turnovers Sam Leavitt has committed, he is currently on a heater when it comes to accuracy. For the first time in his collegiate career, Leavitt has completed over 70% of his passes in three consecutive games, while LSU is still averaging just over 311 passing yards per game.
State is allowing opposing offenses to gain 247.4 yards per game through the air, as well as 119.6 yards on the ground. Despite LSU having issues running the football against Kentucky, the Tigers are still averaging 214 rushing yards per game.
State’s defense is led by former head coach Zach Arnett. Arnett was the coach who took over following the sudden passing of Mike Leach. Arnett’s tenure as head coach lasted only a single season.
Following his time as head coach, he spent a season on Lane Kiffin’s staff at Ole Miss as an analyst. He would then spend the next season between UNLV and Florida State before making his return to Mississippi State.
That time at Ole Miss appears to have impacted his defensive philosophy, as he shares some similar concepts with Pete Golding.
State features a multiple 3-3-5 defense, and LSU has already faced this defensive style twice this season. The first time was against Louisiana Tech, followed by Ole Miss. Both times, LSU struggled at certain points, and Leavitt looked uncomfortable. However, since then, LSU has improved, and Leavitt has as well.
Even though State has struggled defensively as a unit, they still have some very talented players on the roster to keep an eye on.
Starting on the defensive front, State has edge rusher Will Whitson, who has recorded 13 tackles and two of the team’s 13 sacks this season.
Jalen Smith is an interior linebacker who has recorded 28 tackles, one interception, and two quarterback hurries. That lone interception by Smith accounts for half of the team’s total.
And finally, Kelley Jones. Jones is viewed as one of the best corners in the nation and is widely regarded as a potential first-round draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
LSU will need to establish the running game this week, especially against this three-man front. That is easier said than done because State will be sending pressure frequently.
Protection will have to be a key priority in this game, particularly when it comes to identifying pressure and figuring out where the additional rushers will be coming from.
Mississippi State has forced only four turnovers this entire season. Do not let this be the game where they find confidence in their ability to create turnovers.
It will be very important for Sam Leavitt to finish this game with zero turnovers while continuing to push for a completion percentage at or above 70%.
And finally, LSU must convert its red-zone opportunities.
Gaining all those yards between the 20s means nothing if points aren’t being scored at the end of drives, especially touchdowns instead of field goals.
The Tigers should get their swag back on Saturday morning, but they should not expect these Bulldogs to come in and simply “roll over.”
Come out fast, match the aggression, convert in the red zone, and don’t give the ball away.
This will be the first early game of the season, with an 11 a.m. kickoff in Tiger Stadium.
How do you think the Tigers will perform against the Bulldogs’ defense?
