So much of the attention around the LSU -- Ole Miss game has been focused on the coaches. LSU coach Lane Kiffin returning to Oxford is a story. The way Kiffin left Ole Miss left a bad taste in Oxford.
But as Kiffin said in his press conference earlier this week, the players will decide this game. Lane Kiffin won't be throwing touchdowns, and Pete Golding won't be making tackles.
This game has plenty of star power. Both quarterbacks are among the biggest names in the sport, with Sam Leavitt leading the charge for LSU and Trinidad Chambliss for Ole Miss.
A few of LSU's big names need special nights for the Tigers to beat a top-10-ranked team on the road. Here are LSU's three most important players for LSU vs. Ole Miss.
LSU QB Sam Leavitt
Sam Leavitt has been up and
down in his first two games with the Tigers. He threw an interception on the first series of his LSU career vs. Clemson, but responded with an electric performance the rest of the way. Against Louisiana Tech in Week 2, Leavitt threw three interceptions but still finished with over 300 passing yards.
LSU's offense rests on Leavitt's shoulders vs. Ole Miss. Pete Golding's defense is the best LSU has seen yet, and the Tigers can't afford a slow start. Leavitt can't take time to settle in -- he needs to start fast.
Leavitt has one of the best arms in the SEC, and he's dynamic with his legs. Both skills will be needed in this one. LSU still needs to get its downfield passing attack going. The Ole Miss corners have a tendency to get aggressive, giving LSU wideouts a chance to get open deep. When those chances are there, LSU needs to take them.
LSU LT Jordan Seaton
LSU spent a lot of money on a star left tackle for a reason. LSU signed Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton for moments like this. Seaton is a potential first-round pick and, through two weeks, has been one of the best tackles in the SEC. That needs to continue on Saturday.
Seaton will have some tough matchups. Ole Miss defensive ends Suntarine Perkins and Kam Franklin are two of the best in the SEC, and each brings a different skill set. Perkins is a finesse player, while Franklin wins with power. Seaton will have to block both.
Seaton must protect Leavitt's blindside in the passing game. On running plays, Seaton will need to keep Ole Miss from setting the edge and give LSU a chance to run off tackle.
LSU S Ty Benefield
Ty Benefield, a Boise State transfer, was one of LSU's top offseason portal additions. So far, Benefield has lived up to the hype. Benefield has been dynamite manning the deep middle of the field and is effective at crashing down to stop the run. Benefield will have to do all of the above on Saturday.
The Ole Miss offense will count on running back Kewan Lacy to break free and create explosive runs. Benefield is in position to stop that. LSU DC Blake Baker will use Benefield on a few blitzes, too, hoping to get after athletic Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss.
Benefield has been talked up as one of the country's top defenders. In Week 3, he has a chance to deliver a signature performance.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU vs Ole Miss: Three Tigers must deliver in Kiffin's return
