LSU-Ole Miss Preview: Two Teams In Crisis

When LSU began the season back in September, no one could have ever imagined just how desperate both they and Ole Miss would be heading into this game tomorrow night.

Boy, have things gone south in a hurry for both teams.

In fact, you could probably characterize both teams as being in “crisis mode”.

Still, if nothing else, the LSU-Ole Miss Game remains as an old fashioned rivalry.

It brings back memories for fans of both teams of Billy Cannon’s Halloween run and Archie Manning’s heroics.

In the 50’s and 60’s this game was often a matchup of two of the top teams in the country with SEC Title and National Championship aspirations often on the line.

The game fell off some after it’s heyday in the 50’s and 60’s but it has never lost it’s luster for fans who remember those golden days fondly, and it has picked up competitively in recent years to once again gather the attention of younger fans.

This year’s LSU Ole Miss game features two teams in crisis.

Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) looks on from the bench during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Tiger Stadium. The Razorbacks won 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

For LSU the crisis has captured the attention of the national media. Two weeks ago the Tigers were undefeated and ranked #2 in the College Football Playoff race. Leonard Fournette was the prohibitive favorite in the Heisman race.

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After two ugly losses in a row and two off games by Fournette those dreams have been dashed. Head Coach Les Miles has been told by way of multiple media leaks that his coaching job is on the line in this game.

Ole Miss is also in crisis. After beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa they too had title game aspirations. Like LSU their dream was derailed by a pair of ugly defeats, to Florida and Memphis in this case.

Things got worse when Ole Miss entered their most recent game against Arkansas hoping to resurrect their chances in the SEC West and lost a heartbreaker after multiple overtimes.

This game is a tough one for LSU to walk into. They are playing for the professional life of their Head Coach, and they are doing it against a team coming off an emotional loss and a bye week to rest, recover, and prepare.

The Embattled LSU Defense Faces A Stiff Challenge

Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) intercepts a pass intended for Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Jeremy Sprinkle (83) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss comes into this game averaging nearly 42 points per game. They have scored 50 or more three times this season.

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LSU comes into this game reeling on defense. The last two games have been brutal, with the Tigers giving up 250 and 299 yards rushing respectively. The Tigers have allowed their last two opponents to score at least 30 points.

It should come as no surprise that Ole Miss is favored when you consider those numbers, but there is cause for hope. LSU has been gashed on the ground but the talented backs of ‘DBU’ have largely held up, in spite of giving up some big plays.

Ole Miss does nearly all their damage in the air, averaging nearly 350 yards and 3 touchdowns per game. Their rushing totals are much more pedestrian.

LSU is a good pass rushing team with a good secondary. The defense can hold the line against a red hot Ole Miss offense, but they can not do it alone all night.

To Have A Chance At A Win The LSU Offense Has To Show Up

Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Harris and Leonard Fournette are both coming off of two straight bad games. With all apologies to Mr. Harris this is no time to grow up on the job. If LSU is going to win they are going to have to ride Leonard Fournette to victory.

Ole Miss has a good run defense. They are holding opponents to just over three yards per rushing attempt and 127 yards per game on the ground.

LSU has two advantages here. Ole Miss isn’t healthy, two of their best defenders, Denzel and Robert Nkemdeche will be out for this game.

The other big advantage LSU has is a simple one. The run game is all about commitment. This Tigers team has high character players who know the stakes. They will do their utmost to turn this season around.

They will have to do no less to beat a talented Ole Miss team and end the two loss tailspin they are in…..