With or Without Sam Leavitt: The Unsettled LSU vs. Ole Miss Preview
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We were so close to football; predictions were flying around, and we thought the drama involved in the endless saga of Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford was coming to an end. But the onslaught of news continued conveniently before our LSU vs. Ole Miss preview when the Tigers shockingly listed starting quarterback Sam Leavitt as doubtful on the injury report. Of course, details are limited, but ESPN 104.5’s Matt Mascona confirmed that Leavitt did not practice on Wednesday.
This is yet another twist in the most highly anticipated regular season game in recent memory. Regardless of Leavitt’s status, Last Word thinks we’ll soon develop a much clearer picture of both top ten teams. The neighbors and traditional rivals are both undefeated, but Ole Miss faced the stiffest test in its win over Louisville. Meanwhile, LSU has looked like one of the most dominant teams in the country and could be ahead of schedule considering all the new pieces. The intrigue of this game is only surpassed by the talent involved, so let’s break down how it could play out.
LSU vs. Ole Miss Preview
If Leavitt Can’t Go
In solidarity with almost any other news regarding the Tigers, LSU’s backup quarterback competition has been vacillating. Elon transfer Landen Clark started Spring camp as the backup before losing ground to Husan Longstreet. However, Clark has been the first to come in after Leavitt in the first two games.
Clark brings a skill set that fits what the LSU staff wants to do in terms of being a dual threat at the position. He’s similar to Leavitt in his elusiveness and burst once he decides to escape. The sophomore shined in his first season as a starter at Elon, passing for over 2,000 yards and rushing for over 600.
Though his arm strength defies his smaller frame at 6’-0”, he’s also shown the ability to throw with touch and layer passes. Most importantly, he appeared composed and in command of the offense in limited action for LSU. Saturday will obviously pose a much more imposing challenge than garbage time against Louisiana Tech. But we don’t expect the game plan to change much if Clark gets the start. Before counting him out, remember that nobody knew who Trinidad Chambliss was at this point in the season last year.
Rebels with a Cause
The hosting Rebels will welcome LSU with the best quarterback/running back combination in the country, All-Americans Chambliss and Kewan Lacy. Despite a new offensive coordinator in John David Baker, the results have been similar for both players. Chambliss is averaging roughly 280 passing yards per game while Lacy averages about five yards per carry. This tandem makes the offense go, but they’re not alone as playmakers.
Deuce Alexander is the most explosive player on the Ole Miss offense and its go-to wide receiver. Alexander broke Louisville’s back in the season opener with five catches for 159 yards, and he’s a constant scoring threat to opposing defenses. Ole Miss is still developing depth behind Alexander, but Horatio Fields has been a solid second option to this point.
If there is a weakness for the LSU defense to attack, it’s the offensive line. The veteran-laden group has not impressed in the first two games. Lacy’s impressive rushing numbers are helped by an explosive day against the “big, bad” Charlotte 49’ers; he only averaged 3.6 yards per carry against Louisville. When it comes to pass blocking, the play calling suggests that the staff doesn’t trust the line. Baker routinely calls plays designed to roll Chambliss out of the pocket to complete passes. This tendency also helps create passing lanes for the slightly undersized quarterback.
Let’s Lay It on the Line
How will this one play out? Whether Leavitt plays or not, the fate of the Tigers will hinge on the trenches. Offensively, the LSU offensive line must perform better than it did last week. Confusion combined with outright losing physically to produce an ugly first-half effort. The key phrase here is “first half”, so it’s encouraging that the second half told a different story.
The pressure is on LSU to run effectively against the Rebels’ 103rd-ranked run defense. Success takes the load off the quarterback and also calms down a frenzied home crowd. Vaught-Hemingway Stadium will be at its best, but long, sustained drives suck the life out of crowds. Beyond the intangibles, the run game could create more shot opportunities against a questionable secondary.
Simply put, LSU needs more of the same defensively. Chambliss will make plays, but the Tigers must win up front and keep Lacy in check. The LSU run defense has been outstanding, allowing an average of 1.54 yards per carry. Removing the run threat from the equation allows more options in defending Alexander, as DJ Pickett will face his biggest test yet as LSU’s top cornerback. We’ll follow Notre Dame’s lead and opt out of giving a prediction considering the quarterback questions. But in the end, we like LSU’s chances if it’s even in the turnover battle.
Main Image: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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