LSU vs. Ole Miss prediction, odds, pick for Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford in Week 3

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Lane Kiffin makes his much-anticipated return to Oxford, as LSU visits Ole Miss on Saturday night. It is time to continue the NCAA Football odds series with an LSU-Ole Miss prediction and pick.

LSU enters the game sitting at 2-0. They have a big-time opponent to open the season, as the Clemson Tigers came to town. While the name value of the game was exciting, the game itself was one-sided. Clemson got an early turnover that they turned into a field goal, but from there, it was all LSU. They would put up 31 points in the first half, and Clemson would not find the end zone until the fourth quarter, as LSU won the game 51-10. LSU then dominated Louisiana Tech, despite Sam Leavitt struggling early. They won the game 45-14.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss is also 2-0. They opened the season against Louisville. It was a low-scoring first half, as Ole Miss led 10-6. The scoring would pick up. Louisville scored the first touchdown of the second half, but the two teams would be tied at 24 to end the quarter. Trinidad Chambliss threw a touchdown and ran for one in the fourth quarter to build a 14-point lead, but Louisville did not go away. They scored two touchdowns of their own, including one with just 1:48 left in the game to tie it. Ole Miss had enough time to win it, though, as they drove the field to hit the game-winning field goal as time expired. After a scare in the first game, the Rebels took care of business in Week 2, defeating Charlotte 41-9.

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LSU and Ole Miss have met 111 times prior to this game, with LSU having 64 wins, Ole Miss with 43, and four ties. Ole Miss took the win last year in Oxford, winning the game 24-19. The two teams have flip-flopped wins in recent years. The last time the road team won was in 2019, when LSU beat Ole Miss in Oxford. Since then, the home team has won six in a row.

Odds provided by BetOnline

LSU vs. Ole Miss Odds

LSU: -3 (-115)

Ole Miss: +3 (-105)

Over: 57.5 (-120)

Under: 57.5 (+100)

LSU vs. Ole Miss Key Injuries

LSU- WR Phillip Wright III (Out), LB Jaiden Braker (Out), RB Raycine Guillory Jr. (Out), LB TJ Dottery (Questionable), QB Sam Leavitt (Questionable), LB Tylen Singleton (Probable), LB Davhon Keys (Probable), OL Aliou Bah (Probable)

Ole Miss- CB Victor Lincoln Jr. (Out), OL Emanuel Faulkner (Out), OL Tommy Kinsler IV (Questionable), LB Keaton Thomas (Probable), CB Cedrick Beavers (Probable), RB Makhi Frazier (Probable)

LSU vs. Ole Miss Betting Trends

– LSU is 1-1 against the spread this year, but has failed to cover in seven of their last ten games on the road when favored by three or fewer points.

– Ole Miss is also 1-1 against the spread this year. They are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home SEC games.

– Ole Miss has covered the spread as single-digit underdogs at home in nine of their last ten occurrences.

– Both teams have seen the over hit once and the under hit once this season.

– The over has hit in four of the last six matchups between these two schools.

Keys to LSU vs. Ole Miss matchup

The availability of Sam Leavitt at quarterback is the biggest question heading into this game for the LSU offense. He was initially listed as doubtful, but is now questionable to play. Assuming he is playing, LSU needs to keep him from having to make big plays to move the chains. Leavitt has thrown four interceptions already. Two have them have been on third and long plays, while one was on a second and long. Only once has Leavitt thrown an interception when the offense has been on schedule. This means LSU needs a solid game from Dillin Jones. He has run the ball 41 times for 179 yards and two scores this year. They also need to get Leavitt into space, allowing him to use his mobility to keep ahead of the chains and make manageable third downs.

On defense, for LSU it is all about gap control and wrapping up. Kewan Lacy is one of the best in the nation at keeping his legs moving and getting yards after first contact. The run defense has to be sound and maintain integrity in their gaps, not allowing Lacy to bounce it outside after first contact. That all starts with the combination of TJ Dottery and Whit Weeks. If the defense can do that, this will force longer third downs, where Princewill Umanmielen can get after Trinidad Chambliss.

Ole Miss needs to be able to hit the big plays in this one. While Kewan Lacy sets the tempo and keeps the Rebels on pace, the big plays have been what makes the offense work. Trinidad Chambliss has already hit multiple big plays through the air this year, and wide receiver Deuce Alexander has been the main recipient. He has hauled in 13 receptions for 235 yards and two scores. Much of his work has been through the play-action pass, which LSU needs to watch out for.

On defense, it is all about the combination of Sutrarine Perkins, Kam Franklin, and Will Echoles that will make the difference. Leavitt has struggled under pressure so far this year, while the offensive line for LSU is still breaking in some new starters. If Ole Miss can get LSU into passing situations, they could get after Leavitt and create some turnovers. The injury to Leavitt is not fully known, but if it is affecting his mobility, Ole Miss can exploit that with a strong pass rush.

LSU vs. Ole Miss Prediction and Pick

This matchup between LSU and Ole Miss has been one of the most anticipated games on the calendar. The hate from Ole Miss towards Lane Kiffin is massive, and the fans in Oxford will be showing LSU just that on Saturday night. LSU is going to have to deal with the crowd, plus the expectations of the game. LSU has looked like the better team so far this year, including the annihilation of Clemson. The Tigers also have the better defense overall and should be able to contain some of the big plays of Ole Miss. Regardless, there will be some offensive fireworks in this one. LSU gets the win in this one and covers, while the over also hits.

Final LSU vs. Ole Miss Prediction and Pick: LSU -3 (-115) and over 57.5 (-120)

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