Mississippi State @ LSU Preview And Prediction

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No. 16 Mississippi State travels to No. 22 LSU for a massive SEC showdown. Can Lane Kiffin and the Tigers bounce back after an embarrassing loss?

The pressure is mounting in Baton Rouge as No. 22 LSU (4-2) prepares to host No. 16 Mississippi State (4-2) Saturday afternoon at Tiger Stadium.

Lane Kiffin’s Tigers are coming off an embarrassing 35-34 overtime loss to Kentucky, a game LSU had every opportunity to win before a questionable fourth-down decision allowed the Wildcats to force overtime.

Meanwhile, Mississippi State is looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Alabama.

With LSU already sitting at 1-2 in SEC play, another conference loss could effectively end the Tigers’ College Football Playoff hopes.

LSU: Can Sam Leavitt Save the Tigers?

LSU’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance under Kiffin, but consistency remains a major concern.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt has thrown for 1,495 yards and 10 touchdowns, but his eight interceptions are the most of any quarterback in the SEC.

Those turnovers have been a major issue for a team that possesses enough offensive talent to compete with nearly anyone.

Running back Dilin Jones has provided stability in the backfield, rushing for 426 yards and five touchdowns through LSU’s first five games.

Wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. has also emerged as a dangerous weapon, recording 354 receiving yards.

Defensively, LSU has been impressive at times, particularly with edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen, who recorded eight sacks through the team’s first five games.

However, the Tigers just surrendered 35 points to Kentucky, raising serious questions about their ability to close out games.

Against Mississippi State’s explosive offense, LSU cannot afford another inconsistent defensive performance.

Mississippi State: Kamario Taylor Is a PROBLEM

Jeff Lebby has Mississippi State playing some exciting football, and quarterback Kamario Taylor has emerged as one of the SEC’s most dangerous young players.

Taylor has thrown for 1,450 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just four interceptions while completing 66.2% of his passes.

However, his availability is a major concern after aggravating a lower-leg injury against Alabama.

If Taylor is healthy enough to play, LSU’s defense will have its hands full.

Wide receiver Anthony Evans III has been outstanding, recording 40 receptions for 574 yards and five touchdowns through five games.

Running back Fluff Bothwell has also been productive, rushing for 403 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

The Bulldogs possess enough offensive firepower to challenge LSU, but their defense remains vulnerable.

Mississippi State was allowing 28 points and nearly 380 yards per game through its first five contests.

That’s a dangerous weakness against a Kiffin-led offense playing at home.

How Each Team Wins

For LSU, everything starts with protecting the football.

Leavitt must avoid costly interceptions and take advantage of Mississippi State’s vulnerable secondary. Establishing Jones early should also create opportunities for explosive passing plays.

Defensively, LSU needs to pressure Taylor if he plays and prevent Evans from creating big plays downfield.

For Mississippi State, the formula revolves around attacking LSU’s defense with tempo and forcing Leavitt into mistakes.

If Taylor is available, his dual-threat ability could create serious problems. The Bulldogs must also establish Bothwell to prevent LSU from focusing entirely on the passing game.

Prediction

I expect an offensive shootout in Baton Rouge.

Mississippi State has enough offensive talent to create problems for LSU, particularly if Taylor is healthy enough to play.

However, I believe this is a bounce-back opportunity for Kiffin and the Tigers.

Leavitt should have success attacking Mississippi State’s secondary, and I expect him to throw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bulldogs will keep things competitive throughout the afternoon, but LSU’s home-field advantage and offensive firepower should ultimately make the difference.

Expect Mississippi State to threaten late before LSU’s defense comes up with a crucial stop to secure the victory.

Final Score: No. 22 LSU 38, No. 16 Mississippi State 31

LSU survives a major scare, improves to 5-2, and keeps its College Football Playoff hopes alive. But the pressure on Lane Kiffin isn’t going anywhere.

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