‘This Actually Plays in Your Favor’ — LSU Champ Makes a Bold Case As Sam Leavitt’s Availability vs. Ole Miss Hangs in the Balance
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The biggest storyline surrounding Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford suddenly has little to do with Kiffin himself.
The LSU Tigers listed starting quarterback Sam Leavitt as doubtful for Saturday’s top-10 matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels, creating a major question at the most important position on the field. The injury was not disclosed after Leavitt finished last week’s 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech without any obvious issue.
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2019 LSU national champion Breiden Fehoko believes Leavitt’s uncertain status could work in the Tigers’ favor.
“This actually plays in your favor,” hetweeted. “I’ve seen enough sample study of Leavitt; he will cost them games this year. They need to give [Landen] Clark [a] run.”
Ole Miss now has to prepare for the possibility of a shuffle, while LSU has Clark and Husan Longstreet ready to step in if he cannot.
The SEC defines “doubtful” as a player being unlikely to participate because of significant concerns, effectively giving him about a 25% chance of playing. That makes Leavitt’s availability a legitimate concern rather than a routine precaution.
Leavitt has been central to Kiffin’s rebuilt offense through two games. He has completed 41 of 66 passes for 574 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions while adding 135 rushing yards and five scores.
His legs were especially important against Clemson, when he ran for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
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The passing game was shakier against Louisiana Tech. Leavitt threw three interceptions in the second quarter before settling down and helping LSU pull away.
LSU Has Options if Sam Leavitt Cannot Go
Clark has seen the most action among reserve quarterbacks, completing 7 of 10 passes for 109 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Longstreet, a former five-star recruit who transferred from USC, has attempted one pass this season, completing it for 33 yards.
Either option would represent a significant drop in experience from Leavitt, but LSU’s identity has not depended entirely on its quarterback.
The Tigers enter Week 3 with a 95.7PFN Defense Impact score, No. 1 in the nation, while their 81.8 PFN Team Offense Impact grade ranks No. 29.
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That defense is one reason LSU can survive a less-than-perfect offensive night.
The broaderrivalry debate has also centered on whether Ole Miss can handle a Tigers roster that has looked much stronger defensively through two weeks.
Saturday will mark the first LSU-Ole Miss meeting with both teams ranked inside the AP Top 10 since 1962. It is, of course, also Kiffin’s first trip back to Oxford since leaving Ole Miss for LSU.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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