NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Saturday, November 21, 3:30 pm, ET, CBS
Stadium: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
Line: MISS (-4)
Two weeks ago this would have been the most exciting matchup of November in college football. Leonard Fournette was still the undisputed forerunner in the Heisman race, and Chad Kelly had already managed to lead the Rebels’ high-octane offense past Alabama and the Tide’s heralded defense. But that was before both SEC West teams lost to a mediocre Arkansas (6-5).
While it’s no secret the Razorbacks know how to turn up the heat in November, neither LSU nor Ole Miss could really afford the loss Arkansas handed to them. Saturday’s matchup still has a lot at stake for both teams, but not nearly as much as it would have before the Arkansas losses.
If Fournette still wants to be considered for the Heisman, he needs to turn in an epic performance against the Rebels. Unfortunately for Fournette, Ole Miss’ defense has only allowed one opposing player to rush for over 100 yards (Alex Collins of Arkansas), but Trae Elston’s propensity for interceptions will be a moot point against LSU’s run game.
If Ole Miss wants a chance to be the West champion and set up a rematch against Florida then the Rebels will need to win this and the Egg Bowl and pray for a Bama loss to Auburn. As a team, Ole Miss has more to lose, and that could be the determining factor in this game.
No matter what, LSU is out of contention to be the West champion, but if the Tigers want another Heisman in the family then LSU will need this win in order for Fournette to still have a chance.
Last year’s matchup between the two schools ended with LSU on top 10-7, but that was before either team played Arkansas. While Vaught-Hemingway certainly isn’t as scary as a place nicknamed Death Valley, Ole Miss is 5-1 at home this season. LSU is 2-1 on the road.
Both teams are hungry for redemption after stunning losses to Arkansas, but Ole Miss has had a week to regroup and refocus. Neither team wants another conference loss, but Ole Miss typically slides late in the season, regardless of what’s at stake.
LSU might want this win more after two straight conference losses, but Ole Miss’ home-field advantage and restful bye week might be too much for even Fournette to hurdle.
Prediction: LSU 24, Ole Miss 27
Hannah Fields is a Tennessee Titans and SEC Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @hanfran7, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.
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