South Bound & Down
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SEC’s Best in-Conference Games: Number 6: Ole Miss at LSU

By Justin Melton

Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Louisiana State Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) leaves the field after scoring three touchdowns against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU won 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Louisiana State Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) leaves the field after scoring three touchdowns against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium. LSU won 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) runs after a catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second quarter in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Evan Engram is one of Chad Kelly’s many weapons in the passing game.  Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Ole Miss Offense vs. LSU Defense:

Ole Miss had the best quarterback in the SEC last year, Chad Kelly. Unfortunately for everyone but Rebel fans, he is back again this season. However, he did lose a few of his favorite weapons. Gone are receivers Laquon Treadwell and Cody Core, as is running back Jaylen Walton. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Ole Miss loses star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who so ably protected Kelly’s blind side last year.

But the cupboard is far from bare for Kelly and Coach Hugh Freeze. Damore’ea Stringfellow, Quincy Adeboyejo, and tight end Evan Engram give Kelly three proven options to throw to. And Akeem Judd should do fine at running back in Hugh Freeze’s offense, though depth may be a concern there after Jordan Wilkins was suspended.

LSU’s defense was not up to their usual high standard last season. To remedy that the Tigers brought in new defensive coordinator Dave Arranda from Wisconsin. Arranda has plenty of talent to work with, but his decision to transition to a 3-4 defense could result in some growing pains.

On the line, LSU returns two elite defensive ends in Arden Key and Lewis Neal. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they lost starting tackle Christian Lacouture to injury. Someone will have to step up in his absence.

Behind the defensive line Kendell Beckwith patrols the middle. He is the leader of the defense and is one of the premier linebackers in the country. Duke Riley and Tashawn Bower also bring a lot of experience to the table.

LSU has built a reputation for having nasty secondaries, and this year will be no exception. Tre’Davious White is a true lockdown corner who can take away one side of the field. Also returning are veteran safeties Jamal Adams and Rickey Jefferson. The secondary should be the strength of the LSU defense.

Advantage: Even

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