The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers face a formidable schedule in the upcoming football season, their first amid the expanded 16-team Southeastern Conference (SEC) lineup. The calendar features clashes with traditional powerhouse Alabama and SEC newcomer Oklahoma, along with non-conference games against both USC and UCLA. However, it’s the October 12th matchup at home against Ole Miss that might just set the tone for the Tigers’ season, according to sports analyst Andy Staples from On3.
Last year, LSU fell to the Rebels in a high-scoring game in Oxford, but history is on their side at Tiger Stadium, where Ole Miss hasn’t secured a victory since 2008. If LSU wants to make a statement and demonstrate their capability to vie for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP), overcoming Ole Miss is crucial.
Ole Miss, on its quest for its first ever CFP berth or an SEC championship game appearance, faces a tough road challenge against LSU. Victories at home against Oklahoma and Georgia would be significant, yet winning in Baton Rouge seems vital for taking their program to the next level. Their last encounter ended with Ole Miss outscoring LSU 55-49 in a dramatic showdown, a result that had a substantial impact on perceptions of both teams for that season.
For LSU, a win against Ole Miss would not only be sweet revenge for last year’s defeat but also a promising indicator of their potential to contend seriously in the SEC and national playoff scenes. With tough games still ahead against Texas A&M, Alabama, and Oklahoma, starting strong and staying undefeated until these matchups would position LSU favorably for the rest of the season.
Under the guidance of coach Brian Kelly, now in his second year, LSU is eager to contend seriously for the CFP. The Tigers’ October battle with Ole Miss could be pivotal, marking a decisive moment in their season and possibly setting the stage for a championship run.
