10 Things I Learned in LSU’s Overtime Win Over Ole Miss

Brian Kelly Continuously Puts the Tigers in a Winning Position

Brian Kelly has been counted out every time LSU faces any challenge. Despite this, the head coach continues to put his team in a position to win weekly. Kelly has been a key to the team's near-perfect record, sitting 5-1 with a solid shot at the College Football Playoff.

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LSU Overcame Nussmeier’s Struggles

Garrett Nussmeier did enough to add another win to LSU’s record on Saturday. However, aside from the quarterback's three passing touchdowns, the gunslinger turned the ball over twice with two interceptions. A win is a win, sure. But if the Tigers hope to make some noise in the playoffs, they won’t be able to withstand turnovers from their game manager. 

Cayden Lee is Emerging into a Dynamic Wide Receiver 

Cayden Lee has continued to impress as the season progresses. The sophomore has his best game against LSU with nine receptions for 132 receiving yards. With Tre Harris being the only reliable pass catcher this year, if Lee can step up to the plate, he could be a game-changer for Ole Miss. 

LSU's Rushing Attack Disappeared 

The Tigers' offense has been the key to their success all season. The breakout of freshman running back Caden Durham has taken the offense to another level. However, against Ole Miss, LSU didn’t rush for 100 yards as a team, with Durham averaging 3.1 yards per carry on the way to a team-high 37 rushing yards. If the Tigers hope to compete, they can’t allow their offense to become one-dimensional. 

Rebels' Pass Rush Struggled

Against LSU, it’s clear that your best bet to beat the Tigers is to put pressure on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. It should have been no issue for Lane Kiffin’s squad with Ole Miss’s stout defensive line. However, the Rebels didn’t record one sack on the evening against LSU. If Ole Miss hopes to contend against the top teams as the season winds down, their defensive line has to show up when the team needs them most. 

Tigers' Pass Rush Showed Out

LSU has shown some inconsistency on defense, but on Saturday, the Tigers' defense showed up. In the win, the defense sacked Jaxson Dart six times, a warm sight for the Tigers' coaching staff entering a critical stretch of the year. 

Antwane Wells Jr. May Have Been a Waste of NIL $

Ole Miss's most significant offensive addition in the offseason was Antwane Wells Jr. Ole Miss lured the former Gamecock receiver to join the Rebels with a lucrative NIL deal and a chance to win with an SEC rival. However, after seven games, Wells has struggled to make the impact that Kiffin and Co. hoped he would when initially joining the program. If the wide receiver isn’t inserted as more of a focal point in the offense, his struggles could continue. 

Kyren Lacy is Breaking Out at the Right Time

Kyren Lacy has been the top pass catcher for the Tigers this season. The fifth-year wide receiver has spent three seasons at LSU; this year, he’s broken out as the top guy in the offense. With back-to-back 100+ yard games, Lacy could emerge at the right time for the Tigers. 

Jaxson Dart Has to Play Better

Jaxson Dart finished Saturday’s battle with 284 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception while completing 24 of 42 passing attempts. In an offense that relies on their quarterback, Dart must step up to the challenge, especially in big-time games. The quarterback has the talent to elevate his squad but has yet to show it consistently. 

Brian Kelly Continuously Puts the Tigers in a Winning Position

Brian Kelly has been counted out every time LSU faces any challenge. Despite this, the head coach continues to put his team in a position to win weekly. Kelly has been a key to the team's near-perfect record, sitting 5-1 with a solid shot at the College Football Playoff.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.