Each week, The Daily Reveille previews LSU’s upcoming game by talking to someone who knows the opponent better than we do. This week, we talk to Jogn Galatas, sports editor of Mississippi State’s student newspaper The Reflector to get the opposing point of view.
1. There’s been some question of who will get the start at quarterback for the Bulldogs on Saturday with the possibility of Tyler Russell returning from injury. Who can LSU fans expect to see under center and how does that decision affect the Bulldog offense?
I think having Tyler Russell under center provides some predictability in the option offense because he is not much of a running threat. Tiger fans can expect the Dogs to utilize Dak Prescott in short-yardage situations or to give a spark when drives begin to stall. Throughout the summer, coaches referred to Prescott as ‘the other quarterback’ and not necessarily the back up, so I think he will still get a decent amount of minutes. Fans really responded positively to Prescott’s performance the last three games, so it will be interesting to see how they will react to hearing Russell’s named called in the starting lineup in pregame activities.
2. LSU’s loss to Georgia last week showed major holes in the defense, particularly in the secondary. How will Mississippi State attack the Tigers offensively?
Since seeing some weakness in LSU’s defense, expect to see the Bulldogs throw the ball a bit more than they have the last few games. And with Russell getting the starting nod, the Dogs have a better opportunity to strike in the passing game. There is no question Russell has one of the best arms in the conference and has the experience. The key for him is how quickly he can adjust to the speed of the game since he has not played a snap in well over a month. MSU only has three wide receivers that saw playing time last year, but after four games the new targets have settled comfortably in their roles and have established themselves well.
3. This has been one of the most productive LSU offenses in recent history. How do the Bulldogs plan to stop Zach Mettenberger and the Tiger offense on Saturday?
With every LSU game I’ve watched, their offense continues to get better. Defensive coordinator Geoff Collins even said this week that the more he watched LSU on film in preparation; it seemed as if they continued to improve in between films. Collins’ key approach to the game will be getting the Tigers in 3rd-and-long situations. This will obviously be difficult with a quarterback like Mettenberger as he is one of the best game managers and stays ahead of the chains. Another interesting point to ponder is the looking at the types of offenses MSU has faced thus far. Through eight straight weeks (including fall practice), MSU has been preparing for spread, option offenses. This will be their first look at an offense that will line up in an I-formation and run straight at you, and fortunately, the Bulldogs had an open date last weekend for more preparation. MSU has done a great job at taking away one element of each offense in each game thus far, but with the balanced offense the LSU boasts, it’s certainly going to be a tough task come Saturday.
4. The last time Mississippi State defeated the Tigers was in 1999. What’s the attitude of the team heading into this game?
The LSU game has always been tough for the Bulldogs as LSU has won 19 of the last 20 meetings. I was actually in attendance for MSU’s last win in 1999, and if I remember correctly, it still took the Dogs a last-minute drive to knock off the Tigers in a 17-16 thriller. I know a lot of these players are eager to for this game because of the big name LSU brings to the schedule. MSU is hungry for it first conference win of the season, a win against the Tigers would really elevate expectations for the season. Some MSU players like quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Derrick Milton and center Dillon Day hail from Louisiana, and they have played with a few of the LSU players in high school. There will certainly be an added motivation for bragging rights.
5. Who are some Mississippi State players LSU fans should keep an eye on this weekend?
Offensively, the Tiger faithful should keep an eye on running back LaDarius Perkins. Perkins took on high expectations entering the season, but after getting banged up in the first couple of games, he still has not had a signature performance this year. Sophomore Joe Morrow and junior Jameon Lewis pose as down-field threats at the wide receiver position. Going against an LSU secondary that showed a few weaknesses last weekend against Georgia, Morrow and Lewis can really open up the field and are go for the home-run play. Defensively, Benardrick McKinney is a playmaker at linebacker. The key for him is to contain the LSU run game and keep the Tiger backs from getting to the second level and in the open field.
6. Prediction?
Offensively, I give LSU the advantage. The Tigers have an explosive offense and a balance that is nearly impossible to prepare for. Take away the run, and Mettenberger gets you in the air; take away the pass and the depth of running backs run up and down the field with a big, physical offensive line. Defensively, I see this one as even. MSU has done a great job at disrupting offensive game plans in each game, and the key will be how coaches make adjustments throughout the game. LSU did show some weakness defending the passing game, but still can contain almost any offense. Another aspect of the game that will be a factor is special teams. MSU has struggled in the kicking game, and if the game comes down to one or two possessions, LSU has the experience to win the advantage.
Overall, I see LSU in at least a two-possession victory. The Bulldogs simply have not faced an offense of LSU’s caliber yet this season, and even though they may take away an element, LSU’s balance will still put a lot of point on the scoreboard.