Each week The Daily Reveille presents a first-hand view of LSU’s latest opponent as we team up with beat writers from student newspapers around the country. This week we talk to The Daily Mississippian sports editor David Collier for Saturday’s game against the Ole Miss.
With so many injuries for the Rebels on defense, what can LSU expect to see from Ole Miss this weekend on that side of the ball?
There will be a lot of guys getting more snaps than usual and the starters that are healthy will have to play a lot. It will be interesting to see how it effects the game plan for Ole Miss, but it’s certainly not a situation you want to be dealing with, especially with the No. 6 team in the country rolling in.
Bo Wallace has been the clear No. 1 at quarterback all season, but last week we saw Barry Brunetti getting some crucial snaps under center. Could this be the start of a controversy and what does each quarterback bring to the table?
Not at all. Both Bo Wallace and Barry Brunetti each present different strengths to the offense. Brunetti is not a threat to throw the ball unless the defense stacks the box. Last week, he made Texas A&M pay. He’s your quarterback in goal line situations and in certain packages, but overall, Wallace is and will always be the guy.
The past few weeks have been a tough stretch for the Rebels, but there’s no denying this team is much better than its 2012 counterpart. What’s the biggest difference in Hugh Freeze’s second season as head coach?
Depth and familiarity. Obviously, knowing what you’re doing makes things a little easier, but the depth, to me, is what’s been the biggest factor. Last season, Ole Miss couldn’t afford to go into their up-tempo mode as much as they wanted because they would wear themselves out. This year that’s not as big of a problem. They’ve still got a long way to go, and with the injuries this week, they’re hurting at several spots. However, they are well on their way to having SEC-needed depth.
Who are some Ole Miss players LSU fans should keep an eye on this weekend?
Watch for running back I’Tavius Mathers. It looks as though Jeff Scott will miss this weekend’s game, and Mathers, along with Jaylen Walton, will get plenty of snaps. Also, look out for wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. He caught his first two touchdown passes of his young career last weekend, and it could be the midseason boost he needed. Defensively, I’d look for safety Cody Prewitt. He likes to take chances and will more than likely create a big play for either team at some point in the game.
Prediction?
If Ole Miss were healthy, I’d say the Rebels would have a real shot at home. But I think the injuries are too much for this team to overcome right now, and the LSU offense is clicking. The Tigers win it 38-21.