LSU football will travel to Columbia this Saturday for a battle between the tigers.
Many anticipated LSU would be undefeated at this time, but it’s the Missouri Tigers who’ve emerged 5-0. Entering Week 6 last season, LSU was 4-1 and Missouri was 2-3.
LSU is coming off a tough loss in a thrilling game against Ole Miss. The Tigers had errors on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense, but now has a chance to fix those mistakes and bounce back.
MORE FOOTBALL: Column | Brian Thomas Jr.’s breakout season should be a surprise to no one
This game is a true test for both teams. Missouri is on a hot streak, but LSU has something to prove.
An LSU win will be necessary to set the tone for the rest of its season. Here’s a look at the Mizzou standouts LSU will need to watch and address to secure the win.
Offensive Players:
Brady Cook
At the quarterback position, Cook has made drastic changes since last year. He’s increased his completion percentage by 10% from last season and put up 1,468 passing yards.
Cook’s pass completion is up to 74.5%, second in that SEC category right above Jayden Daniels. He’s second to Daniels in quarterback rating at 187.67.
Cook is firing dimes with accuracy and recorded zero interceptions. He hasn’t made many mistakes this season, which means the LSU pass rush will need to be on him.
Last week, the LSU defense had trouble putting pressure on Rebel quarterback Jaxson Dart. It will need to contain Cook on Saturday, or he could pose the same threat as Dart.
MORE ‘ON THE LOOKOUT’: Ole Miss players to watch against LSU
Luther Burden III
Burden is the top receiver in the nation with 644 yards. He has five touchdowns and 43 receptions. Last season, Burden played solely on the outside. Now at the slot position, he’s increased his receiving opportunities.
The Cook-to-Burden connection has been working well for the Mizzou offense in these first few games. LSU will have to keep Burden covered and create pass deflections.
Cody Schrader
In 2022, Schrader had worked his way from Division II transfer and sixth on the depth chart to earning the starting job at running back. He averages 92.6 yards per game and 5.7 yards per carry. Schrader has 463 rushing yards, second in the SEC.
Schrader gets around 60% of carries because Mizzou uses two running backs but rose early as its leading rusher. The Tigers usually use each running back evenly at the goal line. Schrader averages 92.6 yards per game and will challenge LSU’s front seven.
Defensive Players:
Kris Abrams-Draine
Among Missouri’s defensive backfield, Abrams-Draine stands out as its top coverage cornerback. He has six pass deflections and three interceptions, leading the defense in both. He also has 23 tackles.
In the FBS, Abrams-Draine is tied for second in passes defended. Whoever he covers on Saturday will have a difficult time getting open, and Daniels will need to be wary of this.
Daylan Carnell
Carnell is Mizzou’s most versatile player on defense in terms of coverage. He’s listed as a defensive back, but because Missouri uses a 4-2-5, Carnell is positioned as the “STAR,” which is a nickel or slot type of player. He’s an all-around defender who is big enough to play the run, but still has speed to play man coverage.
Carnell is third in tackles for Missouri with 25 and also has three pass breakups. He has two sacks, which makes him second in that category for Mizzou. LSU will need to watch for his ability to go out in pass coverage, rush the quarterback and even stop the run.
Ty’Ron Hopper
This Florida transfer leads Mizzou in tackles with 27. He’s one of Missouri’s top linebackers, and 74% of his tackles are solo. Hopper had 77 tackles with 13.5 tackles for loss last season.
He’s a weakside linebacker and will look to stop rushing plays at the line. Hopper also was named to the ALL-SEC Preseason Second Team.
