As LSU entered Death Valley, ready to face Ole Miss in front of 100,000 screaming fans, a question stirred for the Tigers.
Would Rebel quarterback Jaxson Dart and his offense pound through the Tiger defense?
It happened last season when LSU fell to this offensive powerhouse in Oxford, and the Tigers couldn’t make the same mistakes against a quarterback who now leads the SEC in passing yards.
LSU knew the one problem area it would have to contain.
In the thrilling 29-26 overtime win against Ole Miss, the LSU defense took care of business throughout the game. The pass rush, on a consistent rise since the beginning of the season, was all over Dart.
“Can’t say enough about the defensive effort tonight,” head coach Brian Kelly said. “Sacks, harassing the quarterback, making the big plays when they needed to, and that’s what we’ve been talking about in terms of getting better each and every week on both sides of the ball.”
In overtime, the defense held the Rebels to a field goal, which allowed the Tigers to take the lead for the first time on the night after quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s game-winning 25-yard pass to wide receiver Kyren Lacy.
“I’m just so proud of the way that we stuck together and fought through adversity … We knew we had to keep fighting,” linebacker Whit Weeks said.
Defensive end Bradyn Swinson shined against Ole Miss with two sacks, 2.5 tackles for losses and two pass breakups.
“He’s playing at a high level,” Kelly said of Swinson. “He’s pressuring the quarterback, he’s coming up with big plays.”
An area where LSU has been “deficient” so far this season is its secondary personnel. In this game, cornerback Zy Alexander helped change the narrative.
When LSU was down 20-16 in the fourth quarter, the Rebels were powering down the field, aiming to increase the lead.
Dart threw a pass into the end zone which was intended for wide receiver Cayden Lee, and Alexander wasn’t going to allow a touchdown.
He caught the pass for an interception, taking away the scoring opportunity from the Rebels.
“I feel like the defense played great tonight,” Alexander said. “Each and every game we continue to improve and show we’re one of the best defenses in college football.”
Weeks had a career high of 18 tackles and two tackles for losses. He was key in dismantling the Ole Miss offense.
“Eighteen tackles is virtually impossible in this game today, and he was all over the field,” Kelly said. “He plays with great energy and a great fire. He runs so well that he can cover down the field.”
With five minutes to go in the third quarter, Ole Miss drove its way into the red zone. The Rebels needed a touchdown to make it a two-possession game.
However, the Tigers created three consecutive quarterback hurries, breaking through the offensive line with ease each play. The Rebels had to settle for a field goal, and this LSU defense looked more consistent than ever.
“Guys are gaining confidence as we go through the season defensively,” Kelly said. “Playing with a lot more confidence, you’re going to see the results.”
Because LSU held the Rebels to a field goal, it was only a seven-point game with three minutes and fourteen seconds left. The Tigers then had enough time to score, tying the game at 23 and sending it into overtime.
“I’m still at a loss for words because of how exciting that was with the field rush and everything,” Weeks said.
For the third season in a row, the Magnolia Bowl ended in a field storm. It was truly the perfect ending to a night of celebration for the 100-year anniversary of Tiger Stadium and Homecoming.
As LSU enters the heart of its SEC schedule, this victory was critical in setting the tone for the next few weeks.
While Ole Miss came into Death Valley with high hopes and aggression, LSU proved once again it’s not over until it’s over in the SEC.
