The biggest game on everyone's calendar has arrived as the LSU Tigers will finally go on the road to face the Ole Miss Rebels. The entire offseason, everyone's circled this game as one of the biggest of the season, given all the drama of the offseason. While the off-field drama will be the talk of the weekend, the game itself deserves far more attention.
LSU and Ole Miss each enter this game ranked in the Top 10 of the AP Poll, with the Tigers ranked 8th and the Rebels sitting at No. 9. Lane Kiffin and Pete Golding each have loaded rosters, and this game opens SEC play for both teams meaning this matchup has massive implications in the race for the College Football Playoff, and SEC Championship.
With special players on each side of the matchup, it's going to take X-Factors on each side of the matchup stepping up to help win their team the game.
These 5 X-Factors could determine who wins the battle between LSU and Ole Miss
Dilin Jones - Running Back
Sam Leavitt's injury status is still up in the air, leaving LSU with some major questions when it comes to game planning. Even if Leavitt plays in this game, he's limited, running the ball is going to be key for the offense in this game. Dilin Jones had a monster game against Clemson, and he'll need another 100+ yard showing to secure victory on the road.
Deuce Geralds - Defensive Tackle
Slowing Kewan Lacy and Ole Miss' rushing attack is going to start at the point of attack, making the defensive tackle play pivotal. True freshman Deuce Geralds has been key on the interior with 5 tackles and a pair of sacks to start his career. If Geralds can be a presence in the run game this week while continuing to find pass rush success, it'll take a ton of pressure off the back end.
DJ Pickett - Cornerback
Deuce Alexander looked like one of the best wide receivers in the country against Louisville, and the secondary is going to have to find a way to slow him down. DJ Pickett may not shadow Alexander, but when the two are matched up, he's going to need to have success. The Rebels have some bigger targets between Alexander, Caleb Odom, and Horatio Fields, and Pickett's size will be key.
Princewill Umanmielen - Edge Rusher
This week started with Ole Miss serving Princewill Umanmielen with a lawsuit over unpaid buyout fees, but he has a chance to get the last laugh. Umanmielen has been a monster to start the season for the Tigers, racking up 5 sacks and 11 tackles. Setting an edge to keep Trinidad Chambliss in the pocket will be key, and Umanmielen will have to live up to the billing as one of the best pass rushers in the Country to help slow this passing attack.
Ty Benefield - Safety
When LSU added Ty Benefield from Boise State, many started to bill him as a potential game changer in the secondary, but thus far, opponents haven't tested the Tigers' back end. This is going to be the first passing attack that can hurt the Tigers, and Benefield is going to have to show up as a difference-maker, especially when the Rebels try to strike for big plays..
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