This weekend when LSU takes on Oklahoma it won't get nearly the same amount of attention as the top rivalry games in the SEC but, it'll still be a very interesting game. The Oklahoma Sooners just knocked off Alabama dominating the Tide while LSU snapped its losing streak beating Vanderbilt. The determining factor in this game will be which team is able to control the line of scrimmage in this matchup.
The Sooners just dominated Alabama by winning in the trenches on both sides of the matchup. The Sooners were able to dominate the Tide by running the football as they ran the ball 49 times picking up 260 yards averaging 5.3 yards per carry picking up two touchdowns.
LSU has struggled all season long stopping mobile quarterbacks as everyone saw against Marcel Reed, Jalen Milroe, and LaNorris Sellers before he was injured. Quarterback Jackson Arnold led the Sooners rushing attack last weekend picking up 131 of the Sooners yards on the ground. If Oklahoma wants to truly give LSU fits they'll use Michael Hawkins, the same way Texas A&M did as he's a more dynamic runner than Arnold.
The Sooners defense dominated Alabama's offensive line holding the Tide to just 70 yards on 30 carries picking up 2.3 yards per carry. The constant pressure by Oklahoma's pass rush derailed Alabama's explosive passing attack and forced Jalen Milroe into three interceptions.
LSU's defensive line has a ton of talent especially at edge rusher with Bradyn Swinson and Sai'Vion Jones. The Tigers can put a ton of pressure on Jackson Arnold but, they'll need to make sure they set the edge otherwise he'll escape like he did against Alabama.
The past few weeks LSU has finally found a solid rushing attack after struggling the majority of the season. This past weekend, the Tigers saw Josh Williams put up a massive performance joining Caden Durham who has put up massive games this season.
The Tigers improved rushing attack may get a boost this weekend if the Tigers can get veteran left guard Garrett Dellinger back into the lineup. Dellinger has been out of the lineup since the first half of the Texas A&M game which hurt LSU's offensive line. Dellinger nearly returned to the lineup last weekend but, wasn't able to play.
LSU's Linebackers will need to take a step up
While LSU's play on the defensive line will need to put up a massive performance, the linebacking core will need to put up their best showing. We've already seen Whit Weeks put up massive games this season and he'll need another one this weekend. The X-Factor for LSU could be freshman linebacker Dahvon Keys who has seen increased playing time as of late and continues to flash.