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Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
How to watch online: WatchESPN
Odds: LSU opened as a 21-point favorite. The line bumped up to 24.5 points in most locations. Odds come via OddsShark.
The last time we saw the LSU Tigers, they were making quick work of the Missouri Tigers in Ed Orgeron’s first game as interim head coach. The Tigers mollywhopped the other Tigers from up north, mostly thanks to the play of Derrius Guice, and things suddenly were looking promising for the embattled Bayou Bengals.
The Tigers would be wise though to not overlook their opponents from Hattiesburg. Southern Miss has gotten out to a 4-2 start to the year and has a dangerous offense that could create havoc for LSU even with their talented defensive group.
What to watch for
Southern Miss’ offensive attack. That aforementioned Golden Eagles offense is averaging 531.3 yards per game on the offensive side of the ball with 318.7 yards through the air and 212.7 on the ground. Entering play this week, quarterback Nick Mullens and running back Ito Smith were ranked seventh in the country in passing yards and rushing yards respectively. Head coach Jay Hopson has let it rip this year and it’s a big reason why they’re two games above .500 to this point in the year. LSU will have to be mindful of this and they certainly have the weapons to combat this prodigious offense. How they do that will be important to deciding this game.
No rest for the weary, but will it do LSU any good? The Tigers weren’t expecting a week off but due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew, they got one last week after their matchup with Florida was postponed and later rescheduled. The Tigers are unexpectedly fresher now as they enter this tilt with Southern Miss and that could perhaps serve them well if things play out the way that they want them to.
For more on this game, head over to And The Valley Shook.