The five most important LSU Tigers against Mississippi State
The last time these two teams met, it was a stunner for the ages.
Last September, Mississippi State came into Baton Rouge to open the season and pulled off a massive 44-34 upset over the then No. 6 LSU Tigers.
This season, it’s a little different. LSU started the season out slow with a tough loss at UCLA but has since bounced back with strong wins over a pair of cupcake opponents. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, started the season off 2-0 but lost this past weekend to Memphis after some bewildering officiating. Momentum seems to side with the Tigers heading into this game.
Here are the five most important players for LSU as they take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs this Saturday.
Major Burns, SS
Scott Clause/The Daily Advertiser via AP
Major Burns is LSU's second-leading tackler and a key part of this Tiger secondary. Burns needs to make sure everything stays out in front of him. Explosive plays on the road could hurt this LSU team.
BJ Ojulari, LB
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
LSU's pass rush will be an important factor in shutting Mississippi State's air raid offense down. The less time MSU quarterback Will Rogers has to throw, the more opportunities there are for havoc. Ojulari, LSU's sack leader, will play a big role in making Rogers uncomfortable in the pocket. The need for a huge performance has become increasingly important after losing Andre Anthony for the season.
Kayshon Boutte, WR
(AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
Boutte was incredibly quiet in this game as a freshman last season (one reception, six yards), but has since emerged as LSU's top pass catcher. Boutte should have a field day against one of the SEC's worst pass defenses in Mississippi State.
Cameron Wire or Anthony Bradford, LT
LSU Athletics/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Network
With Cameron Wire still battling an injury, Anthony Bradford may be called upon on Saturday to start at left tackle for the Tigers. Whoever gets the start will need to play well against a relatively subpar Mississippi State front. Bradford has been practicing with the first team at left tackle over Xavier Hill.
Deion Smith, WR
(Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Deion Smith is coming off of a monster game against Central Michigan (five receptions, 135 yards, two touchdowns), and is currently averaging 21.1 yards per catch. Despite being inexperienced, Smith could be a secret weapon for the Tigers this Saturday. Mississippi State is 93rd nationally and last in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game (243.3 ypg). LSU will have the ability to take some shots downfield in this game and will need to take advantage.
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