1. Does Ole Miss have a chance to win despite the injury problems they have?
Matt Sigler (@SigNewton_2): I think they do, but that chance continues to get slimmer as we learn about the final status of some of the guys who are going to be out. Anytime you are missing up to eight guys due to injury, your chances obviously are going to hurt. However, this is a hungry team now that is looking to get off a three-game skid, and with a big rival coming into town, I expect to see a motivated and passionate team on the field Saturday.
Cody Thomason (@TheCodyThomason): Ole Miss always stands a chance to win against LSU, but with injuries, the strength of LSU’s team and the Rebels’ recent losing streak, their chances are pretty slim.
David Collier (@DavidLCollier): I was actually going to pick Ole Miss to win this game, but this many injuries are too much to overcome. The Rebels have improved their depth tremendously, but it can’t survive this many injuries, especially against a team as talented as LSU. But crazy stuff happens when these two teams play, so maybe Ole Miss surprises some people.
2. What does Ole Miss’ offense have to do to get into rhythm earlier in the game?
Sigler: Find that balance between the run and the pass as early as possible. If they can get both working then I can see them taking this physical LSU team into an up-tempo race to the line. If the Rebels are unable to establish one of those aspects, I think that the tempo they believe could play to their advantage will hinder them.
Thomason: Complete some short passes. The quarterback and wide receivers have uncharacteristically struggled recently, having a plethora of drops, bad passes and miscommunications. A few short completions could go a long way towards the confidence of this group.
Collier: Cut out the stupid mistakes. Defenses, for the most part, haven’t stopped Ole Miss. It’s been dropped passes, bad reads, bad throws, protection problems and penalties. Take those away, and the Rebels move the ball and score. Don’t take those away, and you’ll see more inconsistency from this group.
3. What player that will get more playing time because of the injuries do you expect to take advantage of the opportunity and have a big game?
Sigler: I’Tavius Mathers. He looked great against Texas A&M, running like he was on a mission, and also being able to catch the ball out of the backfield. With a bigger and more physical defense in LSU this weekend, I don’t expect to see sophomore running back Jaylen Walton going between the tackles consistently. This could easily become a job for Mathers with his size.
Thomason: Sophomore running back I’Tavius Mathers. He showed some flashes in the Texas A&M game, including a 21-yard reception, and I think with senior running back Jeff Scott injured Mathers will shoulder most of the load and have his breakout game.
Collier: It has to be I’Tavius Mathers. Everyone’s been waiting to see him with the ball, and he got that chance last weekend. Mathers is a guy who can make plays when nothing is there, and with senior running back Jeff Scott likely out Saturday, Mathers will get plenty of carries.
4. If you were defensive coordinator Dave Wommack, would you try to take away the LSU rushing or passing attack?
Sigler: Hard to say, but I’ll go rushing. Jeremy Hill is a big, bruising back and when he gets on a roll can go all night. I would rather force Zach Mettenberger to beat me in the air, although the concerns are huge with receivers like Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham.
Thomason: Try to force turnovers. If they have ample time to grind out their offense, Ole Miss is doomed. Ole Miss needs to keep the ball out of LSU’s hands and that’s what turnovers can do. LSU will be able to score when they have the ball — the key is limiting when they do.
Collier: You have to try to take away the run. The last time LSU came to Oxford, they ran all over Ole Miss. They still have a stable of backs, so it’ll be a tough challenge. But if they can force Zach Mettenberger into tough throwing downs, Ole Miss can be successful. Mettenberger has improved a ton since last season, but I’ll take my chances of someone throwing downfield rather than someone controlling the line of scrimmage.
