LSU-Ole Miss Preview: Don't Tell Them There Is Nothing To Play For

What some thought might be a game for the SEC West title has most likely turned into a game for the Capitol One Bowl.

LSU has two losses, albeit to the two top teams in the country, and is out of BCS bowl contention despite their lofty ranking. Ole Miss came crashing back to Earth in Columbia on a Thursday night in late September.

But there is still a lot of pride in this “rivalry” game (probably second biggest for both teams) and it is the CBS game of the week, so it is my SEC game of the week.

Last week was a good week going 11-1 straight up and 7-4-1 against the spread, including both games right involving these two teams.

Here are the areas where I think this game will swing.

Quarterback Play

It is really about which QB hurts their team less. I never thought I would say that about Jevan Snead at the beginning of the season, but he had a sub-par year by everyone’s standards not named Mr. and Mrs. Snead.

And for LSU, Jordan Jefferson looks like he will start after injuring an ankle two weeks ago and sitting out last week. Jefferson has been kind of a disappointment this year too after his play in the Chick Fil A Bowl. .

But if Jarrett Lee has to spell him, then this message really applies to the Tigers.

The Dexter McClusters

No I did not spell that wrong. I will get to that in a minute.

LSU’s defense has to know where Dexter McCluster is at all times. And Ole Miss has to have him involved a lot at all times. He is the best offensive weapon the Rebels have by far.

On LSU’s side their potential Dexter McCluster, Russell Shepard, has to get involved too. Its November, he isn’t a freshman anymore. Les Miles need to take the reins of this highly touted recruit from a year ago.

Emotion

Both of these teams have had disappointing years thus far, but are in relatively similar situations as last year when Ole Miss came into Baton Rouge and dominated the Tigers on their Senior Day.

Neither team is going to Atlanta nor are they going to a BCS bowl. The team that shows the most pride, especially on the line of scrimmage has a great chance to win this game..

Prediction

If Jefferson gets hurt again or is too gimpy to be effective it could be a long day for LSU. People have been down on Ole Miss this season, but this is the game last year where they caught the SEC’s attention and started on their march to 9 wins.

I think on a neutral field LSU may be the better team, but with the game in Oxford I give Ole Miss a slight, slight advantage. .

Ole Miss Wins
LSU Covers +4.5