LSU vs. Mississippi State: 3 Matchups That Will Decide the Game

Tonight's matchup between the LSU Tigers and the Mississippi State Bulldogs promises to be entertaining.

The Bulldogs will be home and always seem to put up a good fight there, while Jarrett Lee hasn't won a true road game over a team that is 7-5.

If you're a fan of running the football, this game is an absolute must-watch. Michael Ford, Vick Ballard, Chris Relf and Spencer Ware all run the ball really well even though Relf is Mississippi State's quarterback.

When it comes down to the X's and O's, this game will be decided by a few important matchups.

Here are three of them.

LSU Offensive Line vs. Mississippi State’s Defensive Front Seven

Following the departure of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and all three linebackers, Mississippi State’s run defense has plummeted. They are currently allowing just under 200 yards per game on the ground.

Michael Ford and Spencer Ware are licking their chops right now at the tape they watched from the Auburn game.

The Bulldogs will need to prove they can handle the run tonight, because the SEC West also has Trent Richardson and Brandon Bolden.

Chris Relf vs. LSU Secondary

Relf is not a pocket passer, but he’s been relatively efficient when he needs to throw the ball.

Teams will stack the box against Mississippi State in order to stop Vick Ballard and Relf from scrambling, which will leave a receiver open on most plays.

But LSU’s secondary seriously impressed against Oregon and the Bulldogs don’t have nearly the talent or speed. He probably won’t have to do it often, but when Relf does pass, he needs to be efficient and not risk anything because the Tigers will be sure to capitalize on it.

Time of Possession

Whenever there is a run-first football team, one of the main objectives is to win the time of possession battle.

This will be particularly important for Mississippi State to win for two reasons: 1) It would mean they're running the ball well and 2) their defense is holding up against LSU’s running backs.

Barring a bunch of turnovers, this game will likely be won by whoever keeps the ball for the longest period of time.