After a thrilling 34-31 win at home against Arkansas, LSU will begin a two-game road stretch against SEC foes. LSU returns to the state of Mississippi to take on Ole Miss in week five. The Tigers are hoping to keep their undefeated mark in SEC play alive and are looking to stay in contention for the SEC West crown. Coming off a physical game against Arkansas, LSU will be needing to stay locked in when they travel to Oxford on Saturday.

LSU can’t afford to get behind like they did against Arkansas, 13-3 in the first half. Quarterback Jayden Daniels got off to a slow start but was able to turn it around with two 49-yard touchdowns to wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Daniels was able to air it out during the second half as the Tigers were able to come away with a nail-biting victory over the Razorbacks.

LSU’s Defense Will Be Challenged

LSU grinds out win vs. Arkansas in second-half shootout

LSU S Andre Sam (14) – LSU Reveille

Flashback to the LSU vs. Ole Miss game a year ago, and the Rebels had a lot to play for. Ole Miss was 7-0 heading into this matchup a year ago, and the game couldn’t start any better for them. Ole Miss was able to get out to an early 17-7 lead as they were able to gash LSU’s defense in the first half. They were unable to keep that lead for long as the Tigers seized momentum as they ended up handing Ole Miss their first loss of the season, 45-20, in Tiger Stadium.

LSU’s defense didn’t have any answers for the Ole Miss passing game, but they were able to make some second-half adjustments to be able to shut them down when it mattered. The defense getting key stops gave the offense their chance to take full charge of that game. Shifting gears to this year’s contest, the challenge will be prevalent for this LSU defense that has been up-and-down this season.

The Tiger defense struggled to contain quarterback KJ Jefferson in the 34-31 win over the Razorbacks. The secondary continues to have some question marks, but you are starting to see players elevate their status. Safety Andre Sam and cornerback Denver Harris are starting to become guys you can rely on in your secondary. LSU’s defense was able to have a game plan for Jaxson Dart last year, and they will have to do the same in this year’s contest. The turnover battle will be key in what could turn into an offensive slugfest. Ole Miss will be one of the better offenses in the SEC that the Tigers will face this season.

Know Your Foe: Ole Miss

Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) passes In the first half of an NCAA college football...

Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (2) – Gerald Herbert/AP Photo

Ole Miss comes into the game against LSU sitting at 3-1 on the season. The Rebels are coming off a disappointing showing in Tuscaloosa, where they got upended by Alabama, 24-10. Alabama was able to draw first blood in that game with a field goal to make the score 3-0. Ole Miss was able to respond and took the lead, 7-3. Ole Miss took a 7-6 lead going into the half in what was looking like a defensive slugfest.

Alabama’s defense was the story of the game, as the Rebels offense didn’t have any answers in the second half. Dart was held to 244 passing yards and running back Quinshon Judkins had 13 carries for 56 yards. Ole Miss let that one get away, and they will be searching for answers heading into their week five matchup against LSU.

Even with the loss to Alabama, the Ole Miss offense is one of the best in the conference. The Rebels offense comes into this contest averaging 42.0 points per game, which ranks them 12th in the country. On the other side of the ball, Ole Miss is only giving up 18.5 points per game, which ranks them 36th in the nation.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Rebels’ strength is up front. Ole Miss’ rush defense is allowing just three yards per carry through the first four contests of the season. There will definitely be a lot of fireworks in this rivalry game, as both teams have explosive offenses.

Prediction: LSU 37, Ole Miss 34