Scouting the Tigers: Ole Miss Ready for a Heavyweight Battle Against No. 4 LSU
OXFORD, Miss. — The No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels face their biggest challenge of the season Saturday, Sept. 20, when they host the No. 4 LSU Tigers in Oxford. Both teams enter with momentum, but LSU’s talent and depth make this the toughest test yet for the Rebels.
Ole Miss is coming off its most complete outing of the year, a 45-10 win over Tulane. LSU, meanwhile, found offensive rhythm last week in a 56-10 rout of Southeastern Louisiana.
Here’s what Rebel fans need to know about the Tigers before kickoff.
Tigers Offense
LSU opened 2025 with one of the nation’s most talented offensive rosters, led by fifth-year quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The Tigers reloaded at receiver through the transfer portal, adding former Kentucky standout Barion Brown and ex-Oklahoma playmaker Nic Anderson to complement returners Aaron Anderson and Chris Hilton. Sophomore running back Caden Durham is also back after a strong freshman campaign.
Despite the firepower, LSU’s offense sputtered early, averaging only 20 points per game in its first three contests against Clemson, Louisiana Tech and Florida. The Tigers finally broke out against Southeastern Louisiana but still rank just 117th nationally in rushing at 3.6 yards per carry. A rebuilt offensive line—returning only one starter, guard DJ Chester—has been inconsistent, and the run game has struggled to find traction.
The middle of the line is steadied by transfer guard Josh Thompson and center Braelin Moore, but the right-tackle spot remains unsettled as freshmen Weston Davis and Carius Curne continue to battle for snaps. For Ole Miss, the key will be pressuring Nussmeier. He has an NFL-caliber arm but limited mobility, which can lead to drive-killing sacks and risky throws when the pocket collapses. Forcing him into long-yardage situations could create turnover chances and give the Rebel offense extra possessions in plus territory.
Tigers Defense
Saturday will feature a clash between two of college football’s best minds: LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker and Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.
Baker has crafted one of the SEC’s stingiest defenses, allowing just 10 points per game. LSU’s secondary has been a strength after adding transfers AJ Haulcy (Houston), Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech) and Tamarcus Cooley (NC State). Linebackers Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins provide speed and versatility at the second level.
The Tigers’ defensive line has been dominant as well, giving up just 56 rushing yards per game, which presents a major challenge for the Rebels’ ground attack, which averages 218.5 yards per game.
This LSU defense thrives on confusion and pressure. Baker’s aggressive scheme mixes blitzes from linebackers and corners, helping the Tigers rack up 11 sacks and six interceptions through four games. For Ole Miss, protecting the football will be critical. Expect Kiffin to lean on quick passes, screens and tempo to neutralize the rush and keep his quarterback upright.
The Bottom Line
LSU looks every bit a national title contender but remains far from flawless. The Tigers have struggled with offensive consistency and have yet to face an offense as explosive as Ole Miss. If the Rebels can exploit LSU’s shaky run game and unsettled offensive line, they have a chance to finish with one of the biggest wins in program history—and prove they belong in the national championship conversation.
Game info:
Ole Miss and LSU kick off at 2:30 pm CT and the game will be broadcast on ABC.
