The Daily Journal caught up with LSU beat writer Cory Diaz of The Daily Advertiser to see what he considers the keys to the Ole Miss-LSU matchup.
LSU has battled its share of injuries this season, but it sounds like the team might be getting healthy at the right time following the bye week. Where is this team at, health-wise?
If LSU gets back freshman running back Caden Durham, junior cornerback Zy Alexander and senior wide out C.J. Daniels, it’ll be in great shape for the upcoming game against Ole Miss. Durham has emerged as LSU’s top tailback while Alexander was playing some of the best ball at corner for the Tigers going down in the UCLA game. All three have been practicing this week, so it looks promising.
Jayden Daniels meant so much to LSU last year, as did Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. This offense seems like it’s still chugging along with its new pieces, though. What’s the state of LSU’s offense? What are its strengths and weaknesses?
I said coming into the season that I thought Garrett Nussmeier was being underrated nationally. He’s providing me right so far. While the run game has been in a state of flux for much of the first five games, how Nuss has been able to throw the ball almost at will has been the catalyst for Joe Sloan’s offense. And Nussmeier has options to throw to as the last two games, he’s thrown to nine and seven different receivers.
LSU’s defense had its issues last season — particularly against Ole Miss — which led to a new defensive coordinator. I know there have been injuries, but how has the defense looked this season? In what ways is it different from last season?
There’s certainly been improvement defensively. I still wouldn’t say this group is a good defense. But it’s better. The way I think this season’s LSU defense is better than last season and has powered much of the improvement has been the versatility of several of the players. Major Burns can play both deep safety and Star. Javien Toviano can play Star or corner. Whit Weeks can play inside or outside linebacker. Having guys like that has allowed new DC Blake Baker to create more situation-specific schemes that LSU has benefitted from.
Have LSU players or coaches talked at all about last season’s 55-49 matchup in Oxford? Has there been any mention of wanting to avenge that one, or have all parties seemed to move forward?
Earlier this week, there was a quiet confident aura around LSU’s players, especially the defensive guys. There has been some talk about getting revenge and I think this year’s team desperately wants to rinse the collective taste out of its mouth when it comes to Ole Miss.
By all accounts, night games at Tiger Stadium are a different beast. Do you feel like environments like Saturday’s can be the difference in a game between closely-matched teams?
For some teams and players, no doubt. I just think Jaxson Dart and his guys have been in raucous environments before so honestly, I’m not anticipating the environment playing much of a role between LSU and Ole Miss.
If LSU is going to beat Ole Miss, ____ has to happen.
If LSU is going to beat Ole Miss, controlling the time of possession margin and not turning the ball over has to happen.
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