Ole Miss Rebels vs LSU Tigers Game Preview: LSU Players to Watch

Tomorrow, the #3 Ole Miss Rebels head to Baton Rouge to take on the #24 LSU Tigers in Death Valley. It is a series that is always competitive, and this matchup will probably be the most important for the Rebels in over 50 years. The Rebels have a chance to advance to 8-0 on the season, and a win over LSU will only increase their chances of winning the SEC West.

Last season, the Ole Miss Rebels upset then #6 ranked LSU in Oxford, with a last second field goal that propelled a 27-24 victory. The last time the Rebels were in Death Valley it was 2012, when Freeze was in his first year and fans were starting to get to know Bo Wallace. They gave LSU a run, but fell just short. They now look to win in the Death Valley for the first time since 2008. For years, Ole Miss has been the underdog when facing LSU, but now, they’re a 3.5 point favorite. Let’s take a look at some players to watch of the LSU Tigers.

Leonard Fournette (Running Back), Freshman, 6-1, 230 lbs.

Sep 6, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) catches a pass over Sam Houston State Bearkats cornerback Trenier Orr (7) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Sam Houston 56-0. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Fournette is an explosive running back. He is formerly the number one prospect in the nation in the 2014 recruiting class. Watch for the Tigers to utilize him throughout the game. The run game looks to be LSU’s biggest strategy on offense. It will be important for the Ole Miss defensive front to put pressure on Fournette.

Anthony Jennings (Quarterback), Sophomore, 6-2, 216 lbs.

Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Anthony Jennings (10) runs out of the pocket during the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Jennings looks to be the starter in the matchup against Ole Miss. He will start over freshman Brandon Harris, as Jennings has the most experience. Jennings has been on his back a lot this season as he has been sacked 13 times. The Landshark defense will need to focus on breaking through an unease offensive line to get to Jennings. Jennings is also very vulnerable when throwing the football. The Ole Miss secondary could take advantage of this.

Jermauria Rasco (Defensive End), Senior, 6-3, 247 lbs.

Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Jermauria Rasco (59) rushes against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Jermauria Rasco is the most skilled player on the LSU defensive line. He has 33 total tackles and 3 sacks thus far in the season. He will be a challenge for the Ole Miss offensive line to stop. If the Rebels can block Rasco, more time in the pocket will be created for Bo Wallace.

Travin Dural (Wide Receiver), Sophomore, 6-3, 192 lbs.

Sep 27, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Travin Dural (83) before a game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

LSU’s top receiver is not Malachi Dupre. Travin Dural ranks 2nd in the SEC in receiving, but well behind Amari Cooper for Alabama. Dural has recorded 665 receiving yards and seven touchdowns this season. His longest reception this season was for a 94-yard touchdown. He is the long ball threat for LSU, as Dupre is the top slot receiver. I expect Senquez Golson to be matched up with Dural.

Tre’Davious White (Defensive Back), Sophomore, 5-11, 191 lbs.

If there is anyone in LSU’s secondary that could be compared with the caliber of Senquez Golson, it would have to be Tre’Davious White. White is right there with Golson in tackles, with 18 total on the season, but Golson has him beat by a mile in interceptions, as White has two on the season. Nevertheless, White has talent and he will make things difficult for receivers like Laquon Treadwell. White is also the Tigers lead punt returner. He has already made some noise this season with 17 returns for 224 yards, including one touchdown on a punt return.