Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss Football: Three Keys to Beating LSU

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) carries the ball in the second half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss is looking to bounce back after a tough loss to Arkansas. In order for the Rebels to beat LSU, they will need to play well.

After the game against Arkansas, Ole Miss is going to Baton Rouge needing a win. It won’t be easy as they will be facing former Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron.

It is already tough enough to win at night in Death Valley but Saturday night could be even more difficult. The Tiger faithful will be behind their interim coach Ed Orgeron, who is looking to defeat his former student in Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze.

Nov 21, 2015; Oxford, MS, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball as he is defended by Mississippi Rebels defensive back Kendarius Webster (15) during the first quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps the biggest reason for Ole Miss losing to Arkansas was the inability to stop the Razorbacks’ run game. Unfortunately for Ole Miss, that task will be even more difficult this week.

LSU will be trotting out Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice, which is arguably the best one-two running back tandem in the country. If the Rebels can stop the run, it will make it tough for LSU quarterback Danny Etling to make plays in the passing game.

Oct 15, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Ole Miss Rebels running back Akeem Judd (21) rushes in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Ole Miss’ leading rusher against Arkansas was Chad Kelly. That can’t happen in order for the Rebels to beat LSU. It will be critical for Ole Miss to establish a run game to keep some pressure off Chad Kelly in the passing game.

If Ole Miss is stopped in the run game, it will be tough for the offensive line to protect Chad Kelly and give him enough time to find receivers. Once the Rebels abandoned the run game on Saturday, it made things easier for the Arkansas defensive line.

Oct 15, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) rushes as Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Taiwan Johnson (94) pursues at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Ole Miss 34-30. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

It is clear to anyone who watches Ole Miss play that they are at their best on offense when going fast. To be able to go at warp speed, the Rebels need to get first downs.

When the offense is clicking it is nearly impossible for any defense to stop. The concern for Ole Miss is not getting first downs and having LSU control the clock by running the football. However, if Ole Miss can score quickly, it will force the Tigers to throw more than they want to.