Preview: LSU braces for ‘Air Raid’ in revenge game at Mississippi State

What was lined up to be a very intriguing matchup Saturday morning in Starkville will mean a great deal to the seasons of both teams.

LSU seeks revenge as a 2.5 point favorite at Mississippi State. The Purple and Gold are 9-7-1 as road favorites under Ed Orgeron.

In the all time series, LSU leads 75-36-3, winning four out of the past seven matchups after taking 14 consecutive over the Bulldogs from 2000-2013.

Everyone recalls the thrashing the Tigers absorbed last season to the Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium in the season opener. State’s K.J. Costello looked a world beater, throwing for an SEC record 623 yards with five scores in a 44-34 win.

Costello is gone but another Air Raid gunslinger has taken his place. Mississippi State’s Will Rogers is ranked fifth nationally and tops in the SEC in passing with 1,083 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception while completing 55.8% of his many throws already.

In the loss to Memphis last weekend, he put it in the air 67 times, completing 50 for 419 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Rogers has been sacked six times, three of those against Memphis.

LSU’s Max Johnson comes off a strong five touchdown performance, totaling 864 yards, 11 touchdowns and two interceptions on 64.8% completions on the young season.

The Bulldogs are 11th in the SEC in total offense, passing for 361 yards per outing but running for only 45 yards each game. The Tigers are 12th, passing for 303.6 yards and running for just 86 yards each game. It’s more of an issue for LSU to struggle on the ground like that since State under Mike Leach simply doesn’t try to establish the ground game often.

In what needs to be a continuing trend Saturday, LSU is tied with Marshall for national honors in total sacks with 17.

LSU’s offensive line is rated 119th in the country. The group has been porous, hindered by injuries and inconsistency. With six sacks this season and solid overall defense, State may have an advantage in this matchup while the Tigers must proven they can consistently protect Johnson and open running lanes.

Some compare this game to the LSU-UCLA affair in the season opener. To channel Lee Corso, not so fast. The Bruins boasted a balance attack, running for 223 yards and throwing for an additional 260. The State offense is unlikely to impose their will on the LSU defensive front.

A name to keep an eye on for the Maroons is Makai Polk, a 6-foot-3 wideout who has snared 25 passes for 226 yards and a score. LSU counters with leading receiver Kayshon Boutte, who has 20 catches for 224 yards and an SEC-best six touchdowns. Other targets for Rogers, who will spread the wealth, is Jaden Walley who has 14 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns and Austin Williams, another 6-3 receiver who is crafty and boasts 14 grabs for 149 yards so far in 2021.

LSU expects a major contribution from true freshman Deion Smith, who had an impressive breakout game against Central Michigan with 135 yards and two TD’s on five catches.

As the stats would indicate, State backs are more dangerous as receivers out of the backfield. Their short passing game supplements the run. Freshman Dillon Jordan has 16 catches for 116 yards and has run for 79 yards and a score. Another freshman, Jo’Quarvious Marks, already has 22 grabs for 94 yards and a touchdown while also the team’s leading rusher with 83 yards.

Damone Clark and “Bug” Strong will need to reliable in coverage from their linebacking spots.

A pair of LSU true freshmen may be emerging now as indispensable weapons. Corey Kiner paces the Tigers with 130 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. One would think he has to become a focal point for LSU to finally find balance. Tight end Jack Bech has become a viable option with 10 catches for 155 yards and last week’s one-handed touchdown catch.

Mississippi State linebacker and leading tackler Jett Johnson, just a sophomore, leads the defense. Martin Emerson at corner and veteran safety Fred Peters are keys in the secondary. Two transfers play a big role as well with junior end Randy Charlton from Central Florida and and former Texas safety Jaden Green starting

A spotlight match to watch closely that may play a major role in the outcome. Sophomore left tackle Charles Cross (6-5, 310) is a top 10 overall NFL prospect in the SEC. He started his very first game against LSU last season, having arrived in Starkville ranked among the top 20 prospects in the nation in the 2019 class but weighing only 270.

Cross possesses superb hands, ability to communicate well in line blocking assignments, great feet, quickness and a solid punch to opponenst. He is a very good pass blocker and an extra special run blocker.

If he has a flaw, it’s his difficulty with speed rushers. Cross often gets beaten to the outside and will get his feet crossed when trying to cut off the edge. He will face off with LSU’s B.J. Ojulari, tied for national honors with 4.5 sacks. The Tigers need to have wins in that showdown to disrupt the Bulldogs relentless passing attack, especially with the news top cornerback Derek Stingley, Jr. is likely not going to play.

SEC openers are always important, setting the tone for the rest of the season. LSU needs a win to build momentum and avoid a potential downturn that would lead to unrest in Baton Rouge. Emotions are sure to be high.