Image – Yahoo Sports
Week 2 delivered the kind of chaos and statement wins that make the college football season so compelling. Several ranked teams faced early tests, rivalry games produced memorable moments and a handful of programs reshaped expectations heading into conference play.
No. 23 Missouri opened the weekend by renewing its rivalry with Kansas in Lawrence. The Tigers and Jayhawks traded blows through three quarters before Missouri pulled away for a 38-21 victory behind quarterback Austin Simmons, who completed 19-of-29 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns.
Saturday brought more ranked matchups and surprising results. Michigan bounced back from its Week 1 loss to Western Michigan with a 17-10 win over No. 11 Oklahoma at the Big House. Quarterback Bryce Underwood helped power the Wolverines’ offense, rushing 18 times for 87 yards and a touchdown as Michigan’s defense held the Sooners in check.
Oklahoma State produced one of the weekend’s biggest upsets, knocking off No. 6 Oregon 39-31. After falling to Tulsa in its opener, the Cowboys responded behind quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns while adding 109 rushing yards and another score. The win gave Oklahoma State its 31st consecutive home-opening victory and its first win over Oregon in 11 meetings.
No. 10 Texas A&M also made a statement in a 48-20 win over Arizona State. The Sun Devils found early success with new starting quarterback Cutter Boley, but the Aggies took control after halftime. Texas A&M’s defense limited Arizona State to 10 second-half points and scored twice on a pick-six and a fumble return.
Elsewhere, No. 12 Alabama erased a 17-13 halftime deficit to defeat Kentucky, Mississippi State dominated Minnesota 38-13 and Boise State earned a 38-20 victory over Memphis in a matchup between two of the nation’s top Group of Six programs.
The biggest result of the weekend came in primetime, when No. 4 Texas stormed back from a 20-3 deficit to defeat No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 in the final seconds. The Longhorns moved to No. 1 in the AP poll following the win, while the Buckeyes dropped to No. 6. Iowa also continued its recent success in the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series, edging Iowa State 16-13 behind another strong defensive performance. The Hawkeyes have looked like one of the nation’s better defensive teams, though offensive improvement will be necessary if they hope to contend in the Big Ten.
Week 3 brings another slate packed with conference implications, renewed rivalries and matchups that could shape the College Football Playoff conversation before September ends.
The action begins Friday night in the Big 12, where No. 22 Houston hosts No. 13 Texas Tech in a Lone Star State showdown. Both teams entered the season with aspirations of competing near the top of the conference, and an early victory could provide valuable momentum in the race for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game in Arlington.
Saturday afternoon features several consequential matchups. No. 16 SMU travels to No. 23 Louisville in a game between two ACC contenders hoping to keep pace with No. 5 Miami. Florida State also faces a pivotal opportunity against No. 10 Alabama. Mike Norvell and the Seminoles will try to build on last season’s upset of the Crimson Tide and create needed momentum for a program still searching for consistency.
In the SEC, Mississippi State faces South Carolina in a matchup featuring two of the conference’s most exciting quarterbacks. Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor has impressed through the first two weeks, but he will face a major test against Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers and a South Carolina team looking to establish itself in the conference race.
Saturday night brings a matchup between former SEC rivals as Auburn hosts Florida for the first time since 2019. The game also marks the first conference meeting for new head coaches Alex Golesh and John Sumrall, who previously faced one another in the American Athletic Conference while leading South Florida and Tulane, respectively.
West Virginia will then travel to Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Classic against No. 25 Virginia. Rich Rodriguez’s Mountaineers and the Cavaliers both have an opportunity to prove they belong in the College Football Playoff conversation before entering the heart of their conference schedules.
The weekend’s marquee matchup comes from Oxford, Mississippi, where No. 7 LSU visits No. 8 Ole Miss in the Magnolia Bowl. Lane Kiffin returns to Ole Miss as LSU’s head coach, creating one of the most intriguing storylines of the early season as he faces former players, assistants and a program he once led. With both teams carrying playoff aspirations, the winner will leave September with a major résumé-building victory and a significant boost in confidence.
AP Top 5
No. 1 Texas 2-0 (0-0) SEC This Week: UTSA (2-0) (Saturday, 7 p.m., SECN+)
No. 2 Georgia 2-0 (0-0) SEC This Week: at Arkansas (1-1) (Saturday, 11 a.m., ABC)
No. 3 Notre Dame 2-0 Independents This Week: Michigan State (2-0) (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., NBC)
No. 4 Indiana 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten This Week: Western Kentucky (0-2) (Saturday, 3 p.m., Peacock)
No. 5 Miami 2-0 (1-0) ACC This Week: at Wake Forest (2-0) (Friday, 6:30 p.m., ESPN)
Biggest risers and fallers in the AP Top 25 this week:
Risers
No. 1 Texas 2-0 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #4 (Defeated No. 1 Ohio State 24-23)
No. 11 BYU 2-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 2: #15 (Defeated Arizona 28-17)
No. 15 Tennessee 2-0 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #18 (Defeated Georgia Tech 45-24)
No. 17 Utah 2-0 (0-0) Big 12 Week 2: #20 (Defeated Arkansas 43-3)
No. 18 Iowa 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: #21 (Defeated Iowa State 16-13)
No. 20 Missouri 2-0 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #20 (Defeated Kansas 38-21)
Fallers
No. 6 Ohio State 1-1 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: #1 (Lost to No. 2 Texas 24-23)
No. 21 Oregon 1-1 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: #6 (Lost to Oklahoma State 39-31)
No. 24 Oklahoma 1-1 (0-0) SEC Week 2: #11 (Lost to Michigan 17-10)
Dropped Out
Washington 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: Week 2: #19 (Defeated Utah State 16-14)
New
No. 19 Michigan 2-0 (0-0) Big Ten Week 2: NR (Defeated No. 11 Oklahoma 17-10)
The Week 3 Slate (Rankings based off of AP Poll):
*All game times are at central standard time*
Friday, Sept. 18
Image – Houston Chronicle
No. 22 Houston (2-0) at No. 13 Texas Tech (2-0)
7 p.m., FOX
An all-Lone Star state showdown between Houston and Texas Tech will be the headliner on Friday night to begin week 3 of the college football season. The Cougars and Red Raiders will face off with Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst) and Josh Sims (sideline reporter) on the call.
Houston’s Connor Weigman has completed 29-of-42 passes for 425 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception and his top receiver Amare Thomas has caught 11 passes for 162 yards and 2 touchdowns. Weigman’s tailback Makhi Hughes has totaled 25 carries for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns after rejoining his head coach Willie Fritz. Texas Tech linebackers Ben Roberts, who has recorded 15 tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble, and Austin Romaine, who has totaled 12 tackles, will be the key cogs against the Cougar offense.
After Will Hammond finally claimed his starting quarterback position, he has completed 46-of-60 passes for 487 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. His running back is J’Koby Williams and he has recorded 33 carries for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns. His top receiver, Kenny Johnson, has caught nine passes for 117 yards. Cougar defensive backs Jalen Mayo and Kentrell Webb have combined for 20 tackles and 2 passes defended to lead their defense.
The winner of this game will gain a huge first win in Big 12 play, so Weigman and the Houston offense will have to play through the loud noise in Lubbock that they will experience on Friday night. He will need to get the ball out to wide receivers Thomas, Koby Young and tight end Patrick Overmeyer while relying on Hughes in the backfield.
The Texas Tech defense will rely on their linebackers Roberts and Romaine to get to Weigman and cause him to make bad decisions while hoping their secondary can make a play on the ball. Safety Malik Esquerra is totally capable of locking down Cougar receivers after recording 12 tackles and 1 pass defended through the first two games this season.
The success of the Red Raider offense depends on the consistency of Hammond. Hammond has proven himself to be a capable quarterback but in their conference opener against a team like Houston, he must rely on Johnson and Coy Eakin catching passes down the field and Williams in the backfield.
The Cougar defense, led by Mayo and Webb, will hope their defensive line, that includes Ashton Porter and De’Marion Thomas, can get to Hammond so they can pounce on interceptions. Then, they can set their offense up with better field position or with points of their own.
At home, Texas Tech should defeat Houston but their lead won’t be in hand until the fourth quarter. The Cougars will compete well with the Red Raiders but the depth of Joey McGuire’s squad and the home environment will be enough for the victory.
Projected Score: Texas Tech 31, Houston 23
Saturday, Sept. 19
Image – Spectrum News
No. 16 SMU (2-0) at No. 23 Louisville (1-1)
2:30 p.m., ESPN2
SMU and Louisville will meet in a highly-contested ACC battle on Saturday afternoon in the bluegrass state. The Mustangs and Cardinals will square off with Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Brock Osweiler (analyst) and Sherree Burruss (sideline reporter) on the call.
SMU is led by quarterback Kevin Jennings, who has completed 40-of-52 passes for 767 yards, 8 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He has also rushed eight times for 38 yards through two games this season. Jennings has three receivers that have recorded over 100 yards: Yannick Smith (2 touchdowns), Jalen Hale and Jalen Cooper (1 touchdown). The rushing game has been a bit of a struggle for the Mustangs with Kendrick Raphael and Dramecko Green’s combined 32 carries have only resulted in 140 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Louisville secondary, led by Koen Entringer, Kaleb Beasley, and DJ Waller Jr., have combined for 32 tackles and 3 passes defended through games against Ole Miss and Villanova. The Cardinals defensive backs will look to cause Jennings to make mistakes, similar to how Florida State’s defense caused him to throw two interceptions two weeks ago in Tallahassee.
Since a disappointing first half against the Rebels, Louisville signal-caller Lincoln Kienholz has impressed, completing 34-of-50 passes for 639 yards and 4 touchdowns while rushing 20 times for 111 yards for 3 touchdowns to lead his team on the ground.
Receivers Tre Richardson, Lawayne McCoy and tight end Jaleel Skinner have been strong targets for Kienholz, each with over 100 yards and combining for 4 touchdowns. Isaac Brown will look to get more efficient against the Mustangs, after he only has 97 yards on 29 carries.
Safeties Jimmy Wyrick and Tyren Polley have been the standouts for the SMU defense this season, combining for 21 tackles. Wyrick and Polley will be important in shutting down Kienholz’s passing attack so he is not able to get out of the pocket and do what he does best, scramble down the field.
For SMU to win this game, Jennings must make good decisions when he is throwing the ball to Smith, Hale and Cooper, especially on the road. When Jennings hands the ball to Raphael and Green, they must get down the field to set up their quarterback against the strong Louisville secondary, led by Entringer, Beasley, and Waller Jr.
Louisville will continue to rely on Kienholz’s all-around attack if they want to defeat the Mustangs. The Cardinals have a strong passing attack with Richardson, McCoy and Skinner and Brown beside him at tailback and are capable of protecting their home field against the Mustangs’ defense.
In what will be a back and forth game throughout, Louisville will protect their home field against SMU. The Cardinals will use a game-winning field goal to defeat the Mustangs from placekicker Carson Hilbert.
Projected Score: Louisville 33, SMU 30
Image – Alabama Athletics
Florida State (1-1) at No. 10 Alabama (2-0)
2:30 p.m., ABC
Florida State will attempt to make it back-to-back victories against Alabama when they meet up on Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa. The Seminoles and the Crimson Tide will battle with Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Greg McElroy (analyst) and Katie George (sideline reporter) on the call.
Florida State quarterback Ashton Daniels has completed 29-of-50 passes for 327 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception so far this season. Daniels has rushed 24 times for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tailback Ousmane Kromah has starred for the Seminoles through two games, rushing 36 times for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns. Daniels’ top receiving threat is Samuel Singleton Jr., who has caught six passes for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Alabama defense has allowed only 27 points through two games, one against East Carolina and the SEC opener against Kentucky. Linebackers Caleb Woodson, who has recorded 13 tackles and 2 sacks, and Luke Metz, who has totaled 10 tackles and 1 interception. If Kane Wommack’s defense can rely on their linebackers to keep Kromah from having success on the ground and limit Daniels’ passing game, they could have it easy on Saturday afternoon.
The Crimson Tide offense exploded for 32 points in the second half in their victory over the Wildcats to begin SEC play. Quarterback Keelon Russell completed 16-of-23 passes for 188 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions and rushed three times for 17 yards. Tailback Daniel Hill rushed 18 times for 104 yards and a touchdown while top receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams caught four passes for 43 yards against Kentucky on Saturday.
Linebacker Chris Jones and defensive back Ashlynd Barker lead the Seminoles defense with 15 tackles each. Jones will attempt to shut the gaps for Hill to run through and Barker will head the secondary against Russell’s passing attack.
For Florida State to defeat Alabama again this season, they have to be successful on early downs. The Seminoles must have Daniels rely on Kromah’s rushing attack to set up the passing attack against a talented Crimson Tide defense, led by Woodson and Metz.
If Alabama wants to move to 3-0, the offense must be focused on starting the game well after scoring only 13 points through the first 30 minutes last season. The Crimson Tide want Russell to get the ball to Coleman-Williams as much as possible so they can get past what has been an up and down Florida State defense this season.
Alabama will dominate Florida State on Saturday. If that happens, the Seminoles could potentially fire head coach Mike Norvell and hire an interim coach. The Crimson Tide will prevent FSU from moving the ball down the field and they will have their best offensive performance of the season.
Projected Score: Alabama 49, Florida State 20
Image – Southeastern Conference
Mississippi State (2-0) at South Carolina (2-0)
3:15 p.m., SEC Network
Mississippi State faces South Carolina in a battle to begin SEC play. The Bulldogs and Gamecocks face off on Saturday afternoon with Matt Schumacker (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sideline reporter) on the call.
Kamario Taylor has starred as one of the best quarterbacks in the country through two games for Mississippi State. Taylor has completed 38-of-56 passes for 581 yards, 7 touchdowns and he has rushed 19 times for 145 yards and 1 touchdown.
The tailback duo of Fluff Bothwell, who has recorded 27 carries for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns, and JJ Hill, who has totaled seven carries for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. Taylor has three receivers he relies on: Anthony Evans III, Marquis Johnson and Zion Ragins. Evans III, Johnson and Ragins have combined for 5 touchdowns through two games.
South Carolina linebacker Andrew Harris has been impressive so far through two games, a 57-0 shutout of Kent State and a 45-9 victory against Towson. Harris has recorded 22 tackles and 1 sack. In front of Harris, defensive lineman Tomiwa Durojaiye has impressed with 7 tackles and 1 sack.
The Gamecock offense has enjoyed success to start the season, scoring a combined 102 points against the Golden Flashes and the Tigers. LaNorris Sellers has led his team behind center and in his third season as the starter, he has completed 29-of-46 passes for 366 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Sellers has carried the ball nine times for 120 yards and 1 touchdown as well.
Sellers’ weapons include running backs Matt Fuller, who has 21 carries for 199 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Jabree Coleman, who has 10 carries for 109 yards and 3 touchdowns. In addition, wide receivers Nyck Harbor, Donovan Murph and DJ Back are Sellers’ favorite players to throw the football to.
Bulldog linebackers Jalen Smith, who has 12 tackles and 1 pass defended, and Ty Lockhart, who has 11 tackles and 1 sack so far this season, will be important in shutting down the Sellers-led offense. Smith and Lockhart will lead a defense that also includes safeties Marcus Williams and Isaac Smith, who have combined for 21 tackles.
Mississippi State can travel to Columbia and win this game if Taylor continues his success at the quarterback position, getting the football to Evans, Johnson and Ragin down the field and relying on Bothwell and Hill in the backfield. The Gamecocks’ defense will have a tough job dealing with Taylor’s dual-threat abilities.
Kendal Briles’ offense has succeeded so far but it will meet its first test when it faces Zach Arnett’s defense and faces its first test. Briles’ quarterback, Sellers, will have to stay poised against a much-improved Bulldog defense, and get the football to his playmakers in space.
Shane Beamer’s Gamecocks have the home field advantage and if he wants to remain in his post beyond this season, he needs his team to defeat Mississippi State to start conference play on a high note with a trip to No. 10 Alabama coming up next on their schedule. But the Bulldogs have proven everyone wrong this season, behind head coach Jeff Lebby. Lebby and MSU will go into Williams-Brice Stadium and get their first SEC win of the season.
Projected Score: Mississippi State 38, South Carolina 31
Image – AL.com
Florida (2-0) at Auburn (2-0)
6 p.m., ESPN
Florida and Auburn renew an old rivalry to begin their conference slate in front of a raucous Jordan-Hare crowd. The Gators and Tigers, led by two former American Conference head coaches familiar with each other, John Sumrall and Alex Golesh, square off on Saturday night with Tom Hart (play-by-play), Roddy Jones (analyst) and Quint Kessenich (sideline reporter) on the call.
Since transferring from Georgia Tech, Florida quarterback Aaron Philo has succeeded under offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, that came with him to Gainesville. Philo has completed 32-of-42 passes for 517 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception while recording nine carries for 33 yards and 2 touchdowns through two games this season.
Philo’s running back is the talented Jadan Baugh, who has emerged as one of the top running backs in the SEC, totaling 28 carries for 296 yards and 5 touchdowns. An impressive group of receivers line up on the perimeter for Florida, with Vernell Brown, Dallas Wilson and TJ Abrams combining for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns in wins against Florida Atlantic and Campbell.
Auburn safety Kaleb Harris has led his defense with 23 tackles, 3 passes defended and one fumble recovery through two games, a 17-16 win against Baylor and a 43-8 win against Southern Miss. Linebacker Elijah Melendez has impressed as well with 18 tackles, 3 passes defended and 1 sack. Harris will lead the secondary against Philo’s passing attack while Melendez will check on Baugh and the Gators’ ground attack.
After a lot of pre-season hype, Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown has not lived up to the success through two games as Golesh’s quarterback after following him from South Florida. Brown has completed 44-of-64 passes for 485 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions while rushing 34 times for 115 yards and 1 touchdown.
The running back duo of Jeremiah Cobb, who has recorded 24 times for 138 yards and 1 touchdown, and Omar Mabson II, who has 20 carries for 127 yards and 1 touchdown has been impressive so far this season. Brown’s receivers, Keshaun Singleton (131 yards), Jeremiah Koger (123) and Chas Nimrod (93) have been able to get open to catch passes but none of them have reached the end zone.
Linebacker Myles Graham (16 tackles) and defensive lineman Jeremiah McCloud (12 tackles) top the Florida defense as their playmakers. Graham and McCloud’s work also resulted in a combined 1 sack between them. They will be in charge of shutting down in Golesh’s impressive offense.
For Florida to go on the road and begin SEC play with a victory, Philo will have to continue his consistent play and avoid turning the football over to Auburn. Philo will have to watch out for Harris in the Tiger defensive backfield and Melendez from getting into the backfield and sacking him.
Auburn can protect their home field if Brown can get the football to his receivers early and often against the Florida defense and avoid turning the football over. Cobb will need to step up alongside Brown and create easier third downs with the work he does rushing the football.
Saturday night’s battle between Florida and Auburn is a make-or-break game for both teams. The Gators want to continue their success ahead of their battle in Gainesville against Ole Miss while the Tigers also want to stay undefeated before they host Clark Lea’s new-look Vanderbilt roster. In what will be a close game throughout, Sumrall’s team will get it done.
Projected Score: Florida 28, Auburn 24
Image – Yahoo Sports
West Virginia (2-0) vs. No. 25 Virginia (2-0) (Charlotte; Duke’s Mayo Classic)
6:30 p.m., ACC Network
West Virginia meets Virginia in a huge battle between Big 12-ACC battle in Charlotte at the Duke’s Mayo Classic. The Mountaineers will challenge the Cavaliers on Saturday night with Wes Durham (play-by-play), Max Browne (analyst) and Madison Fitzpatrick (sideline reporter) on the call.
Former Mississippi State and LSU quarterback Michael Hawkins has completed 16-of-21 passes for 287 yards, 3 touchdowns and has rushed 26 times for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns through two games this season for West Virginia. Hawkin’s top receiving target is DJ Epps, who has caught five passes for 148 yards and 1 touchdown. Running back Cam Cook has recorded 40 carries for 194 yards and 3 touchdowns so far this season as well.
Virginia linebackers Myles Brown and Maddox Marcellus have combined for 22 tackles to lead their defense alongside cornerback Jacobie Henderson, who has totaled 13 tackles, 3 passes defended and 1 forced fumble. Brown and Marcellus will look to shut down Cook’s and Hawkins’ and prevent them from opening up the pass.
Cavalier quarterback Beau Pribula has been fantastic in two games since coming over from Missouri in games against NC State and Norfolk State. Pribula has completed 21-of-25 passes for 317 yards for 5 touchdowns and 1 interception and has rushed 17 times for 102 yards. Xay Davis and Noah Vaughn form a solid duo alongside Pribula, combining for 222 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Da’Shawn Martin has caught 2 catches for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Mountaineers’ defense is anchored by cornerback Geimere Latimer II and safety Kamari Wilson in the secondary, along with linebacker Isaiah Patterson in the front seven. Patterson leads the team with 14 tackles through two games and has added a sack. Latimer has contributed 10 tackles, while Wilson has recorded 10 tackles and two interceptions.
Consistency will be important for Hawkins and the West Virginia offense. For the Mountaineers to defeat a Virginia defense that has only given up 11 points so far this season. The WVU defense will need to key in on the Cavaliers’ run game, with that being their strength.
As mentioned above, Virginia will need to continue relying on rushing the football with Pribula, Davis and Vaughn to get in the end zone and set up their passing game. The Cavalier defense will want to shut down Hawkins’ dual-threat abilities.
If this game was in Charlottesville, Virginia would handle West Virginia pretty easily. Since it is a neutral site game in Charlotte, the Mountaineers will keep it close for a half or three quarters before the Cavaliers break away in the fourth quarter.
Projected Score: Virginia 31, West Virginia 21
Image – Southeastern Conference
No. 7 LSU (2-0) at No. 8 Ole Miss (2-0)
6:30 p.m., ABC
LSU and Ole Miss meet in what could be college football’s most exciting game with Lane Kiffin returning to Oxford to face his old team. With ESPN’s College GameDay coming to town, the Tigers and Rebels renew their Magnolia Bowl rivalry with Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) and Laura Rutledge (sideline reporter) on the call.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has completed 41-of-57 passes for 574 yards for 2 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Leavitt has also rushed 23 times for 135 yards and 5 touchdown. Leavitt was listed as questionable on Thursday’s SEC availability report but Kiffin’s former assistant Pete Golden is not buying it.
Four targets have emerged for Leavitt including tight end Trey’Dez Green, who has caught 10 passes for 162 yards and 1 touchdown, wide receivers Winston Watkins, who has caught 12 passes for 153 yards and 5 touchdowns, Eugene Wilson III, who has caught 10 passes for 128 yards, and Jackson Harris, who has caught 4 passes for 112 yards. Tailback Dillon Jones has recorded 41 carries for 179 yards and 2 touchdown.
The linebacker trio of Luke Ferrell, Tah’j Butler and Keaton Thomas have combined for 36 tackles. Golding knows his former boss and former coworker, LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss well and he will use Ferrell, Butler and Thomas to keep the LSU offense from having success.
Kiffin’s former quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has completed 44-of-62 passes for 561 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. Kewan Lacy stands next to Chambliss as the running back, after recording 30 carries for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns. Deuce Alexander and Horatio Fields have emerged as Chambliss’ top receivers with Alexander recording 13 catches for 25 yards and 2 touchdowns and Fields recording nine catches for 113 yards and 1 touchdown.
LSU’s defense is led by linebackers T.J. Dottery and Whit Weeks, who have combined for 26 tackles through the first two games of the season. Former Ole Miss defensive end Princely Umanmielen has added another disruptive presence up front, recording 11 tackles and five sacks while helping support the Tigers’ linebacker corps.
The Tigers opened the season with a dominant 51-10 victory over Clemson before facing a tougher challenge in a 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech. LSU will need a sharper start in Oxford, where quarterback Sam Leavitt must continue to lead an efficient offense and Weeks will be tasked with setting the tone defensively against Lane Kiffin’s high-powered attack.
For Ole Miss, an early offensive surge will be critical. The Rebels cannot afford to repeatedly put their defense in difficult situations against an LSU offense directed by Kiffin and offensive coordinator Joe Weiss. Quarterback Austin Chambliss and receiver De’Zhaun Lacy will also have an added incentive as they face their former coach, but they will need standout performances to give Ole Miss a chance at the upset.
This matchup has the ingredients for a four-quarter battle in front of an electric crowd in Oxford. LSU has enough experience and defensive playmakers to leave with a road victory, but the renewed rivalry between Kiffin and Golding should make this only the first of several memorable meetings between the Tigers and Rebels.
Projected Score: LSU 34, Ole Miss 31
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