Steve’s Summer Size-Up: No. 11, LSU

Throughout the summer, we will be analyzing each of Ole Miss’ 12 opponents for the 2015 season and sizing up how difficult the game will be in relationship to the strength of schedule.

We will take the teams in order of meeting date in an attempt to better inform our fanbase what to realistically anticipate going into this new season.

Opponent No. 11: LSU, Nov. 21

• SEC West Member
• 2014 Record: 8-5, 4-4 and defeated Ole Miss 10-7
• Difficulty Ranking: 7th
• Head Coach: Les Miles (103-29 11th season starting)
• Colors: Purple and Gold
• Enrollment: 30,451 (2014)
• Tiger Stadium capacity: 102,321

Forecast: LSU was still haunted by quarterback issues in 2014 and unless this situation can make drastic improvement, expect more of the same which is not what LSU diehards want to hear. Seven offensive starters are back along with six on defense. Junior quarterback Anthony Jennings is still the “go to” guy and sophomore tailback (No. 7) Leonard Fournette is the primary running threat. The offensive line is questionable as is the defensive line, but expect the defensive secondary to be as good as ever. The place kicking duties are also questionable as the automatic three pointers cannot be counted upon to win close games, especially on the road.

Conclusion: LSU may have the most difficult SEC road schedule of any team this year as they must travel to State; SC; AL; and Oxford. This would be difficult for any team. Two games in mid-September could ultimately determine their 2015 success with 9/12 at Starkville and the following week hosting Auburn. The Nov. 21 game sets up beautifully for the Rebs which is why we rank it only the 7th most difficult. Here’s why: Nov. 7 finds the Tigers in Tuscaloosa with the following week hosting Arkansas. On the other hand Ole Miss is off the week prior. The revenge factor is also working in Rebels’ favor. And unless the Tigers can demonstrate that they are a legitimate passing team, the Shark defense should have its way in Vaught-Hemingway.

Our score prediction: Ole Miss 28 LSU 17 (Ole Miss now 10-1; 6-1 and fourth nationally)

Next Week: At MSU

Previous Weeks

• Arkansas Razorbacks
• Auburn Tigers
• Texas A&M
• Memphis Tigers
• New Mexico State Aggies
• Florida Gators
• Vanderbilt Commodores
• Alabama Crimson Tide
• Fresno State Bulldogs
• UT Martin Skyhawks

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.