Oct 112 min read

Thrilling Matchup: Ole Miss, LSU Clash in 'Death Valley'

LSU | QB Garrett Nussmeier — © Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The No. 13 LSU Tigers (4-1, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) will host the No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels (5-1, 1-1) in Tiger Stadium, also known as "Death Valley," at 7:30 p.m. EST on Oct. 12 in Baton Rouge, La. Both teams came into the season with high expectations and both have dropped games they shouldn't have.

LSU fell in its opening game against the USC Trojans (3-2, 1-2 Big Ten Conference), but has since reeled off four straight wins. It looks more like the team that garnered so much preseason adoration. The Tigers should be rested after a bye week.

Ole Miss boasts one of the nation's top offenses but took an unexpected dive to Kentucky (3-2, 1-2) in Week 5. The Rebels got back in the win column with a 27-3 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks (3-2, 1-2).

The Stakes

LSU will be celebrating 100 years of Tiger Stadium when the Rebels come to town. The Tigers will also be defending one of the nation's longest home winning streaks after winning 13 straight games in "Death Valley." This will be the 113th meeting between the two teams and it may be the most important meeting. With each team already sporting one loss, the result of this game could have a major impact on each team's chances for a playoff appearance.

Player to Watch: LSU

Shocker, it's quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The junior QB has passed for 1,652 yards and 15 touchdowns to only four interceptions. He has also been incredibly efficient, completing 69 percent of his passes. Ole Miss has a stingy defense and an explosive offense. It will be on Nussmeier's shoulders if the Tigers are to keep up with the Rebels.

LSU | Garrett Nussmeier, QB — © SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network/USA TODAY NETWORK

Player to Watch: Ole Miss

There are plenty of talented quarterbacks in college football this year and Jaxson Dart may quietly be the best of the bunch.

Dart is averaging 350 yards per game and has passed for 2,100 yards and 13 touchdowns with just two interceptions. Dart will look to take advantage of a defense giving up 21.6 points per game and over 350 yards per game.

What to Watch

On the surface, these teams are similar. Both teams headed into the 2024 season with high expectations and both lost games earlier than expected. Both teams sport two of the top offenses in the SEC. And both teams still have the playoffs in their sights. The difference in the game may be the Rebel defense that is only allowing 7.5 points per game.