Recap of Dandy's "LSU - MISSISSIPPI STATE: WHO HAS THE EDGE?"

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He was able to keep his offense pretty basic in the Tigers’ first two contests, but against a tough front seven like Mississippi State’s, we expect to see several new wrinkles. That, and the fact that Danny Etling has played like the veteran he is – 71 completion percentage, 398 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions — gives LSU’s offense much more than a fighting chance in this matchup, but since this game is on the road against a really stout defense, we’ll give an ever-so-slight nod to Mississippi State here.

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With the way LSU has played defense in its first two games, I’m not sure there’s an offense in the country that would be favored against this “greedy” unit. As we’ve stated this week, LSU’s defense ranks nationally in rushing (first), total defense (fifth), scoring (sixth) and third down conversions (14th). and then you add a returning potential top-five pick in next year’s NFL draft (Arden Key), LSU’s defense is as good as anyone’s in the country.

Jake caught up with Mississippi State beat writer Brett Hudson of the Columbus Dispatch, who said Fitzgerald has not yet made the “elite” throws in tight windows this season. If he hasn’t yet, I wouldn’t bet on him doing so against “DBU” and with edge rushers Arden Key and K’Lavon Chaisson bringing the pressure.

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LSU is now 3-of-6 on the season in field goals Mississippi State has only made two of its four attempted field goals.

it hasn’t been all bad on LSU special teams. The kick return coverage has been fairly good, and D.J. Chark had a beautiful TD punt return against Chattanooga and would have had another if not for a block in the back The Tigers and Bulldogs are pretty much equal in every other area of special teams with Mississippi State’s Logan Cooke averaging six more yards per punt (45.7) than LSU’s Josh Growden.

In what’s likely to be a very competitive game on the road, special teams is something to keep a close eye on.

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LSU has traditionally owned Mississippi State, as the Tigers have won 17 of their last 18 games against the Bulldogs.

Veteran quarterback Danny Etling, who has experience in hostile environments from last season, will be leading a Matt Canada offense that’s still a big mystery to opponents. Mississippi State fans will show up with their cowbells ready to throw the Tigers off of their game, but with history and the true debut of Canada’s unorthodox offense on LSU’s side, the Tigers have the edge here.

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