Game Preview: No. 22 LSU Hosts No. 16 Mississippi State In SEC Showdown

No. 22 LSU returns to Tiger Stadium on Saturday morning for an SEC matchup against No. 16 Mississippi State. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.

The Tigers (4-2, 1-2 SEC) are looking to bounce back after last week's disappointing 35-34 overtime loss at Kentucky, which dropped LSU to No. 22 in the AP Top 25.

Mississippi State (4-1, 2-1 SEC) enters Saturday coming off a bye week following a 56-23 loss to Alabama on October 3. The Bulldogs, led by head coach Jeff Lebby, have picked up SEC wins over South Carolina and Missouri this season.

For LSU, Saturday presents an opportunity to get back on track and keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive.

Game Information:

Who: No. 16 Mississippi State (4-1, 2-1 SEC) at No. 22 LSU (4-2, 1-2 SEC)
When: Saturday, October 17
Time: 11 a.m. CT
Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, La.
TV: ESPN

Series History:

LSU leads the all-time series against Mississippi State 78-36-3 and has won three straight meetings against the Bulldogs.

The two programs last met in 2023, when LSU defeated Mississippi State 41-14 in Starkville. Saturday marks the first meeting since the SEC's expanded schedule ended their annual matchup following the 2023 season.

What To Watch For:

1. Can LSU Bounce Back After The Kentucky Loss?

LSU returns home looking to recover from a frustrating overtime defeat at Kentucky that dropped the Tigers to 1-2 in SEC play.

The Tigers have shown flashes of being one of the nation's top teams this season but have struggled with consistency and costly mistakes in their two losses.

With road games at Auburn and Tennessee and home matchups against Alabama and Texas still ahead, LSU has little room for error if it hopes to remain in the playoff conversation.

Saturday will be an important opportunity for Lane Kiffin's team to get back on track.

2. Mississippi State's Injury Problems On Offense

Mississippi State enters Saturday with significant injury concerns surrounding quarterback Kamario Taylor and running back Fluff Bothwell.

Both players were downgraded to doubtful on Friday's SEC injury report after suffering injuries against Alabama earlier this month.

Taylor has thrown for 1,450 yards and 17 touchdowns this season, while Bothwell leads the Bulldogs with 403 rushing yards.

If Taylor cannot play, freshman Parker Puckett could get the start against LSU's defense.

The Bulldogs still have a dangerous receiving threat in Anthony Evans III, who has caught 40 passes for 574 yards and five touchdowns this season.

LSU's defense will look to exploit Mississippi State's injury situation and pressure whoever starts at quarterback.

3. Sam Leavitt And LSU's Offense Must Limit Mistakes

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt enters Saturday looking to clean up the turnovers that have hurt the Tigers in recent weeks.

Through six games, Leavitt has thrown for 1,496 yards and 10 touchdowns but has also been intercepted eight times.

The Tigers will face a Mississippi State defense led by coordinator Zach Arnett, who primarily runs a 3-3-5 scheme.

Establishing the run, protecting Leavitt, and avoiding costly turnovers will be key as LSU looks to get its offense back on track.

Saturday's game also marks LSU's homecoming, with the Tigers looking to improve to 5-2 and pick up their second SEC victory of the season.

Kickoff from Tiger Stadium is set for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.