No. 7 LSU and No. 8 Ole Miss couldn't have asked for a bigger Week 3 matchup. Both teams enter Saturday night undefeated, and for LSU, this will be the first true test of the Lane Kiffin era. But this isn't just another SEC game — it's Kiffin's return to Oxford. 

Less than a year ago, Kiffin led Ole Miss to its first playoff appearance. Now he'll walk into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium as LSU's head coach, facing the program he helped turn into a national contender. Saturday marks a historic matchup, as LSU and Ole Miss meet as Top 10 teams for the first time in 64 years — since No. 6 Ole Miss defeated No. 4 LSU 15–7 in Baton Rouge. 

LSU Offense: Can Leavitt Protect the Football? 

The Tigers have opened the season with wins over Clemson and Louisiana Tech, averaging 48 points and 586 yards per game through two games. 

The biggest question heading into Oxford is LSU's quarterback play. Sam Leavitt has shown plenty of playmaking ability through the first two games, particularly with his legs, but turnovers have been the biggest concern. He's completed 41 of 66 passes (62.1%) for 574 yards with just two touchdowns against four interceptions, while adding 135 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Against Louisiana Tech alone, he threw three picks — including a 100-yard pick-six — to go with 344 passing yards, four total touchdowns, and five sacks taken. Those four interceptions are something LSU must clean up quickly, especially heading into a road matchup where every possession could matter. If Leavitt can protect the football while continuing to make plays outside the pocket, LSU's offense becomes much more difficult to defend. 

Leavitt was initially listed as doubtful because of a back issue after missing Wednesday's practice. He returned to practice Thursday and was upgraded to questionable. If Leavitt plays, the question turns to the playmakers — and whether LSU can pressure Ole Miss and its secondary the way it did in its Week 1 matchup against Louisville. 

Ole Miss Has Plenty of Firepower 

The Rebels enter the game 2-0 with plenty of weapons of their own. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has emerged as a Heisman Trophy contender and potential first-round draft pick — and the résumé backs it up. In 2025 he threw for 3,937 yards and 22 touchdowns to just three interceptions, ran for 527 yards and eight more scores, and finished eighth in Heisman voting while leading Ole Miss to the Sugar Bowl, where he torched Georgia for 362 yards and two touchdowns in a 39–34 upset. His 155.4 passer rating last season ranked among the nation's elite. 

Through the first two games, Chambliss, Kewan Lacy, and Deuce Alexander have given Ole Miss a balanced offensive attack, with Chambliss providing a dual-threat presence at quarterback, Lacy bringing a physical run game, and Alexander emerging as a reliable weapon in the passing game. Together, they give LSU three different problems to account for and make the Rebels' offense difficult to defend. With two Heisman Trophy candidates and solid offensive line play, Ole Miss could prove to overpower LSU if the Tigers can't get into the backfield and continue their disruption of opposing offenses. 

The Biggest Matchup: LSU's Defense vs. Ole Miss' Offense 

This is where I think the game could ultimately be decided. LSU's defense has been impressive through the first two games, but Ole Miss presents a much different challenge with a quarterback who can make plays with his arm and legs, a physical running back in Kewan Lacy, and a dangerous receiver in Deuce Alexander. 

The key for LSU will be stopping the run without committing too many defenders to the box. Lacy can punish a defense that gets out of position, while Chambliss can take advantage of open running lanes if LSU's linebackers and defensive ends get too aggressive. LSU's defensive line has to win its matchups and force Ole Miss into obvious passing situations. 

When Ole Miss does throw, LSU's secondary will have to be disciplined. Alexander has emerged as one of the Rebels' leading receiving threats, and LSU can't afford to give up explosive plays. Chambliss showed last season he can stretch a defense vertically — he averaged 8.8 yards per attempt and ripped off an 88-yard completion — so the Tigers need to make Ole Miss earn every yard rather than allowing quick touchdowns. 

The other major factor is pressure. LSU has already recorded 10 sacks and 17 tackles for loss through two games, with defensive end Princewill Umanmielen leading the way with two sacks and linebacker TJ Dottery forcing two fumbles. The Tigers held Louisiana Tech to zero net yards on 20 plays and zero first downs in the first half of their Week 2 win. If LSU can consistently get pressure on Chambliss with four or five defenders, it could completely change the game. If they have to blitz constantly, however, that could create opportunities for Chambliss and Ole Miss' playmakers. 

For me, the formula is pretty simple: stop Lacy, contain Chambliss, don't give up explosive plays to Alexander, and make Ole Miss consistently drive the length of the field. If LSU's defense can do that, the Tigers have a legitimate opportunity to control this game. 

LSU Keys to Victory 

The Tigers have to protect the football. Leavitt threw four interceptions through two games — including three in a single night against Louisiana Tech — and LSU cannot afford to give Ole Miss short fields in a game that could come down to a possession or two. 

LSU also needs to slow down Kewan Lacy and force Ole Miss to win through the air. Another huge key to victory for me is making Trinidad Chambliss play East–West rather than North–South when he uses his legs. Chambliss is a genuine rushing threat — he ran for 527 yards and eight touchdowns last season, averaging 4.0 yards per carry — so containing him on the ground is non-negotiable. The Tigers should continue using their defensive front aggressively, especially considering the pressure they've generated through the first two games. 

Offensively, getting Trey'Dez Green involved early could be important. His size creates a matchup Ole Miss will have to account for — he posted four catches for 71 yards in Week 2 — and LSU needs to find ways to get its best playmakers involved regardless of who starts at quarterback. 

Perhaps most importantly, LSU has to stay disciplined. The environment will be hostile, the emotions will be high, and Kiffin's return will add another layer to the game. LSU can't allow penalties, turnovers, or frustration to become a bigger story than football itself. 

Lane Kiffin and Pete Golding know the narratives this game holds. Neither of them can put pads on and play, but they know it's time to spot the ball — and their coaches and players will be working through one of the best games of the 2026 season. 

Prediction 

I'm taking LSU 28, Ole Miss 17. 

I expect this to be a physical SEC game early, but I think LSU's defense ultimately makes the difference. The Tigers have allowed just 12 points per game through their first two games and have already recorded 10 sacks, while Ole Miss will be facing an LSU defense that has shown it can create pressure and force negative plays. Get Trinidad running sideline to sideline, and I expect this LSU team to hold the Rebels under 200 rushing yards as a team. 

The biggest factor is whether Sam Leavitt can protect the football. If he plays, LSU has enough offensive weapons to take advantage of Ole Miss' defense, particularly with Trey'Dez Green creating matchup problems. I expect LSU to lean on its defense, control the tempo, and make enough plays late to leave Oxford with a statement SEC victory. 

Can LSU Set It Off in Oxford? 

Final: LSU 28, Ole Miss 17. 

Game Information 

No. 7 LSU vs. No. 8 Ole Miss 

• 📅 Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 
• ⏰ Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. CT / 7:30 p.m. ET 
• 📍 Location: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium — Oxford, Mississippi 
• TV: ABC 
• 📱 Streaming: ESPN App