Three things we learned from the LSU-Ole Miss game | LSU

Sports columnist Scott Rabalais with his three takeaways from LSU's 29-26 overtime win over Ole Miss on Saturday at Tiger Stadium:

1. The defense strikes back

LSU and Ole Miss combined for 104 points and over 1,300 yards of total offense in the Rebels' 55-49 win last year in Oxford. There were no fireworks this time, the only visual treat was Tiger Stadium's new LED lighting and the light-up wristbands fans were given before the game. It wasn't exactly a defensive battle between Billy Cannon and Johnny Vaught in 1959, but obviously both units were much improved since 2023, with more plays and pressure from LSU's front seven.

2. run uphill

LSU coach Brian Kelly often talks about free football. For the most part, the Tigers defense did its part. LSU's offense often fell short, especially when it came to running the ball. Nussmeier threw for 312 yards in regulation, and his 14-yard scramble on third-and-13 from LSU's 12 was the Tigers' longest regulation run. LSU finished four quarters with just 83 yards rushing, a huge credit to Ole Miss' concrete wall-like defense.

3. The take sign

Someone should revoke Kelly's kickoff privileges. Once again, LSU won the toss and Kelly took the opening kickoff. The book says to defer the choice until the second half and kickoff, but Kelly switches fields often. His argument? Usually the team that scores first wins. That's true, but LSU went out of bounds three times and effectively lost a possession. It didn't cost LSU this time, Ole Miss punted early in the second half, but that could have happened.