Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss departure for LSU has had this game circled on every college football fan's calendar for months and it's finally here.
This week's Roundtable college football Game of the Week was an easy decision. LSU at Ole Miss is set to be one of the biggest matchups of the college football season following an offseason filled with drama, controversy and Vanity Fair interviews.
The Lane Kiffin Bowl has finally arrived as the LSU Tigers travel to Oxford, Miss. to face off with Kiffin's former club, the Ole Miss Rebels.
From making the leap from Oxford to Baton Rouge, La., to a blazing transfer portal class, buy outs, "pro" player pursuits and more, it feels like the entire college football offseason has been building to this game and it's only Week 3 of the season.
We reached out to our LSU Roundtable publisher Dylan Sanders to answer five key questions headed into this contentious showdown.
1. What is the biggest story for LSU heading into the matchup?
LSU RTB: It's hard to paint anything as the biggest story this week other than LSU head coach Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford. It has been the biggest story in the sport since he left them ahead of the College Football Playoff. Everyone has been waiting for this game. The environment should be chaotic.
2. What is the most important matchup in this game?
LSU RTB: LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt against the Ole Miss secondary. The passing game has had its flashes for the Tigers, but he threw three interceptions against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
Ole Miss head football coach Pete Golding's secondary has been susceptible to explosive plays in two games this season, so LSU will Leavitt him to have his best game yet as a passer to take advantage of that.
3. Which player isn’t talked about enough but could play a huge role?
LSU RTB: Hawai'i transfer wide receiver Jackson Harris is someone who should have a big game. He's a big play machine. He averaged 19.7 yards per catch last season and hauled in 12 touchdowns. In two games with LSU, he has 4 catches for a whopping 112 yards (28 yards per catch). He'll be a player they look to for those explosive plays.
4. What is LSU's biggest Achilles heel?
LSU RTB: Right tackle. Weston Davis is someone who was dealt a tough hand last year, having to start before he was ready. He struggled mightily, as did the offensive line as a whole. Despite that, he still has a lot of potential.
It was a little shocking to see Kiffin keep him around through the coaching change, but they bought in. Through two games, he's been the weakest link on offense and will be someone that Golding's defense will focus on attacking.
5. What is your final score prediction?
LSU RTB: LSU 38, Ole Miss 31
