Ole Miss DL Zxavian Harris (51) reacts after an interception during the third quarter against Georgia State at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. Petre Thomas / Imagn ImagesOXFORD, Miss. — Saturday’s matchup between No. 11 Ole Miss and No. 4 LSU brings firepower on both sides — but it’s often the hidden stats that tilt rivalry games. Here are five metrics to monitor that could tell the story before the final whistle.
1. Third down conversion percentage
- Ole Miss defense: Holding opponents to 30.2%
- LSU offense: Converting 47.9%
- This is strength vs. strength — and a potential game-decider. Ole Miss must find ways to get off the field.
2. Tackles for Loss (TFL)
- Zxavian Harris: 5.0 TFL (4th in SEC) Disrupting early downs will be critical to containing LSU’s run-pass balance.
3. Red zone TD rate
- Ole Miss offense: 13 TDs in 16 red zone trips
- Efficiency matters in a game where possessions will be limited.
4. Turnover margin
- Ole Miss: +4
- LSU: Even
- The Rebels have made opponents pay for mistakes — and will need to again Saturday.
5. Yards per play allowed
- Ole Miss defense: 4.7
- LSU defense: 5.2
- Ole Miss is quietly more efficient — especially if they can limit explosive gains.