OFFENSE DEFENSE

The LSU offense was terrific, and the accomplishments (34.5 points/game, 453 total yards/game, 49 percent on third down) are even more impressive considering how young the team was with two true freshmen starting on the offensive line. The only blemish is all those sacks, 45 of them to be exact. That must improve. Jayden Daniels and Malik Nabers may be the best quarterback-receiver combo in the nation. Daniels threw for 2,913 yards, 1,017 of them to Nabers. Daniels ran for 885 yards, but don’t expect that again. After all, the Tigers want to keep him upright. Josh Williams and Noah Cain combined for 941 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards a carry. Expect their carries to increase significantly. Mason Taylor is an effective weapon at tight end. Expect receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Kyren Lacy to shoulder a heavier load this season.

The defense wasn’t tough enough against the run and couldn’t muster much of a pass rush, especially late in the season. The Tigers missed Maason Smith, a top talent, with a torn ACL. He played in just one game. Smith and Mekhi Wingo can pack a punch upfront when working together. Smith’s presence will boost the pass rush, as will the addition of Ovie Oghoufo from Texas. Oghhoufo has 13 tackles for loss over the past two seasons at Texas. Many believe Harold Perkins Jr. is the best linebacker in college football. He may be even better playing alongside Omar Speights, who in 45 career games at Oregon State, had 147 solo tackles and 25 stops behind the line. The Tigers will break in a couple of corners. With Zy Alexander (SE La.), JK Johnson (Ohio State), Denver Harris (Texas A&M) and freshman Javien Toviano, they should be covered.

Depth Chart

Special Teams

Special Teams

2023 Schedule Newcomers

Dashawn Womack, Edge — Ranked No. 3 at Edge, Womack was hindered by an injury during spring practice and wasn’t able to show his skills. When healthy, he may be the best pass rusher on the roster, but with depth on the edge, the Tigers can afford to bring him along slowly.

Zalance Heard, T — The third-ranked tackle in this recruiting cycle, Heard has the size and skill to play right away. The Tigers are not opposed to playing true freshmen on the offensive line. Will Campbell and Emory Jones Jr. both started last season. But there is depth now that wasn’t there at this point last season.

MISSISSIPPI STATE Starkville, MS

2022 RECORD: 9-4 (4-4)

FOUNDED: 1878

STADIUM: Davis-Wade (61,337)