No. 8 LSU (3-0) opens its SEC schedule with a 7 p.m. ET game against Mississippi State (3-0) on Saturday. Let’s take a look inside some of the numbers.

The Good

  • 50 percent – opponents’ red zone scoring vs. LSU. The Tigers have only allowed four drives into the red zone all season, and haven’t allowed a score since they played Wisconsin. The Bulldogs have scored touchdowns on nine of their 13 red zone drives, so the Tigers will have to keep that defense tight.
  • 111.3 – opponent rushing yards per game vs. LSU. With Dak Prescott and Josh Robinson, Miss. State has one of the best QB-RB rushing combos in the league. LSU is going to have to contain the two of them to stifle the Bulldogs offense.
  • 7 – explosive plays allowed by Miss. State. The Tigers have big play potential, with Travin Dural, John Diarse and the stable of running backs capable of breaking the defense on any given snap. The Bulldogs are worst in the conference with six explosive plays allowed through the air, which is where the Tigers excel with five explosive plays.

The Bad

  • 48.9 – opponents’ completion percentage vs. MSU. The Tigers QBs haven’t exactly been lights out through three games, completing 54.2 percent of their passes. The Bulldogs have given up some big plays, and they’re giving up over 300 yards per game through the air, so there is an opportunity for LSU to attack.
  • 2.3 – opponents’ yards per carry vs. MSU. LSU might have to go to the air with the way Mississippi State is playing the run. The Tigers’ 4.3 yards per carry average is good, not outstanding by any means, but through three games its been their only consistent way to gain yards.
  • 993 – total yards by Dak Prescott. Through three games, the Tigers haven’t faced any player as versatile as Prescott. He’s the Bulldogs’ second-leading rusher on top of being their top passer, and he even caught a touchdown pass last week. His 12 total touchdowns are tops in the SEC.