In preparation for Saturday’s primetime matchup between Ole Miss and LSU, Saturday Down South is taking a look at a key matchup that may decide the showdown between the Rebels and the Tigers.

Ole Miss passing game vs. LSU secondary

The Ole Miss Rebels face a sneaky tough road test in Death Valley this weekend against an LSU team that seems to be finding its stride at the midway point of the season.

Both teams have weaknesses; the run game for the Rebels and the quarterback play and run defense for the Bayou Bengals. However, the matchup to watch will be the Ole Miss passing game facing a good LSU secondary. Ole Miss ranks third in the SEC in passing offense and passing yards, while LSU tops the conference in pass defense.

Ole Miss quarterback Bo Wallace has been fantastic in conference play. He has yet to turn the ball over and has been very efficient in the Rebels four SEC wins. Ole Miss has playmakers at the skill positions, and Wallace did a great job in the win over Tennessee at spreading the ball around completing a pass to 10 different targets.

The Bayou Bengals boast the best secondary Wallace and company will have faced to this point. LSU is fourth in turnover margin; John Chavis’ defense has forced 11 turnovers, including eight interceptions. Though he hasn’t shown it in conference play, Wallace can be turnover prone. LSU has two fantastic edge rushers including Jermauria Rasco and Danielle Hunter. If the Tigers can create some pressure, Wallace can be forced into rushing some throws and that’s when he will make mistakes.

LSU’s secondary is allowing just 156 yards per game through the air. Tennessee proved last week that Ole Miss can be slowed, and due to its lack of running threat, its offense be stagnant at times. The Bayou Bengals have one of the best safety/cornerback combinations in the country with Rickey Jefferson and Tre’Davious White. The duo has combined for four interceptions.

If Ole Miss hopes to leave Baton Rouge at 8-0, Wallace will need to continue his level of play, the Rebels will have to protect him up front and someone will have to step up as a threat in the running game.