Garrett Nussmeier's LSU avenged last year's defeat to Ole Miss over the weekend, as the Tigers defeated the Rebels 29-26 in overtime. The game was as thrilling as the Rebels' 2023 victory, which ended 55-49, with both Jaxson Dart and Jaylen Daniels showing Heisman-caliber performances.
A win was equally important for both schools vying for a spot in the now-extended college football playoff format.
Garrett Nussmeier, who took over the starting position from Jayden Daniels for the 2024 season, came through for the Tigers on this occasion, and he and wide receiver Kyren Lacy were the major reasons why Brian Kelly's team leapfrogged Lane Kiffin's Rebels this time around.
Jaxson Dart had another good game for the Rebels, but the real standout for Ole Miss was running back Ulysses Bentley IV who led the charge in the ground game.
Let's now rewind and see the numbers of both schools' standout players.
LSU vs. Ole Miss player stats: LSU's best performers
Garrett Nussmeier, QB
Passing:
Rushing:
Kyren Lacy, WR
Receiving:
LSU vs. Ole Miss player stats: Ole Miss's best performers
Ulysses Bentley IV, RB
Rushing:
Jaxson Dart, QB
Passing:
Rushing:
Analysis of the LSU vs. Ole Miss player performance: Nussmeier SEC Offensive Player of the Week
The Rebels suffered from the fact that Jaxson Dart didn't give his usual big-time performance and Ulysses Bentley's contribution wasn't nearly enough to make them match the Tigers' output.
Dart threw for 284 yards, with one touchdown and one interception, while Bentley ran for 107 yards with one touchdown. It's telling that Dart's average yardage per pass was below Bentley's average yardage per carry.
While Garrett Nussmeier's numbers were impressive, with 337 passing yards and three touchdowns, they also contain a worrisome two interceptions. This takes Nussmeier's total interceptions to 6, which is very high at this point of the season. He's currently giving up an interception per game. Nussmeier did win the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.
However, for us, the true undisputed MVP of the game has to be Kyren Lacy, whose 111 yards helped drive the advance of the Tigers towards the Rebels endzone constantly.
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