Saturday’s clash between Brian Kelly‘s LSU and No. 13 Ole Miss comes with a twist. The Rebels are rolling behind transfer QB Trinidad Chambliss, who’s filled in for injured starter Austin Simmons. But Chambliss isn’t just a stopgap; he’s a dual threat and ran wild in wins over Tulane and Arkansas. And in both games, he also topped 300 yards passing. So, as a Ferris State national champion, he brings swagger and surprise for the Rebels. Meanwhile, LSU leans on its defense. Sure, the Tigers are unbeaten at 4-0, but questions remain. They exploded for 530 yards in a 56-10 blowout of Southeastern Louisiana, but can they do it against a real test? Keep in mind their run game has sputtered. Although LSU sits 31st in passing, it is a stunning 112th on the ground. And that gap could define this showdown. That’s why Brian Kelly sent a blunt message to Garrett Nussmeier and the offense.

Both teams come in unbeaten, so Ole Miss vs. LSU has all the makings of a classic. And who is going to win? FanDuel lists the Rebels as a slim -1.5 favorite, setting the total at 54.5. But with playoff stakes on the line, Josh Pate sees more than points. He leans Ole Miss, citing depth and offensive balance, while LSU has its own concerns. Don’t forget Garrett Nussmeier is grinding through knee tendinitis. And behind him, experience is thin. Michael Van Buren brings some reps, but most backups are raw. So for LSU to stay in the title chase, Nussmeier must get back to full strength fast. That’s why Brian Kelly didn’t wait to make his point clear.

On September 26, The Advocate’s Scott Rabalais shared Brian Kelly’s message to his team ahead of the Ole Miss game. And Kelly didn’t sugarcoat it. “We can’t win in the SEC saying we’re just going to rely on our defense,” he said. “Our offense has to rise to the occasion as well.” Then he praised the unit’s potential, stating, “It’s an offense that’s capable of it.” But his goal is clear: the squad must keep building momentum. “We want to continue to see the growth and development we saw last week,” he said, “and carry it forward.” Because this time, they face the nation’s No. 9-ranked offense. And the past two years have delivered absolute chaos on the field.

In 2023, Ole Miss took a 55-49 thriller, combining for over 1,300 yards of total offense. But in 2024, LSU answered back with a 29-26 overtime victory. So this year, expect more fireworks. Ole Miss struggles against the run, ranking 122nd in the nation. LSU could exploit that, but their own flaws could level the field. Still, the Tigers’ breakaway speed, led by Barion Brown and Aaron Anderson, will put the Rebels’ secondary to the test. And the kicker? Last week, the LSU offense gave glimpses of its potential.

Nussmeier looked like a different QB. He moved confidently in the pocket, delivered cleaner passes, and the numbers told the same story. His big-time throw rate jumped from 6.53% to 12.5% against the Lions, according to PFF. And one highlight throw showed his precision and power, landing perfectly where only his receiver could grab it. Interestingly, Brian Kelly noticed immediately. “His mechanics are so much smoother,” said Kelly. Right now, he expects this version of Nussmeier, healthy and sharp, to lead the Tigers all season long. So, LSU may be primed for Ole Miss, but the HC just unveiled an offensive tweak.

Brian Kelly’s latest update on the O-line

With under 48 hours to kickoff, Brian Kelly’s Tigers gear up for a heated clash with Ole Miss, looking to keep their unbeaten streak alive against the Rebels. “Ole Miss is certainly a rivalry game playing for the Magnolia Bowl Trophy,” said Kelly. “Everybody knows this is a game that goes way back… the last couple of years, it was decided on the last plays of the game. Ole Miss is an outstanding football team. Coach Lane does a great job, and they have an established winning culture, certainly an offense that has put up incredible numbers.” Here’s the latest scoop on the starting RB.

Kelly offered updates on key players, including RBs Trey’Dez Green, West Weeks, and starter Caden Durham. “West Weeks ran [Sunday]; I think we got him at 90%, so I would say he is probable. Trey’Dez will play. Caden Durham will be a day-to-day situation,” stated Kelly. “He was better than we first thought; doesn’t show signs of a high ankle. He’s anxious to give it a shot, but we’ll monitor him throughout the week.” And Durham’s availability could shape LSU’s backfield plans.

But if Durham isn’t able to go, LSU plans to rotate a trio of backs to keep the offense moving. Ju’Juan Johnson brings speed and playmaking ability in the passing game, Harlem Berry offers home-run potential on every carry, and Kaleb Jackson adds size, physicality, and solid blocking. And together, they provide a balanced backfield capable of filling the gap if Durham can’t suit up.