Rivalry week tickles sportsbook bettors’ fancy every year, doesn’t it? The LSU Tigers and Mississippi Rebels may not be national title contenders but they still have plenty to play for right now in their SEC matchup. Let’s continue our football picks. (10) LSU Tigers vs Mississippi Rebels
Saturday, November 21, 3:30 p.m. ET
Favorite: Mississippi -4
The first question LSU must answer is whether or not it can contain Dexter McCluster. The versatile runner averages 7.1 yards per carry this season for Mississippi Rebels. He absolutely exploded against Tennessee last week, running for 282 yards and churning up 324 all-purpose yards – both school records. Think it’s a coincidence that the Rebels have tallied 80 points in their last two games? With McCluster shouldering the offensive load, the pressure eases up on Jevan Sneed. That’s important, as Sneed has made his share of mistakes this season.
The LSU Tigers are an incomplete unit on defense. Their secondary has been up to snuff this season but their front seven is porous at times. They allowed 178 rushing yards to Louisiana Tech last week; what, then, can McCluster do? He’s surely licking his chops for this sports betting matchup.
LSU had some very solid options to counterattack on offense but they’re dropping like flies. Quarterback Jordan Jefferson missed last week with a sprained ankle and, while he’s expected to return this week, he likely won’t be 100 per cent. The Tigers also lost Charles Scott to a broken clavicle. At least Keiland Williams is a capable replacement in the backfield.
In the end, look for Mississippi to triumph this week. Its defense isn’t dominant but it’s steady, having held opponents under 300 total yards five times this season. Playing at home and sporting the healthier roster, Ole Miss is a safe bet to cover the four-point spread.
NCAA football betting pick: Mississippi -4
