LSU’s defense never gave Mississippi State an ounce of breathing room, and Jordan Ross was the player setting that tone from the start.
With the Bulldogs missing a lot of offensive weapons, LSU could have eased into this one. Instead, the Tigers played like they were still dealing with Kamario Taylor at quarterback and went after a battered offense from the opening snaps.
Ross was the clear difference-maker. After a quieter stretch following his breakout Week 1 showing against Clemson, there had been some natural curiosity about whether that performance was a one-off. He answered that question in a big way.
Ross piled up six total tackles, including four solo stops, along with one sack, 2.5 tackles for loss, one pass defended, and one forced fumble. He lived around the line of scrimmage and kept Mississippi State on its heels.
That kind of disruptive presence didn’t just show up on the stat sheet. It lifted the whole unit. With Ross flying around, other defenders like DJ Pickett started feeding off the energy and showing more physicality of their own.
For LSU, that matters. If this defense can keep bringing that edge every week, it starts to look more complete.
Ross’ day carried even more weight because of Princewill Umanmielen’s absence. LSU could use that kind of production now, and if Umanmielen is back against Auburn on Saturday, the front could get even harder to deal with.
And if Ross follows this performance with another one like it, Auburn may wind up facing a defensive front that forces the issue instead of one merely trying to contain the quarterback.
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LSUs Roster Picture Just Changed With One Big Eligibility Twist
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LSU Fans Should Keep An Eye On Bryce Underwood's Michigan Drama
Bryce Underwoods situation at Michigan has quickly become one of the more closely watched quarterback storylines in the country, and LSU fans have a natural reason to pay attention. The freshman has been benched, with Tommy Carr expected to take over as the starter in the upcoming game, which has only added to the uncertainty around Underwoods place in Ann Arbor and where his career might be headed next.
Underwood has not entered the transfer portal, but the chatter around his future is already building, and LSU is among the programs being mentioned as a possible landing spot if he chooses to move on. Miami, Texas Tech, Georgia and Kentucky are also in the mix, which means this could become a national recruiting and roster watch for the Tigers if the situation keeps trending in this direction. [Read more 🡒]