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The LSU Tigers (6-0) remain undefeated after recording 42-28 statement win over the Florida Gators in their second SEC game of the season.
Next, they travel to Davis Wade Stadium to face a struggling Mississippi State Bulldogs (3-3) team that’s been surrounded by question marks at quarterback.
This matchup is hardly expected to be anything like last year’s, when the Tigers narrowly defeated the Bulldogs, 23-20 in Baton Rouge against a team led by signal-caller Nick Fitzgerald.
Here’s a look at how LSU’s Joe Burrow and Mississippi State’s Garrett Shrader stack up.
Joe Burrow
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First Impression: Burrow continues to deliver near-perfect performances, and has now done it against a formidable opponent. Many analysts questioned Burrow and the offense’s ability to prove themselves against a good team in their own conference, but last week’s win over the previously undefeated Gators in which Burrow saw just three incompletions laid those doubts to rest.
Last showing: vs. Florida, W 42-28
Burrow was 21-of-24 passes for 293 yards with three touchdowns.
QBR: 93.3
Bottom line for Saturday: Burrow and LSU may be in SEC play now, but this Bulldogs defense has given up 163 points so far this season to offenses that largely aren’t playing anywhere close to as high of a level as LSU’s are. Expect another big day from Burrow, and for him to put up anywhere between 40-70 points on Saturday.
Garrett Shrader
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First Impression: Mississippi State’s quarterback situation has been a mess, and Shrader is the next man up. The true freshman is more of a threat on the ground than he is as a passer, totaling 374 rushing yards with an average of 6.3 yards per carry. Shrader is expected to be the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback moving forward, regardless of the injury status of Tommy Stevens.
Last showing: vs. Tennessee, L 20-10
Shrader was 5-of-10 passes for 79 yards, with one touchdown and an interception.
QBR: 77.7
Bottom line for Saturday: Shrader’s lack of experience - especially against a defense like that of LSU’s - will be highlighted on Saturday. If the Tigers can make him uncomfortable in the pocket and avoid allowing him to get anything done on the ground, it should be a low-scoring affair for Shrader and the Bulldogs this weekend.