Winners and Losers: Ole Miss

Apologies for getting this up later than normal, with the news of the coaching changes happening that took precedence.

Anyway, LSU’s season from hell ended Saturday with the Tigers improbably finishing .500 pulling off an upset of the rival Florida Gators, a come from behind win over the Rebs and sandwiched between those wins was the signing of a top-five recruiting class. Things are, dare I say, looking up?

Winner: Kayshon Boutte

What more can be said? Boutte had the single greatest effort in LSU and SEC history by a wide receiver Saturday night. Kayshon Boutte isn’t a star in the making, he’s a star right now.

Winner: Jacoby Stevens

His last game ever in an LSU uniform and Stevens recovered a Matt Corral fumble that sealed the win for the Tigers. That’s the kind of play emblematic of the fabled No. 7 and Stevens wore the number well. Good luck at the next level, Jacoby.

Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

Winner: Jay Ward

Two interceptions, one brought back for a touchdown and he broke up another pass. Ward really turned it on toward the end of the year; he blocked Arkansas’s game-tying field goal attempt, intercepted a pass off Dwight McGlothern’s face against Florida and finished with an 86.3 grade on PFF against Ole Miss, best among Tiger DBs.

Winner: Cade York

Ho hum, a 4-4 effort including bombing yet another field goal from 50. Are you paying attention Lou Groza Award committee?

Winner: The Offensive Line

The much maligned LSU offensive line had one of its better days Saturday. The group gave Max Johnson a clean pocket all night long, allowing zero sacks or hits. Johnson was only pressured four times on 57 dropbacks.

Winner: Ali Gaye

Gaye had a hell of a game. Seven tackles, a pair of sacks, an interception and forced a pair of fumbles. He also added another five hurries. Re-recruiting Ali Gaye to come back for a second year in Baton Rouge has to be a top priority for Ed Orgeron.

Loser: Bo Pelini

48 points, 558 yards of offense, 16.7 yards per pass and 6.4 yards per rush. LSU forced six turnovers and still had to hold on for dear life. If that’s not an indictment on Pelini I’m not sure what is.

Loser: Kickoff Coverage

The worst day of the season by far. Ole Miss averaged 37 yards per kickoff return and Jerrion Ealy brought back one for a score. Dannis Jackson nearly housed one too had it not been for Avery Atkins making the stop.