LSU enters Saturday's home matchup against Mississippi State as a heavy favorite after Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor was listed doubtful with a foot injury suffered in last week's loss to Alabama. Top rusher Fluff Bothwell is also doubtful.
The injury news transformed LSU's point spread from 10.5 points to 17 points. Taylor ranks fifth nationally in total offense per game at 321.8 yards. His likely absence removes Mississippi State's primary offensive weapon as the Bulldogs turn to redshirt freshman Parker Puckett, who has completed 8 of 14 passes for 89 yards this season, or fifth-year AJ Swann, a former Vanderbilt starter who played at LSU before transferring to Appalachian State.
LSU enters the second half of its season at 4-2 under first-year coach Lane Kiffin following road losses to Ole Miss and Kentucky. The Tigers still face Alabama, Texas and Tennessee in their remaining schedule.
According to the CBS Sports College Football Playoff Forecaster, LSU would have an 84.9% chance of reaching the College Football Playoff with a 9-3 finish, requiring a 5-1 record overall and 3-1 against the four ranked teams remaining on their schedule. Three of those four matchups are at home.
LSU has shown flashes of dominance with victories over Clemson and Texas A&M but has been inconsistent defensively, allowing fewer than 200 yards in wins and 400 plus yards in losses. Turnovers have plagued the Tigers, who are tied for 117th nationally with 10 giveaways.
The Tigers averaged 5.8 yards per play against Kentucky while generating 26 first downs in that loss. LSU also scored 17 unanswered points against Ole Miss in the second half before faltering late.
Mississippi State carries a 4-2 record into the matchup after the lopsided loss to Alabama.