Mississippi Rebels @ LSU Tigers College Football Free Picks

Mississippi Rebels @ LSU Tigers College Football Free Picks: I really think this one is easy pickings. The Rebels have just a -4 point differential average this season despite being 4-6. They’ve played solid against some tough teams, but they’ve also lost some stinkers. They’ve lost 4 of their last 5 games, and last week against Tennessee was embarrassing for anybody involved in the Rebels’ program. 14-52 in Tennessee and it’s not like Peyton Manning came back to play in a special exemption alumni game – it was just the plain old Volunteers kicking the crap out of Ole Miss. But this week is going to be different.

This game is close more often than not. Mississippi has covered the spread against LSU in 7 of the last 9 meetings- they’ve won the last two outright. I know LSU has found ways to win this year, and I don’t doubt that they’ll end up on top in this game, but these two teams are closer than you’d think. Both teams run the ball well, and both teams have run-first quarterbacks. The Tigers have played their fair share of close games this year, and getting them to cover up a 16 point spread is a tough business to be in.

In terms each teams’ “warm-up” outing for this game, I think the mental edge is on Mississippi’s side. One might not think that, as LSU won 51-0 last time out, and the Rebels lost be close to the same score. But playing way under your ability often works as a wake-up call for the next week, and that’s what I expect from Ole Miss. A blowout over an over-matched opponent rarely does anything to get your ready for the next week, and maybe LSU will struggle with that.

Mississippi Rebels (+16) @ #5 LSU Tigers