Nussmeier throws late TD passes, No. 13 LSU rallies to beat No. 9 Ole
The win marked the first time No. 13 LSU (5-1, 2-0 SEC) led the entire game, and fans stormed the field in celebration as the Tigers thrust themselves back into the College Football Playoff conversation. Nussmeier, who struggled earlier with two interceptions, finished strong with 337 passing yards and three touchdowns, including the decisive overtime strike.
Mississippi (5-2, 1-2 SEC) suffered a setback in its bid for a conference title or CFP spot. Jaxson Dart threw for 284 yards and a touchdown, while Ulysses Bentley IV broke loose for a 50-yard TD run on a fourth-down play. The Rebels were one play away from winning, but Nussmeier converted a critical fourth-and-6 with a pass to Mason Taylor before throwing a 23-yard TD to Aaron Anderson with 27 seconds left in regulation.
In overtime, after Ole Miss was held to a field goal, Nussmeier quickly found Lacy near the right pylon to win the game for LSU.
Last year in Oxford, the Rebels racked up 706 yards in a 55-49 win over the Tigers. This season, LSU coach Brian Kelly’s defense responded by sacking Dart six times and intercepting him once, holding Ole Miss far below their average of 44 points per game.
The Tigers stayed in the game thanks to a key interception by Zy Alexander in the end zone when Dart tried a 35-yard pass, keeping LSU within reach for their comeback.
The Tigers stayed in the game thanks to a key interception by Zy Alexander in the end zone when Dart tried a 35-yard pass, keeping LSU within reach for their comeback.
Ole Miss dominated early but missed key opportunities. Tre Harris dropped a wide-open deep pass, and Caden Davis missed a 32-yard field goal. The Rebels also failed to convert a fourth-and-1 from LSU’s 5-yard line after intercepting Nussmeier.
The Rebels took a 10-0 lead on a Davis field goal and Bentley's 50-yard run. LSU responded with Nussmeier’s 12-yard TD pass to Tray’Dez Green, but Harris’ twisting catch extended the lead to 17-7. LSU’s Damian Ramos kicked two quick field goals before halftime, narrowing the score to 17-13 after a fumble recovery.
The Takeaway:Mississippi: The Rebels have now lost twice as road favorites in the SEC, the first being a 20-17 defeat at Kentucky.LSU: The Tigers proved their defense can hold its own against top offenses, especially after benefiting from a bye week to prepare.
Injury Controversy:Throughout the game, LSU fans booed whenever Ole Miss players appeared to be injured, suspecting them of faking injuries to slow the Tigers' momentum. This came after Mississippi addressed national accusations of injury-feigning, promising to provide medical documentation to officiating authorities and review conduct with their players.
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