Player to Watch: Mississippi State vs. LSU

Senior safety Brian Cole II, who has served as the anchor of Mississippi State’s defensive backfield, will have his work cut out for him against one of the nation’s most potent offenses in LSU.

The Bulldogs welcome the second-ranked Tigers to Stark Vegas on Saturday, as Cole should have an impact throughout the game. Already with 30 total tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, one recovered, and an interception, Cole’s season has been respectable. That said, he will have to put forth his best outing against LSU’s offense.

LSU superstar quarterback Joe Burrow’s success is in large part due to the Tigers lethal wideout duo that is Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. Each have been nothing short of sensational and are showing no signs of slowing down. That said, Cole is up for the challenge.

At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Cole is a hard hitter with speed. These elements combined with a nonstop motor should be formidable. Cole’s skillset can present a potential matchup nightmare to Burrow. If Cole is able to get in the face of Burrow and/or take away either Jefferson or Chase, LSU will be in for a long day at Davis Wade.

Expect Cole to have a game numbers wise and fill the stat line. If the Bulldogs wish to pull off the upset, Cole must be the reason why. The senior from Saginaw, Michigan, should be a factor and jump off the screen early.