LSU Tigers' perfection in one key area set up Garrett Nussmeier for success in huge SEC win over Ole Miss

Based on everything Brian Kelly said this past week it was clear he believed that LSU was going to have their hands full on Saturday against Ole Miss , but he understood what needed to be done. Everyone knew that Ole Miss' offense was a force to be reckoned with. The pace would be a lot to deal with alone. But as we covered here at A to Z Sports this week, Ole Miss' pass rush was perhaps the most important thing that LSU needed to neutralize if Garrett Nussmeier was going to find success .

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Ole Miss entered this week as the number one pass rush in the nation, leading in total pass rush pressures (nearly 150) and sacks (24). However, one thing the Rebels haven't faced this year is an elite offensive line like LSU possesses. Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. at tackle. Surprisingly stout play along the interior offensive line thanks to new starting center DJ Chester. LSU was clearly ready.

While the Rebels were able to generate some decent pressure at times throughout the tough SEC rivalry game, LSU ultimately didn't surrender a single sack all game long, protecting Garrett Nussmeier consistently, making his life a whole lot easier than expected against such a stacked opposing pass rush.

That lack of pressure showed up throughout the night. In fact sometimes, Nussmeier had so much time he would just instinctively (and unnecessarily) roll out of the pocket to avoid any pressure he might not see coming. The few times Ole Miss did get home for a hit a tight hurry situation Nussmeier did make a few mistakes, including two interceptions. However, when it mattered most the LSU offensive line dominated up front.

The final play of the game demonstrated this better than perhaps any snap on the night. Garrett Nussmeier dropped back to pass, took his time with a pump fake, comfortably stepped up in the pocket with zero defenders close to him, and dropped a dime to Kyren Lacy in the end zone to seal the 29-26 victory in overtime.

If LSU's offensive line continues to gel, improve, and shut down the best opposing pass rush attacks in the nation there's really no ceiling to the Tigers' offense. Garrett Nussmeier did his part, executing in the game's most critical moments, but his offensive linemen deserve far, far more credit than many are likely going to give them. They played a perfect game against Ole Miss on Saturday.

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