LSU needs to show plenty of caution when they roll into Starkville

BATON ROUGE -- How big a win was LSU’s 42-28 victory over the Florida Gators?
Well, let’s just say that the Tigers are stirring up all kinds of controversy about who the No. 1 team in the country should be.
There are those who feel that LSU has done more than enough to be tabbed as the top team in the country. Two substantial wins over Top 10 teams this season has won over a number of pundits from across the country.
So, why is Alabama still sitting atop the NCAA football rankings world? Probably because of sheer reputation and nothing more. The Crimson Tide have not really played anyone of significance this season.
Yeah, sure Alabama is 4-0 in the SEC. But, the Tide have not beaten a team that was ranked anywhere near the top 10 this season.
And, who does Alabama consider their signature win this season? Texas A&M? South Carolina?
But, before LSU and Alabama square off in the most highly anticipated game of the year to decide who the true No. 1 team is, they must slow down and check their enthusiasm at the door to get after the Tide.
First and foremost, there is a matter of two games sandwiched in between the huge statement win over Florida and the showdown with Alabama.
The first game comes this Saturday when the Tigers must travel into Starkville to tackle a wounded but dangerous Mississippi State squad.
After starting the season with two wins over mid-major FBS opponents ULL and Southern Mississippi, the Bulldogs have lost three of their last four contests. Their latest setback, a weak 20-10 loss to Tennessee, has not given Mississippi State much credibility across the SEC and the country. Maybe that is why LSU is a 19 and a half point favorite over the Bulldogs.
However, Mississippi State is one of those teams that can upset the apple cart and kill any chance the Tigers have of getting to the playoffs, despite what happens in Tuscaloosa on November 9. The Tigers must come in with a laser like focus and put the Bulldogs away as early as possible considering Mississippi State has been outscored 41-27 in the first quarter.
Recent history is not favorable for LSU when it comes to playing Mississippi St. Despite their 19-3 win over the Bulldogs last year in Baton Rouge, the Tigers are 3-2 against Mississippi State over the past five seasons.
There is no doubt the Bulldogs are relishing a chance to take down LSU and send the hopes and dreams of a national title into slumber dreams of never-never land.
So, take heed Tigers. Do not get ahead of the game and fall victim to a team that should not be on the same field as you.