Ole Miss Week 5 Opponent Preview: LSU Tigers Defensive Players to Watch

Who are some of the defensive playmakers to keep an eye on in this weekend's Magnolia Bowl?

The Magnolia Bowl did not go the way of the Ole Miss Rebels in 2022. That much is certain.

The 7-0 Rebels suffered their first loss of the season in an embarrassing fashion at the hands of the Bayou Bengals, falling 45-20 in Death Valley after opening up an early lead on the road. This season, however, the Rebels get the LSU Tigers at home, and they will look to avenge last season's loss to Brian Kelly's team.

This week, The Grove Report will preview the Rebels' matchup against the Tigers following their loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide, providing a look at both sides of the football as well as giving early game predictions. We have looked at Tigers team as a whole and their offense, and today, we will focus on defense.

Oct 22, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi Rebels running back Quinshon Judkins (4) rushes in for a touchdown against LSU Tigers linebacker Greg Penn III (30) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

LB Harold Perkins Jr.

2022 stats: 72 total tackles, 13 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 INT

2023 stats: 16 total tackles, 8 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 3.5 TFLs

Perkins became a force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the ball for the Tigers last season, and he shows no signs of slowing down entering his sophomore season. Perkins had one sack against the Rebels a season ago.

S Major Burns

2023 stats: 27 tackles, 10 solo, 1 TFL

Burns currently leads LSU in tackles despite residing in the secondary. He has yet to record an interception, however, but the Tigers' defense as a whole has four on the season.

LB Greg Penn III

Penn has accumulated 23 total tackles and 1.5 TFLs so far this season. He also has one sack and one interception in his defensive stats.