NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 2

Sep 27, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Travin Dural (83) before a game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Travin Dural (WR – LSU) vs. Mississippi State

After the scheduled opener versus McNeese State was cancelled, LSU now starts the 2015 season in Starkville against Mississippi State. LSU is looking for revenge after the Bulldogs pulled off the upset last year in Baton Rouge.

Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott had a career game, throwing for 268 yards and rushing for 105. So while the LSU defense certainly needs to play better for the Tigers to win, Les Miles can’t expect to shut down Prescott completely. Instead, the offense must be able to keep pace. In order for that to happen, Travin Dural needs to be at his best.

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In last year’s loss, Dural caught six passes for 124 yards. However, 71 of those yards came after LSU fell behind by 24 points. Mississippi State is expected to focus on stopping RB Leonard Fournette. With eight or even nine defenders in the box, Dural must create separation downfield. It won’t be an easy task as Mississippi State has two corners, Will Redmond and Taveze Calhoun, with the speed to stay with Dural.

Creating a balanced attack, or at least making the defense respect the pass, will be crucial for LSU. For that to happen, Dural must make an impact early and often.

Next: Cameron Sutton