Night games in Death Valley produce one of the best environments in college football, and fans are in for a treat when LSU hosts Ole Miss in a top-15 CFB Week 7 matchup.

Ninth-ranked Ole Miss vs. No. 13 LSU is getting lost in the shuffle of a slate packed with must-see matchups. When these teams met last season, it was a 55-49 barnburner that went down to the final snap.

Saturday night is one of the rare instances where LSU is an underdog at Tiger Stadium.

Ole Miss vs. LSU prediction and best bets

• LSU +3.5: -115 odds at Fanatics Sportsbook
• Caden Durham anytime touchdown scorer: -110 odds at BetMGM Sportsbook

Head coach Lane Kiffin and the Rebels may have a better AP poll ranking than the Tigers, but there are a few reasons to believe in LSU.

The Tigers haven’t left Baton Rouge since Sept. 14 and should be fresh thanks to last week’s bye. The Rebels haven’t had a bye yet and traveled to South Carolina a week ago.

Ole Miss beat LSU in 2023, and the Rebels haven’t taken down the Tigers in consecutive seasons since 2008-2009. LSU’s last loss in Death Valley came in 2022, and head coach Brian Kelly’s squad is hard to beat at home during night games.

Last but not least: the home team is 7-2 in the previous nine matchups between Ole Miss and LSU.

The Rebels could be without star WR Tre Harris, who leads FBS by a mile in receiving yards. Ole Miss’ next three WRs – Antwane Wells Jr., Cayden Lee and Jordan Watkins – have fewer combined receiving yards than Harris.

If Harris does take the field, it’s hard to imagine he’ll be 100%.

Getting LSU at +3.5 is excellent value, and the team’s moneyline odds deserve consideration (+140 at Fanatics Sportsbook).

I also like LSU RB Caden Durham’s anytime touchdown scorer odds. Durham is tied for the team lead in touchdowns, scoring in three straight games.

The smaller back is also a threat in the passing game, tallying two touchdown catches on the year.

Ole Miss vs. LSU CFB Week 7 odds

According to the PFF Greenline, most bettors like Ole Miss on Saturday night. Roughly 70% of the money bet is on the Rebels to cover the spread.

TeamRankings reports that LSU has been brutal against the spread, covering in only one game. Meanwhile, Ole Miss owns a 5-1 record ATS.

Despite combining for 104 points last season, most bettors are taking the under. The Rebels have a prolific offense, but the over has only hit in one Ole Miss game.

Ole Miss vs. LSU moneyline odds analysis

Why Ole Miss can win as the favorite

Best odds: -162 at DraftKings Sportsbook

The Ole Miss offense thrives on big plays, and QB Jaxon Dart leads CFB with 12.1 yards per completion. The Heisman hopeful ranks second in passing yards with only two interceptions.

However, Dart and the Rebels’ pass catchers need to up their game if Harris can’t go. Ole Miss’ WR corps is talented but hasn’t had a chance to prove itself because Harris has been dominant.

LSU has a premier offense, too, and Ole Miss’ defense seems up to the challenge. The Rebels have the most sacks in the nation and surrender the third-fewest points per game.

Why LSU can win as the underdog

Best odds: +140 at bet365 Sportsbook

The Tigers can slow down the Rebels’ pass rushers with an offensive line that’s given up two sacks – the fourth-best mark in FBS.

LSU opened the season with a loss and has beaten up mostly on subpar teams, but Week 3 was an exception. The Tigers pulled out a gutsy road victory against South Carolina after starting the game with a 17-0 deficit.

Another big outing from QB Garrett Nussmeier is a necessity against Ole Miss’ high-flying offense. Nussmeier has thrown for 300+ yards and multiple touchdowns in all but one game this year.

LSU has struggled running the ball at points this season, and that’s unlikely to change against a defense that allows the fewest rushing yards per game. This leaves more responsibility for Nussmeier to shoulder.