Kamario Taylor injury presents LSU, Lane Kiffin a layup they can't afford to miss in CFP chase

With Taylor and star RB Fluff Bothwell doubtful, the Tigers have an unexpected break to revive their playoff hopes before brutal matchups against Alabama, Texas and Tennessee If LSU is going to squirm its way back into the College Football Playoff conversation following a 4-2 start and salvage an uninspired start to Lane Kiffin's coaching tenure, it's going to need good fortune and better football. Whether the No. 22 Tigers will play good football when they host No. 16 Mississippi State on Saturday is to be determined, but LSU is undoubtedly beginning the second half of its season with some good fortune. With Bulldogs star quarterback Kamario Taylor and top rusher Fluff Bothwell both listed as doubtful on Friday night's SEC student-athlete availability report, the Tigers appear to have been handed a layup.

Taking advantage of it will be critical for a Tigers team that still plays No. 6 Alabama, No. 7 Texas and No. 14 Tennessee. After opening as a 10.5-point favorite amid uncertainty over Taylor's status, the Tigers are now favored by 17. With Mississippi State's breakout star likely to be sidelined by a foot injury that he suffered in a Week 5 loss to Alabama, the Bulldogs have lost their bite. The expected absence of Bothwell will only make life harder on Mississippi State's offense as it