Derek Stingley out for LSU after hospitalization on Friday night

Stingley was a late scratch for LSU, and for good reason

The future first-round pick isn’t being hospitalized for a COVID-19 related illness, thankfully. However, Stingley wasn’t able to be cleared in time to start for LSU in their 3:30 ET tilt against Mississippi State.

Per an LSU statement: “Derek Stingley Jr. became acutely ill last night & was evaluated overnight in the hospital. His condition is not COVID-19 related & is expected to be discharged soon. He will return to activity after full evaluation by the medical team.”

Without Stingley, the Tigers will rely heavily on the rest of their secondary against the pass-happy Mike Leach, who is making his SEC debut on Saturday.

Stingley’s absence is a best-case scenario for Leach and Mississippi State

LSU is DBU for a reason, and Stingley was a breakout star as a freshman in 2019. Entering his sophomore season, Stingley enters the year as the best pound-for-pound CB in the SEC, and perhaps the country. Even Patrick Peterson, an LSU legend, was impressed when he had an opportunity to work out with Stingley.

“I had the opportunity to work out with Stingley last year. … The year while I was suspended. I went to Baton Rogue and worked out a bit with the young boys. He got it. He came in with it. He’s special. You can tell,” Peterson told the All Things Covered podcast, per 247sports.

Stanford transfer KJ Costello will look to take advantage of LSU’s secondary with Stingley. Learning Leach’s system in a COVID-19 shortened offseason was a tough ask, but as Washington State fans can tell us, the payoff for any QB in his air-raid offense is high.

LSU had been favored by a solid 16.5 points heading into Saturday afternoon’s game.

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