One week after a heartbreaking overtime loss at Kentucky, LSU left no doubt on Saturday. The Tigers shut out Mississippi State 31-0 at Tiger Stadium behind a clean, efficient day from Sam Leavitt and a defense that never let the Bulldogs into the end zone.
Leavitt and the Offense Sets the Tone Early
LSU wasted no time. Leavitt hit Eugene Wilson for a 10 yard touchdown on the opening drive, then connected with Jackson Harris for a 27 yard score late in the first quarter to make it 14-0. Harris found the end zone again in the second quarter on a 17 yard strike from Leavitt, and LSU took a 21-0 lead going into halftime.
Leavitt finished 31/38 for 289 yards and four touchdowns with no turnovers, completing nearly 82 percent of his passes. LSU’s passing game did most of the scoring, as the Tigers had just 90 yards on 31 total carries and did not run in a touchdown.
Third Quarter Push Seals It
LSU kicker Scott Starzyk drilled a 26 yard field goal midway through the third quarter to put the Tigers up 24-0. Leavitt then capped the scoring just before the quarter ended, finding Malik Elzy for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 31-0. LSU did not score in the fourth quarter, but Mississippi State never got close.
Defense Slams the Door
The shutout was the story of the game. LSU sacked Mississippi State three times, intercepted a pass, and stopped the Bulldogs on all five of their fourth down attempts. Mississippi State ran for 170 yards but managed only 121 through the air and finished with 291 total yards. Penalties didn’t help the Bulldogs either, as they were flagged seven times for 75 yards. The biggest story for the defense was stopping Mississippi State on all five of their fourth down attempts.
What’s Next
The win moves LSU to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in SEC play, and gives Lane Kiffin’s team some momentum after the Kentucky loss. The Tigers now turn to another road trip to face Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium next Saturday, October 24th. It will be another 11 a.m. CT game.
— Eric Palmer, TigerSources