The LSU Tigers went on the road to Starkville, Mississippi and defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 41-14 in the SEC opener for both teams on Saturday. Malik Nabers and Jayden Daniels had career performances and the defense made it difficult for the Bulldogs all day long.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Tigers’ defense forced an early stop after Mississippi State got the ball to start the game. After that, Jayden Daniels and the offense put together a 14 play, 77-yard drive, but it stalled out inside the 10 yard-line and LSU had to settle for a short field goal from Damian Ramos to make it 3-0.
Another quick stop got LSU the ball back and this time they cashed in for the full seven points. A four play, 70-yard drive ended with a Malik Nabers touchdown reception in the back corner of the end zone to quickly make it 10-0 LSU.
The Tigers’ next offensive drive appeared like it was going to stall right past midfield. However, on 4th and 7 from the Bulldog 33 yard-line, Daniels hit Nabers for a touchdown in the corner of the end zone to make it 17-0 and put the Tigers in firm control. Nabers was incredible and had nearly 200 yards receiving in the first half alone.
The next drive for LSU was of the six-play variety and capped off by a Josh Williams touchdown run to make it 24-0. However, Mississippi State did finally get on the board just before half and cut the lead to 24-7 at the break.
LSU took the opening kick of the second half and ended up settling for a field goal, which made it 27-7. The Bulldogs marched deep into LSU territory but were turned away to keep the lead at 20 following their first second half possession.
The Tigers got the football back and put together a drive to essentially put the game away. Five plays and 62 yards, mostly via Daniels on the ground led to a 34-7 lead late in the third quarter for LSU.
A 75-yard drive capped by a Daniels touchdown run got it to 41-7 LSU. Mississippi State tacked on a touchdown in the late stages but this ended up a comfortable road win for the Tigers, 41-14.
BIG NUMBER: 239
Malik Nabers was unstoppable on Saturday. His 239 receiving yards went along with 13 catches and two touchdowns. The LSU offense was clicking on all cylinders on Saturday.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Malik Nabers
As mentioned, Nabers was un-guardable on Saturday. He made tons of big plays and got most of his yards before it was even halftime.
UP NEXT: LSU will return home to face Arkansas in an SEC matchup inside Tiger Stadium on Saturday, September 23rd at 6:00 P.M. You can listen to that game on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.