No. 16 Mississippi State was without two of its top offensive weapons Saturday, and No. 22 LSU took full advantage, shutting out the Bulldogs 31-0 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.
With quarterback Kamario Taylor and running back Fluff Bothwell sidelined with lower leg injuries, Mississippi State (4-2, 2-2 SEC) struggled to sustain drives, ending possessions via a mix of turnovers on downs, punts, and an interception. Former walk-on Billy Puckett got the start behind center, and the offense sputtered with a season-low 291 yards.
LSU (4-2, 2-2) quarterback Sam Leavitt, meanwhile, delivered a dominant performance, competing 31 of 38 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns. The Tiger defense was stout, too, holding an opponent scoreless for the first time this season.
Here’s how the entire game played out.
Scoring summary
LSU struck first with an eight-play drive that ended with Leavitt connecting with Eugene Wilson for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 9:57 remaining in the first quarter.
Mississippi State’s next possession ended with an interception by LSU safety Ty Benefield, setting up another Tigers touchdown. Leavitt found Jackson Harris on a 27-yard post route late in the first quarter to give LSU a 14-0 lead.
Mississippi State briefly experienced some momentum in the second quarter when safety Jett Jefferson forced and recovered a fumble with 13:50 remaining. However, the Bulldogs couldn’t capitalize. After a 10-play drive reached the LSU side of midfield, Mississippi State turned the ball over on downs.
The Tigers made the Bulldogs pay seven plays later. Leavitt connected with Harris for a 17-yard touchdown pass, sending LSU into the break with a 21-0 advantage.
LSU added to its lead in the third quarter via a 26-yard field goal by kicker Scott Starzyk with 6:45 remaining.
Mississippi State responded with an eight-play drive but again struggled to find its rhythm. LSU defensive back P.J. Woodland, a Mississippi native, broke up to passes to help halt the possession.
The Tigers scored their final touchdown on the ensuing drive. Leavitt found Malik Elzy on a 6-yard pass with 31 seconds remaining in the third quarter, extending the lead to 31-0. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.
What the coaches said
Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby addressed the decision to start Puckett at quarterback with Taylor sidelined, saying the redshirt freshman had earned the opportunity.
“He (Puckett) was the guy that put himself in the best position to be the guy,” Lebby said. “I think he responded the right way, but we have to get more help around him. At the end of the day, it’s me needing to put them in better situations.”
LSU coach Lane Kiffin acknowledged Mississippi State’s crucial injuries but didn’t show much empathy. However, he did commend Lebby, who served as his offensive coordinator for a stint at Ole Miss.
“Jeff Lebby is a great coach with a great offense, and they have really good receivers,” Kiffin said.
Coach speak
Despite being outgained in total yardage 379-291, Mississippi State had more rushing yards than LSU (170-90). Four Bulldogs recorded more than 20 yards, with Kolin Wilson leading the way with 71 yards on 18 carries.
While the rushing attack wasn’t completely absent without Bothwell, the star back’s nose for the end zone was missed.
Puckett was 16 of 26 passing for 121 yards and an interception, while adding 36 rushing yards. Anthony Evans III was his most consistent receiver on the day, making seven catches for 40 yards.
Defensively, Jefferson led Mississippi State with eight tackles. Safety Marcus Williams added six tackles and a sack.
LSU linebacker T.J. Dottery, a transfer from Ole Miss, led the Tigers with 12 tackles. LSU’s defense combined for three sacks.
Next up
Mississippi State: The Bulldogs will host Oklahoma on Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT.
LSU: The Tigers will be at Auburn on Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT.