For the second straight week, the LSU Tigers remain in contention for the College Football Playoff. After a painful overtime defeat to Kentucky, the team responded with a decisive 31-0 victory over No. 16 Mississippi State on Saturday at Tiger Stadium.
Game summary
Mississippi State entered the contest without star quarterback Kamario Taylor, who was sidelined by a foot injury. Freshman Parker Puckett started in his place, completing 16 of 26 passes for 121 yards and throwing one interception. LSU took advantage early, scoring on its opening drive with a 10‑yard pass from quarterback Sam Leavitt to wide receiver Eugene Wilson III.
Leavitt continued to find his rhythm, connecting with Jackson Harris for a 27‑yard touchdown later in the first quarter, giving the Tigers a 14‑0 lead. A second‑quarter strike to Harris again (17 yards) pushed the score to 21‑0. Mississippi State managed to reach the red zone, but a fourth‑and‑goal attempt from the LSU six‑yard line failed, marking the first time the Bulldogs had been shut out in the first half under coach Jeff Lebby.
LSU added ten more points in the third quarter, sealing a 31‑0 shutout. Leavitt finished the game completing 31 of 38 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns, while Harris recorded six catches for 85 yards and two scores.
Implications for the playoff race
The win improved LSU’s record to 5‑2 and kept the Tigers on the playoff trail. To reach the postseason, LSU cannot afford another loss. The next challenge comes on the road against Auburn next Saturday, a game that could further solidify the Tigers’ resume.
Mississippi State fell to 4‑2 and will look to rebound when it hosts Oklahoma on Saturday.
Key takeaways
- LSU’s offense clicked after a week‑long lull, showcasing a balanced attack through the air and on the ground.
- Mississippi State’s offense struggled without Taylor, highlighting the importance of depth at the quarterback position.
- The defensive effort from LSU forced three turnovers and kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard.
- Both teams have a pivotal game next week that could shape their postseason prospects.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
