Miss State's air raid overwhelms LSU 44-34
LSU lost its first football game since November of 2018. The new-look Mississippi State (1-0) offense proved too much for the revamped Tigers as the Bulldogs overwhelmed LSU 44-34.
Before the game, LSU (0-1) announced that its All-American cornerback, Derek Stingley Jr. would miss the game after being hospitalized for a medical issue not related to COVID.
That certainly did not help LSU’s cause as Mississippi State coach Mike Leach and quarterback KJ Costello went on to have a record-breaking game.
LSU’s defense did force four turnovers, but outside of that, there were not many answers for Leach and Costello’s aerial onslaught.
Costello ended the night passing 36-60 for 623 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions breaking Dak Prescott’s single-game passing record at Mississippi State
“He just came out swinging and was composed and didn't force things,” Leach said. “Of course he wasn’t perfect.”
It was a bit of a rocky start for LSU’s offense with LSU quarterback struggling. In the first half, he was just 9-18 with 119 yards. Brennan did eventually catch his groove toward the end of the first half and carried that into the second half.
He ended the night going 27-46 with 346 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.
“I saw some inconsistency, but I think he threw the deep ball well,” LSU coach Ed Orgeron said. “But it all starts with protection. We have got to protect.”
Protection was indeed an issue as Mississippi State sacked Brennan seven times.
Costello’s first touchdown of the night came in the form of putting points of the wrong side of the scoreboard. LSU grad transfer linebacker Jabrill Cox put the Tigers on the board with an interception for a touchdown capturing a 7-3 lead.
LSU defensive end Ali Gaye also made his presence felt in his first game as a Tiger with three pass breakups and two tackles for a loss in the first half.
“I think both of those guys (Cox and Gaye) were all over the field,” Orgeron said. “Those two guys are a big addition to our football team.”
However, that didn’t deter Mississippi State coach Mike Leach from running his signature air raid offense. Mississippi threw the ball 36 times for 292 yards in the first half, and really never slowed down from there.
“They just need a lot of experience and they weren’t there today,” Orgeron said of his defense that featured just one starter and a new coordinator since it last played.
In the second half, LSU did briefly take the lead following a 37-yard touchdown pass to LSU receiver Terrace Marshall. Marshall ended the game with 8 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
However a broken tackle and 75 yards later, Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill quickly reclaimed that lead on a pass from Costello.
LSU would tie it once more following Stevens’ fumble recover and an interception from freshman cornerback Elias Ricks.
But, Costello’s 24-yard pass to receiver Osirus Mitchell put the game out of reach with 2:36 left to play.
NEW FOR FALL 2020 - LSU Tigers Colosseum Maclaren Quarter-Zip Jacket - Heathered Gray
