LSU delivered a dominant performance Saturday, shutting out 16th-ranked Mississippi State 31-0 at Tiger Stadium.
The 22nd-ranked Tigers took advantage of a short-handed Bulldogs team, while quarterback Sam Leavitt turned in one of his most efficient performances of the season. Leavitt completed 31 of 38 passes for four touchdowns and did not commit a turnover for the first time this year.
Running back Dillon Jones also had a productive afternoon, carrying 18 times for 84 yards while leading LSU with eight receptions for 58 yards.
The shutout marked LSU’s first in SEC play since blanking Mississippi State to open the 2007 season.
The Tigers’ defense continued to dominate at home, holding the Bulldogs to 291 total yards. Mississippi State played without starting quarterback Kamario Taylor and leading rusher Fluff Bothwell, both sidelined by injuries. Redshirt freshman Parker Puckett started at quarterback and completed 16 of 26 passes for 121 yards.
Linebackers TJ Dottery and Davhon Keys led the way defensively, combining for 22 tackles. Jordan Ross added a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss.
The disappointing part of the game was more injuries for LSU. Star pass rusher Princewill Umanmielen left in the first quarter with a concussion.
Wide receiver Jackson Harris, who finished with six catches for a team-high 85 yards and two touchdowns, exited in the third quarter with a leg injury. LSU sideline reporter Gordy Rush said the injury did not appear to be serious.
Malik Elzy replaced Harris and caught the game’s final touchdown, while Eugene Wilson hauled in LSU’s other touchdown reception.
Receiver Tre Brown also suffered a leg injury and was seen on crutches. Defensive tackle Malik Blocton was another Tiger who went down with a leg injury.
LSU now turns its attention to another 11 a.m. kickoff next Saturday, this time on the road against Auburn.
