LSU remains in contention for the College Football Playoffs after a 31-0 victory over No. 16 Mississippi State on Saturday at Tiger Stadium. The win snapped a losing streak for the Tigers, who had suffered an overtime defeat to Kentucky the previous week, and keeps their season alive with a 5-2 record.
Mississippi State entered the game without star quarterback Kamario Taylor, who was sidelined with a foot injury. Freshman Parker Puckett started in his place but struggled significantly, completing 16 of 26 passes for 121 yards while throwing one interception. The Bulldogs never led in the game, falling behind early and failing to score a single point in the first half for the first time under head coach Jeff Lebby.
LSU took control quickly. After Mississippi State went three-and-out on the opening drive, the Tigers responded with an eight-play, 60-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Sam Leavitt connected with wide receiver Eugene Wilson III for a 10-yard score to give LSU a 7-0 lead. On the next possession, Puckett threw an interception, leading to another LSU touchdown drive. Leavitt found Jackson Harris for a 27-yard pass to extend the lead to 14-0 in the first quarter.
The Tigers continued their dominance in the second quarter when Leavitt threw another touchdown pass to Harris, this time for 17 yards, making it 21-0. Mississippi State managed to drive into the red zone on their next possession but failed to convert on fourth-and-goal from the LSU 6-yard line.
LSU added 10 points in the third quarter to reach 31-0, effectively ending the game. Leavitt finished with an efficient performance, completing 31 of 38 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Harris contributed six receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
The victory improves LSU's record to 5-2 and sets up a critical path for their playoff hopes. The team cannot afford another loss this season to secure a spot in the postseason. LSU will look to maintain its momentum when it travels to play Auburn next Saturday.
Mississippi State drops to 4-2 with the loss and will attempt a rebound when it hosts Oklahoma on Saturday.