The LSU Tigers lost a shootout in Athens last week and, through the first half of their game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, appeared to be in letdown mode in Starkville. But the Tigers surged in the second half and outscored the Bulldogs 27-3 on their way to a 59-26 win.
LSU vs. Mississippi State 2013 final score: Tigers pull away from Bulldogs 59-26
Mississippi State was in position to give LSU a scare on the road, but ultimately could not hang with the Tigers and their vast array of offensive weapons.
Through the first 30 minutes, the cowbells were clanging and the Mississippi State offense was trading score for score with LSU and even led 23-21 late in the second quarter, but a Zach Mettenberger touchdown pass to Odell Beckham, Jr. with 17 seconds remaining in the first half put the Tigers up for good.
It wasn't until the fourth quarter, though, that LSU really broke the game open. Beckham took a quick pass from Mettenberger and stretched it into a 33 yard touchdown to push the score to 38 to 26. On the Bulldogs' next possession, Tre'Davious White picked off a Dak Prescott pass and returned it the the Mississippi State 5-yard line. From there, Jeremy Hill pounded it into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game.
Box Score Hero:
Odell Beckham took this game over, racking up 179 yards on nine catches, including a pair of critical touchdowns.
Rankings Ramifications:
LSU came into this week ranked 10th in the Coaches’ Poll and 11th in the AP Poll. Though the Tigers’ win over the Bulldogs was plenty impressive, everyone in front of them looked pretty good too. Mississippi State entered the game unranked and will remain unranked after the loss.
But Did They Cover?
LSU was favored to win by seven or eight, depending on your booking site of preference, so they covered the point spread comfortably.
For More On This Game:
For more on Tigers football, visit LSU community And The Valley Shook, plus SEC community Team Speed Kills.
For more on Bulldogs football, visit Mississippi State community For Whom The Cowbell Tolls.
Next Week’s Schedule:
LSU: 10/12, vs. Florida
Mississippi State: 10/12, vs. Bowling Green
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