The LSU football team leads Mississippi State, 23-21, after the third quarter in Starkville, Miss.
Rain soaked Davis Wade Stadium before the game even started, but the rain eventually subsided midway through the first quarter and has since stopped.
LSU struck first in the third quarter on a 58-yard touchdown pass by sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson to senior wide receiver Brandon LaFell. The long score gave LSU a 23-14 lead.
The Bulldogs struck back with a 50-yard touchdown catch by sophomore tight end Marcus Green after a scramble and throw from senior quarterback Tyson Lee. The extra point attempt cut LSU’s lead to 23-21.
A 40-yard reception by senior wide receiver R.J. Jackson on a tipped pass set the Tigers up at the Mississippi State seven-yard line.
But the Tigers’ offense stalled, and junior kicker Josh Jasper missed a 19-yard field goal wide left to leave LSU without a score on the drive.
The game has featured its fair share of scoring so far, as LSU led Mississippi State, 16-14, at halftime.
LSU took a 6-0 lead on a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown by sophomore cornerback Patrick Peterson with 12:47 left in the first quarter. Jasper’s extra point attempt following the touchdown was blocked.
The Tiger defense collected four turnovers in the first half.
The Bulldogs responded after the pick six with a nine-play, 66-yard drive that resulted in a two-yard touchdown run by senior running back Anthony Dixon.
LaFell gave the Tigers the lead again on a four-yard touchdown catch on the next drive. The score was set up by a 39-yard completion from Jefferson to junior wide receiver Terrance Toliver.
Mississippi State later scored with 41 seconds in the first quarter on a one-yard touchdown run by Dixon. That touchdown was set up after an errant deep snap by LSU sophomore Alex Russian sailed over junior punter Derek Helton’s head and was recovered by LSU at the one-yard line on a fourth down.
LSU senior cornerback Chris Hawkins later intercepted a pass from Mississippi State senior quarterback Tyson Lee with 11:56 left in the half.
The interception came to no avail, however, as LSU was forced to punt after moving only 15 yards in five plays after the turnover.
But Mississippi State fumbled the next play on its own 22-yard line, setting up a 22-yard field goal by Jasper that gave LSU a 16-14 lead.
Mississippi State seemed set to take the lead at halftime, but the Bulldogs botched a hold on a field goal attempt at the end of the half.
Check back later for an update at the end of the game.
 
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