The LSU football team has not lost to the Mississippi State Bulldogs since coach Nick Saban has called Baton Rouge home. Overall, the Tigers have won 10 of the last 11 matches between the two teams.
LSU’s only lost came in a controversial fashion in Gerry DiNardo’s final season in 1999.
Leading in Starkville 16-10, the Tigers successfully defended their goal line until a fourth down play when Bulldogs back Rod Gibson was signaled for a touchdown with only 1:39 left in the game.
But the replay clearly showed Gibson’s knee was down before the ball crossed the goal line. Without the benefit of instant replay, the Tigers were forced to attempt a last-minute comeback. LSU quarterback Josh Booty led the Tigers to the Bulldogs’ 46 yardline only to throw an interception and cede the game to State.
Saban’s first matchup against the Bulldogs was one of two overtime thrillers the Tigers played that year. LSU came back from a 31-17 deficit to win the game in overtime.
“That was a great win for us,” Saban said. “The first year we were here, I think we were just trying to figure out how to win. But that’s one of the wins that I will always remember because it was such a dramatic comeback.”
The past two matchups have not been as thrilling, especially for State fans. LSU went to Starkville in 2001 and shutout the Bulldogs in a 42-0 route. Last season, the Tigers went up on the Bulldogs early and never looked back to take the win, 31-13.
“It’s always a physical game and they always seem to bring their ‘A’ game to play us,” Saban said. “I know we were fortunate to go up there and make some big plays a couple of years ago. But it still was a tough game.”
In the past, Mississippi State liked to run blitzes and made it difficult for LSU to pass successfully forcing them to run the ball, sophomore left tackle Andrew Whitworth said.
“It’s been a little bit of a different situation the past couple of years,” Whitworth said. “We definitely have had to run against them a lot because they have done some things by bringing blitz packages a lot. It’s hard to throw on them a lot because they bring so many people.”
Right tackle Rodney Reed said the Tigers’ ability to run the ball made the difference in the past two games.
“This has been a team that we’ve played pretty well against,” Reed said. “I think we’ve kind of jumped up on them the past couple of years by running the ball pretty effectively early in the game. I think that’s what has led to our success being able to run the ball early and playing physically up front.”
Despite dominating the Bulldogs for most of recent history, LSU is not judging this year’s team by the past.
“The past is the past,” said junior defensive end Marquise Hill. “You’re only as good as your past performance.”