The LSU football team beat Mississippi State, 30-26, on Saturday in Starkville, Miss.
Mississippi State looked like it would take the lead toward the end of the fourth quarter, but the LSU defense came up with a dramatic goal-line stand for the second straight week to prevent the Bulldogs from scoring with 1:16 remaining in the game.
LSU gave Mississippi State the ball back after electing to take a safety on the following drive. The Bulldogs were then held to a turnover on downs.
Rain soaked Davis Wade Stadium before the game even started, but the rain subsided midway through the first quarter and eventually stopped.
The punt return game came alive for LSU at the beginning of the fourth quarter, as junior safety Chad Jones ran a punt back 93 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the quarter. The touchdown increased LSU’s lead to 30-21.
Mississippi State later tacked on a 22-yard field goal by junior kicker Sean Brauchle to cut its defecit to 30-24.
LSU also 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 featured its fair share of scoring in both halves, 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. Junior kicker Josh 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 more details.
 
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