LSU Tigers Dominate Mississippi State in SEC Opener
![LSU Tigers Dominate Mississippi State in SEC Opener with Defense mechanism](https://news360usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Daniels-Nabers.webp)
The No. 14 LSU Tigers put on an offensive clinic Saturday in their 41-14 rout of the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Starkville. Led by stellar performances from quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Malik Nabers, the Tigers offense accounted for 530 yards as LSU opened SEC play with a momentum-building road victory.
Daniels, Nabers Connect Early and Often
Daniels was nearly perfect, completing his first 13 passes of the game. He finished 30-of-34 for 361 yards and 4 total touchdowns, including two rushing scores. His 361 passing yards marked Daniels’ 9th career 300-yard game.
But the star of the first half was Nabers, who had a record-setting performance. He tied Josh Reed for the most receptions in a half by an LSU receiver, hauling in 10 catches for 188 yards before the break. Nabers also had 4 receptions of 25+ yards in the opening half, the most by a Tiger receiver since Ja’Marr Chase in 2019.
Nabers finished with 13 catches for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Daniels-to-Nabers connection was unstoppable against the Bulldog’s defense.
“We wanted to start fast,” Nabers said after the game. “We knew it was going to be an early game. We came out here with the right mindset.”
Read More :
- Georgia Bulldogs vs. South Carolina Gamecocks: SEC Kickoff Clash
- Lionel Messi’s Absence Felt as Inter Miami Falls to Atlanta
- Alabama’s Offensive Grit Shines in Hard-Fought Win over South Florida
LSU Tiger’s Defense Stifles Bulldogs’ Attack
While Daniels and Nabers stole the show on offense, LSU’s defense rose. The Tigers limited Mississippi State to 201 total yards, including only 107 passing yards.
LSU Tiger’s front seven controlled the line of scrimmage, especially in the first half when the Bulldogs managed only 79 yards. Sophomore linebacker Harold Perkins led the Tigers with 1 sack and 1 pass breakup. The defense recorded 4 total sacks on the day.
True freshman linebacker Whit Weeks made an impact, starting in place of the injured Omar Speights. Weeks had a team-high 8 tackles and consistently shut down the Bulldogs rushers.
“What can run sideline to sideline,” LSU Tiger coach Brian Kelly said after the game. “If he sees an open gap, he will take it.”
LSU Tigers Block Out Distractions En Route to Convincing Win
![LSU Tigers Dominate Mississippi State in SEC Opener](https://news360usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Daniels-Nabers-Unstoppable-Football.webp)
After facing criticism and constant cowbell noise in a hostile road environment, LSU ensured they started fast, leaving no doubt against the Bulldogs.
Kelly challenged the team to build momentum early and “leave no doubt” against their SEC foe. The Tigers responded, starting hot offensively and playing focused, assignment-sound defense.
“Our team, from my perspective, was prepared and excited to be playing on the road against a quality opponent,” Kelly said. “I loved the way they thought about this trip.”
Statement Win as LSU Opens SEC Play 1-0
With the dominant victory, LSU moves to 2-1 overall and, most importantly, 1-0 in SEC action. Mississippi State falls to 2-1 and 0-1 in conference.
The LSU Tiger said they will be a force in the competitive SEC West race this season. Led by the Daniels-Nabers duo, the offense seems to find its rhythm. And the opportunistic defense continues making game-changing plays.
LSU Tiger will look to keep their momentum going when they return home next week to host the Arkansas Razorbacks in a primetime Saturday night matchup. The LSU Tigers and Hogs will kick off at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.
After a convincing SEC road win to open conference play, the LSU Tigers appear poised to make noise in the league this year. LSU’s complete performance against Mississippi State showed they can excel on both sides of the ball against top competition.