The theme of last year’s meeting between LSU and Mississippi State in Death Valley was “little too late.”

Dak Prescott’s return to his home state of Louisiana proved costly for the Tigers of LSU, as the Mississippi State quarterback accounted for 373 yards of total offense — including 268 yards passing and another 105 on the ground — in a 34-29 victory.

LSU trailed by 21 points entering the fourth quarter of the game. Les Miles then turned to backup quarterback Brandon Harris, who threw a pair of touchdown passes to fellow freshman wide receiver Malachi Dupre covering 31 and 30 yards in a 28-second timeframe.

The Bulldogs defense, which limited LSU to a field goal in the first two quarters of action, wound up allowing LSU to total 430 yards of total offense, including 341 through the air by Harris, Anthony Jennings and Terrence Magee.

Both the LSU and Mississippi State defenses showed flaws when the teams met in 2014. Prescott had his way with the Tigers early on, then Harris picked apart the Bulldogs to close the gap late.

This offseason, LSU made wholesale changes on its defense. The team hired former Alabama linebackers coach Kevin Steele to replace John Chavis, who became the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M. Steele then hired former USC head coach Ed Orgeron to be his defensive line coach.

Overall, LSU’s defense returns six starters from last year’s squad that finished tops in the SEC in total defense and pass defense. Among the key contributors back in the fold are defensive linemen Christian LaCouture and Davon Godchaux, linebackers Kendall Beckwith and Lamar Louis, as well as defensive backs Jalen Mills and likely first-round pick Tre’Davious White. (Mills is out right now due to injury.)

Equally as experienced is the Tigers offense. Harris, who brought LSU back into the game late against Mississippi State last year, has been anointed the team’s full-time starter behind center. Harris is joined by seven other returners on offense in Heisman Trophy candidate running back Leonard Fournette, wide receivers Travin Dural and John Diarse, tight end Dillon Gordon, as well as offensive linemen Vadal Alexander, Jerald Hawkins and Ethan Pocic.

Conversely, Mississippi State returns three starters from its 2014 defense, including defensive lineman Ryan Brown, linebacker Beniquez Brown and defensive back Taveze Calhoun.

Similarly, the Bulldogs offense that dropped 34 points on LSU’s conference-leading defense returns four players. Aside from Prescott, the unit returns wide receiver De’Runnya Wilson and offensive linemen Justin Malone and Justin Senior.

Experience may ultimately prove to be the difference when LSU and Mississippi State kick off Saturday night at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Miss. Last year, Prescott proved to be the difference with his play early in the contest. However, he’s going to face a new-look LSU defense that’s more seasoned than it was a year ago. Prescott will also be short a number of offensive weapons in both the skill positions and the line.

Harris is now LSU’s No. 1 quarterback and will have the chance to try and replicate his fourth-quarter success from last year’s meeting in four quarters of play. Harris also has the luxury of Fournette lined up behind him in the backfield to alleviate some pressure. The Tigers are experienced up front and should have an advantage against Mississippi State’s new-look defensive front.

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS CLOSER LOOK

Top player, offense: Dak Prescott, Sr., QB — The heart and soul of No. 25 Mississippi State, Prescott won the Conerly Trophy and was a finalist for the Manning Award. He finished eighth for the Heisman voting. Named a 2015 Preseason All-American and All-SEC selection, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior went 22-of-38 for 237 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-16 win over Southern Miss in the season opener.

Top player, defense: Beniquez Brown, Jr., LB — One of the few returning players back on the Bulldogs defense, Brown finished second on the team with 62 tackles a season ago and also recorded 7.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and 2.0 interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound backer has the ability to play stout against the run and drop back in coverage.

Top player, special teams: Brandon Holloway, Jr., RB — Holloway has long been touted as a speedster, but we finally saw a glimpse of his potential in the season opener against Southern Miss. The 5-foot-8 back returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and added 51 yards on seven carries out of the Bulldogs backfield.

The Bulldogs held USM to 2.2 yards per carry. Kendrick Market and Christian Holmes led MSU in tackles with six apiece. Chris Jones, Nelson Adams and Quadry Antoine each registered a sack.