First-half defensive battle in LSU-Mississippi State game has everyone surprised
Mississippi State’s 2020 upset of LSU was a high-scoring affair, which saw the Bulldogs memorably coming away with a 44-34 victory in Baton Rouge. Saturday’s game looks radically different.
To everyone’s surprise, it’s a defensive battle in Starkville. Here’s a small sample of fans and media members are reacting to the 7-3 first half in LSU’s favor:
As has been the case every game this year, MSU is leaving a lot of opportunities on the field with the offense.
Get a big interception and come back with a five play drive.
— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulk247) September 25, 2021
In the red zone, LSU went to their traditional four-man front. State drive bogged down inside the ten and a FG was kicked. Will be interesting to see if the Tigers stick with that four-man front moving forward. State offense has stopped itself so far today.
— Steve Robertson (@ScoutSteveR) September 25, 2021
Well I didn’t expect a defensive battle to breakout here at Starkville, but that’s what we have. #LSU 7-3, 4:16 left in the 2nd qtr.
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) September 25, 2021
I’ll be honest. LSU/ Mississippi state are neither one really good.
— SportsTalkSEC (@SportsTalk_SEC) September 25, 2021
This Mississippi State/LSU game is like watching paint dry
— Cade Tolliver (@TheRealCtoll99) September 25, 2021
LSU and Mississippi State are indeed playing a game of football and that’s about all I can say
— Riley O'Brien (@Ri_S_OB) September 25, 2021
#LSU totals 113 yards of total offense to Mississippi State's 205 yards. Those two turnovers have proven costly…
— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) September 25, 2021
7-3 at the half. Prayers for those who we were courageous enough to bet the over.
— Justin M. Strawn (@JustinMStrawn) September 25, 2021
LSU just held a Mike Leach offense, on the road, to 3 points.
RT if you had MSU penciled in for more#LSU
— Brian Holland (@BHollandSports) September 25, 2021
After that opening TD drive (which keep in mind came after a defensive turnover), LSU has gone punt, punt, INT, punt. OL continues to struggle both in pass protection and run game. Johnson underthrowing some passes.
Not a pretty sight, but MSU also has a very good defense. #LSU https://t.co/ck681zucF7
— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) September 25, 2021
Mississippi State is out-gaining the LSU offense but hasn’t been able to turn that production into points. Running Mike Leach’s Air Raid, Will Rogers is 23-of-28 for 160 yards but with an interception. LSU QB Max Johnson is 9-of-16 for 87 yards with a touchdown to Kayshon Boutte and an interception. MSU’s first-drive fumble helped set up LSU’s touchdown.
